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Inspector Peach #3
To Kill a Wife
It is a will-known fact that most murder victims know their murderers -- usually very well. So when Verna Hume is found strangled in her own home the police immediately turn to her husband, and when it becomes apparent that the couple did not get on, they arrest him. But one man is unconvinced. Detective Inspector Peach finds it hard to believe that the mild-mannered Martin Hume is capable of killing anyone, and sets out to prove it. With the investigation reopened, it soon becomes evident that Verna Hume had a talent for making people dislike her and was universally loathed, especially by her close family and friends. Now, Peach is faced with six suspects, all with motives, all with the opportunity and all with something to hide...
224 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1999
93 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Gregson
64 books48 followersJames Michael Gregson taught for twenty-seven years in schools, colleges and universities before concentrating on full-time writing. He has written books on subjects as diverse as golf and Shakespeare.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 2, 2017
Martin Hume has repeatedly asked his wife, Vera, for a divorce. She has refused each and every time. It's not because she loves him. It's not because she would like to save her marriage. No ... she refuses because it would give him pleasure and she can't have that!
Vera Hume is a harridan. She's mean, cruel and has no redeeming qualities. And her poor husband is not the only person who gets the sharp edge of her tongue. Her sister, Sue, has grown up with Vera .. you'd never think they had the same parents.
Martin is thinking / dreaming of ways to kill his wife. And he's not the only one!
Vera is also having an affair .. and she's decided that this man should commit totally to her. He doesn't exactly see eye to eye on that matter! She has cheated a former business partner out of her share of their successful business. Her own father and step-mother would not miss her should she 'disappear'.
Coming back from a business trip he finds Vera dead ... she's been strangled.
DI Dennis Peach doesn’t think Martin did it. And his partner Lucy Blake is in agreement. It’s clear that Martin is innocent, his alibi watertight, and so it’s up to Peach and Blake to uncover the real murderer.
Although somewhat dated (first published in 1999), this is a solid mystery. It's not what I would call suspenseful, but it's an engaging read. It's a race to the finish to see who-dun-it.
I can't say I actually liked the characters. Martin is weak ... Vera is a witch ... Sue is too sugary sweet... Peach is rather boring... But ... I did like the story premise.
Many thanks to Endeavour Press / Netgally for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Vera Hume is a harridan. She's mean, cruel and has no redeeming qualities. And her poor husband is not the only person who gets the sharp edge of her tongue. Her sister, Sue, has grown up with Vera .. you'd never think they had the same parents.
Martin is thinking / dreaming of ways to kill his wife. And he's not the only one!
Vera is also having an affair .. and she's decided that this man should commit totally to her. He doesn't exactly see eye to eye on that matter! She has cheated a former business partner out of her share of their successful business. Her own father and step-mother would not miss her should she 'disappear'.
Coming back from a business trip he finds Vera dead ... she's been strangled.
DI Dennis Peach doesn’t think Martin did it. And his partner Lucy Blake is in agreement. It’s clear that Martin is innocent, his alibi watertight, and so it’s up to Peach and Blake to uncover the real murderer.
Although somewhat dated (first published in 1999), this is a solid mystery. It's not what I would call suspenseful, but it's an engaging read. It's a race to the finish to see who-dun-it.
I can't say I actually liked the characters. Martin is weak ... Vera is a witch ... Sue is too sugary sweet... Peach is rather boring... But ... I did like the story premise.
Many thanks to Endeavour Press / Netgally for the digital copy of this book. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
July 2, 2019
EXCERPT: It was on a Wednesday evening that Martin Hume decided to kill his wife. He sat alone in the comfortable, cheerless house. He had watched A Question of Sport with no great interest. The sitcom that followed seemed to him even more banal than usual. He had finished The Times crossword. Murder came into his mind like an unexpected and welcome visitor....
ABOUT THIS BOOK: It is a will-known fact that most murder victims know their murderers -- usually very well. So when Verna Hume is found strangled in her own home the police immediately turn to her husband, and when it becomes apparent that the couple did not get on, they arrest him.But one man is unconvinced. Detective Inspector Peach finds it hard to believe that the mild-mannered Martin Hume is capable of killing anyone, and sets out to prove it. With the investigation reopened, it soon becomes evident that Verna Hume had a talent for making people dislike her and was universally loathed, especially by her close family and friends. Now, Peach is faced with six suspects, all with motives, all with the opportunity and all with something to hide...
MY THOUGHTS: I didn't like this book at first, was thinking of abandoning the read....Although this is not historical fiction, the characters are somewhat old-fashioned, and it feels like it could have been set a long time ago, but for the presence of computers......
In places the language is, well....perhaps an example will show you what I mean rather more clearly than I can put it - 'A lissome, athletic, lust-inducing figure, that PC Julie was. It was clearly Darren's duty to protect her from the lubricious advances of the old sweats and afford her his own lechery-free advice and experience.' But, praise be, it was not all like that otherwise I truly would have abandoned it!
The story is actually quite a good one. Martin Hume has had quite enough of his philandering wife, especially now that he has realised that he has fallen in love with someone else. So he begins to figure out how to kill her as she will not give him a divorce. Does he do it? Read it to find out, because I'm not going to tell you.
This is a cosy murder-mystery. There is no bad language, no overt sex (it is talked about but not described). There is no shortage of suspects - for Verna was not well liked, and for very good reasons.
To Kill A Wife is a quick easy read. It will never set the world on fire, but I enjoyed it once I got into it.
***
THE AUTHOR: James Michael Gregson taught for twenty-seven years in schools, colleges and universities before concentrating on full-time writing. He has written books on subjects as diverse as golf and Shakespeare.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Endeavour Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of To Kill A Wife by J.M. Gregson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my webpage sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
ABOUT THIS BOOK: It is a will-known fact that most murder victims know their murderers -- usually very well. So when Verna Hume is found strangled in her own home the police immediately turn to her husband, and when it becomes apparent that the couple did not get on, they arrest him.But one man is unconvinced. Detective Inspector Peach finds it hard to believe that the mild-mannered Martin Hume is capable of killing anyone, and sets out to prove it. With the investigation reopened, it soon becomes evident that Verna Hume had a talent for making people dislike her and was universally loathed, especially by her close family and friends. Now, Peach is faced with six suspects, all with motives, all with the opportunity and all with something to hide...
MY THOUGHTS: I didn't like this book at first, was thinking of abandoning the read....Although this is not historical fiction, the characters are somewhat old-fashioned, and it feels like it could have been set a long time ago, but for the presence of computers......
In places the language is, well....perhaps an example will show you what I mean rather more clearly than I can put it - 'A lissome, athletic, lust-inducing figure, that PC Julie was. It was clearly Darren's duty to protect her from the lubricious advances of the old sweats and afford her his own lechery-free advice and experience.' But, praise be, it was not all like that otherwise I truly would have abandoned it!
The story is actually quite a good one. Martin Hume has had quite enough of his philandering wife, especially now that he has realised that he has fallen in love with someone else. So he begins to figure out how to kill her as she will not give him a divorce. Does he do it? Read it to find out, because I'm not going to tell you.
This is a cosy murder-mystery. There is no bad language, no overt sex (it is talked about but not described). There is no shortage of suspects - for Verna was not well liked, and for very good reasons.
To Kill A Wife is a quick easy read. It will never set the world on fire, but I enjoyed it once I got into it.
***
THE AUTHOR: James Michael Gregson taught for twenty-seven years in schools, colleges and universities before concentrating on full-time writing. He has written books on subjects as diverse as golf and Shakespeare.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Endeavour Press via Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of To Kill A Wife by J.M. Gregson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the 'about' page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on my webpage sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
March 13, 2017
This was a pretty mundane and awful book. First published in 1999, it's being re-published by Endeavour Press here in 2017. The problem is, the book reads like an out of date book, especially up against so many strong books and authors in the crime genre.
I found Inspector Peach to be one dimensional, no depth to his Detective personality at all. Highly forgettable. The plot started out okay. It's a true whodunit after a murder makes many people a prime suspect.
But it dragged. Lagged and quite frankly I lost interest at 70%. Page flicking to the end.
One huge problem is you can tell it was written back in 1999. One appalling passage highlights a woman's shock at seeing a "black man" in such a high position as a doctor! That she rarely sees black people at all. How racist that is in this day and age?
As Peach slowly investigates each suspect there is really zero action, no thrills and nothing to really hold you close. There are SO many more good crime books out there I'm surprised this is being resurfaced. It certainly needs editing to bring it into the modern age at least.
1 star. Very average and dull. I've got to be honest. Much better books out there.
I received a copy of this book from Endeavour Press via NetGalley. All review opinions are entirely my own and unbiased.
I found Inspector Peach to be one dimensional, no depth to his Detective personality at all. Highly forgettable. The plot started out okay. It's a true whodunit after a murder makes many people a prime suspect.
But it dragged. Lagged and quite frankly I lost interest at 70%. Page flicking to the end.
One huge problem is you can tell it was written back in 1999. One appalling passage highlights a woman's shock at seeing a "black man" in such a high position as a doctor! That she rarely sees black people at all. How racist that is in this day and age?
As Peach slowly investigates each suspect there is really zero action, no thrills and nothing to really hold you close. There are SO many more good crime books out there I'm surprised this is being resurfaced. It certainly needs editing to bring it into the modern age at least.
1 star. Very average and dull. I've got to be honest. Much better books out there.
I received a copy of this book from Endeavour Press via NetGalley. All review opinions are entirely my own and unbiased.
February 18, 2017
Verna Hume is not exactly a popular person. She is manipulative and cruel. Rather too many people in her life would be happy to see her dead including her long suffering husband, Martin who has got to the point of wanting her dead even though she has finally agreed to a divorce. Martin returns home after a weekend conference and finds her suffocated.
DI Percy Peach and D S Blake are soon on the trail and each of them have their own preferred suspects. Was it Verna's supercilious lover Hugh Pearson? Or her father who seems to be afraid of her? What about her sister, Sue or perhaps another lover - a renowned surgeon at the local hospital?
I enjoyed this carefully plotted murder mystery and failed completely to work out who had done it partly because I decided who I wanted to have done it far too early on in the book. I like the police characters in this well written story. All the books in the series can be read out of order though it is interesting to follow the development of the relationship between the two main characters if you read them in the order in which they were published.
DI Percy Peach and D S Blake are soon on the trail and each of them have their own preferred suspects. Was it Verna's supercilious lover Hugh Pearson? Or her father who seems to be afraid of her? What about her sister, Sue or perhaps another lover - a renowned surgeon at the local hospital?
I enjoyed this carefully plotted murder mystery and failed completely to work out who had done it partly because I decided who I wanted to have done it far too early on in the book. I like the police characters in this well written story. All the books in the series can be read out of order though it is interesting to follow the development of the relationship between the two main characters if you read them in the order in which they were published.
March 19, 2017
The storyline is good, it is a classic whodunit in a very British style. Most of the characters are elaborated and believable.So far,so good...Unfortunately the investigating inspector and his (female) sidekick are particularly unattractive.He keeps referring to the victim as a drawer dropper ( not once, but about 30 times),and she feels compelled to say "even so...."!!!
Now if this were written in the dark ages , well , a sign of the times and all that nonsense ,but it is written in the late nineties ,so frankly,a drawer dropper (and many more funny (?) remarks) are more than bizarre and definitely outdated.
Now if this were written in the dark ages , well , a sign of the times and all that nonsense ,but it is written in the late nineties ,so frankly,a drawer dropper (and many more funny (?) remarks) are more than bizarre and definitely outdated.
March 10, 2017
This was my first time reading J.M. Gregson and any of the Inspector Peach series, and this was truly a fun and entertaining “whodunnit” mystery! This is the story of a miserably unpleasant and vicious woman named Verna. Verna and Martin have been unhappily married for years and she has refused to give him a divorce. So what does Martin do? He decides that he is going to kill her. Martin is falling in love with Verna’s sister, Sue and is ready to get on with his life. Verna has multiple lovers on the side, Hugh and Robert, but also has several enemies including her business partner Barbara, her Dad and Step-Mom, her sister Sue, and of course her husband Martin. After deciding to kill Verna, Martin suddenly feels rejuvenated – working harder at his career as an accountant, spending more time with friends, spending more time with Sue and her young son, and also finding the strength to ignore and/or not react to Verna’s mean and hurtful comments and actions. Martin is sent over 200 miles away one weekend to Oxford for a business conference, and when he returns that Sunday evening – he finds Verna dead. So who killed her?
I loved this mystery because Verna had angered, hurt, alienated, or pressured everyone in her life – so everyone was a potential suspect. Martin was honest from the beginning with the detectives Peach and Blake, but everyone else lied at least once about their relationship with Verna, when they last saw her and where they were at her time of death. The detectives quickly learn how many people hated Verna but keep reminding themselves that she still did not deserve to be murdered. Slowly they interview the main players, discuss findings, interview them again, and so on until their lies begin to unravel. But even after discovering how many people have lied they still can’t prove who killed her. Eventually, however, the killer decides to face the music and confesses after realizing that their alibi fell through.
To Kill a Wife was wonderfully fast-paced and kept me guessing the entire time. Frequently in murder mysteries, it’s difficult to figure out what someone would be murdered and what possible enemies they could have had. But in this case, everyone hated this evil woman, especially her own family members. The point of view alternates throughout the novel but seems to be mainly from the detectives or Martin, however, the reader does get a few chapters from Verna’s point of view prior to her death shedding a somewhat different light. Don’t get me wrong, she was horrible, yet there are a few moments here and there when her vulnerability is exposed related to her affair with Hugh. Poor Martin literally struggles controlling laughter at the irony of his being arrested for murdering his wife, considering that he had been planning her murder in his mind but never got the chance to do it. After his release for lack of evidence he honestly doesn’t give her murder much thought, except relief to live his life and that he didn’t have to resort to killing her himself. Yes, murder is wrong, but I was with Martin on this one! He deserved some peace.
I loved everything about this novel except for two things. First, once the killer confessed and was in custody, there was a very abrupt ending. You’re reading along on this wild ride, find out who killed her and then that’s it, the end. Which honestly, the mystery was solved so no need to go on, but I’m used to more subtle transitions and conclusions. J.M. Gregson has written several books in this series though so I would be curious to know from anyone that has read him before if this is just his standard way of wrapping things up. Secondly, the grammatical errors were off the charts. But – this was an ARC that I received prior to the publication date, so I’m hoping that these were corrected before final publication??
Overall I found this novel to be gripping and suspenseful from the beginning and was absolutely not able to put it down. Actually, dinner was served about an hour later than planned because I refused to cook until I finished! I cannot recommend this novel enough for someone in the mood for a fantastically puzzling murder mystery.
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this mystery because Verna had angered, hurt, alienated, or pressured everyone in her life – so everyone was a potential suspect. Martin was honest from the beginning with the detectives Peach and Blake, but everyone else lied at least once about their relationship with Verna, when they last saw her and where they were at her time of death. The detectives quickly learn how many people hated Verna but keep reminding themselves that she still did not deserve to be murdered. Slowly they interview the main players, discuss findings, interview them again, and so on until their lies begin to unravel. But even after discovering how many people have lied they still can’t prove who killed her. Eventually, however, the killer decides to face the music and confesses after realizing that their alibi fell through.
To Kill a Wife was wonderfully fast-paced and kept me guessing the entire time. Frequently in murder mysteries, it’s difficult to figure out what someone would be murdered and what possible enemies they could have had. But in this case, everyone hated this evil woman, especially her own family members. The point of view alternates throughout the novel but seems to be mainly from the detectives or Martin, however, the reader does get a few chapters from Verna’s point of view prior to her death shedding a somewhat different light. Don’t get me wrong, she was horrible, yet there are a few moments here and there when her vulnerability is exposed related to her affair with Hugh. Poor Martin literally struggles controlling laughter at the irony of his being arrested for murdering his wife, considering that he had been planning her murder in his mind but never got the chance to do it. After his release for lack of evidence he honestly doesn’t give her murder much thought, except relief to live his life and that he didn’t have to resort to killing her himself. Yes, murder is wrong, but I was with Martin on this one! He deserved some peace.
I loved everything about this novel except for two things. First, once the killer confessed and was in custody, there was a very abrupt ending. You’re reading along on this wild ride, find out who killed her and then that’s it, the end. Which honestly, the mystery was solved so no need to go on, but I’m used to more subtle transitions and conclusions. J.M. Gregson has written several books in this series though so I would be curious to know from anyone that has read him before if this is just his standard way of wrapping things up. Secondly, the grammatical errors were off the charts. But – this was an ARC that I received prior to the publication date, so I’m hoping that these were corrected before final publication??
Overall I found this novel to be gripping and suspenseful from the beginning and was absolutely not able to put it down. Actually, dinner was served about an hour later than planned because I refused to cook until I finished! I cannot recommend this novel enough for someone in the mood for a fantastically puzzling murder mystery.
*Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2017
3 and 1 / 2 stars
Martin Hume is fantasizing about killing his unfaithful and mean-spirited wife, Verna. He has many methods of doing it. Quite coincidentally, he starts an affair with his sister-in-law, Sue, Verna’s sister. When he returns home from a conference, and a weekend fantasizing about killing Verna, he finds her dead in her bedroom.
Enter Detective Inspector Denis C.S. “Percy” Peach. DS Lucy Blake is his sidekick. While DI Peach was on his day off, Martin was arrested for the murder of his wife.
There are quite a few suspects in this little drama. We have the sister, the husband, the dissatisfied ex-business partner, Verna’s father (who seems to have something he’s hiding), and her current – or former- lovers to name a few.
On the trail of the unnamed murderer are Peach and Blake. They interview witnesses, relatives and some acquaintances of the dead woman. They seem to be receiving some straight answers, but others are evasive. They do feel as though they are making some small progress however.
The murderer turns out to be … well who they turn out to be.
This is a fairly well written book that was originally published in 1999. Although DI Peach was a little inconsistent in his behavior; DS Blake’s behavior was steady. Not too bad a little book.
I want to thank Netgalley and Endeavour Press for sharing this book with me.
Martin Hume is fantasizing about killing his unfaithful and mean-spirited wife, Verna. He has many methods of doing it. Quite coincidentally, he starts an affair with his sister-in-law, Sue, Verna’s sister. When he returns home from a conference, and a weekend fantasizing about killing Verna, he finds her dead in her bedroom.
Enter Detective Inspector Denis C.S. “Percy” Peach. DS Lucy Blake is his sidekick. While DI Peach was on his day off, Martin was arrested for the murder of his wife.
There are quite a few suspects in this little drama. We have the sister, the husband, the dissatisfied ex-business partner, Verna’s father (who seems to have something he’s hiding), and her current – or former- lovers to name a few.
On the trail of the unnamed murderer are Peach and Blake. They interview witnesses, relatives and some acquaintances of the dead woman. They seem to be receiving some straight answers, but others are evasive. They do feel as though they are making some small progress however.
The murderer turns out to be … well who they turn out to be.
This is a fairly well written book that was originally published in 1999. Although DI Peach was a little inconsistent in his behavior; DS Blake’s behavior was steady. Not too bad a little book.
I want to thank Netgalley and Endeavour Press for sharing this book with me.
February 22, 2017
Another excellent Inspector Peach mystery. This one is really good as it has a lot of twist and turns and the guilty person could be anyone. I love the way Gregson infuses life in all his characters, with real human emotions and situations which are believable. I enjoy Inspector Peach take on interrogating suspects. All in all a very entertaining book, and one I had trouble putting down till the last page.
February 22, 2017
It was "OK" I knew the outcome just after a few pages so that element of surprise was removed. The "bad guy" was so random it felt like a last minute grasp. I liked the detective in this one but other that that not the other characters. They were evil "horrible" or "goody two shoes".
I may read another because i know this is a series but each book can also be a stand alone. Since I liked the detective I may try another one following a new set of people.
I may read another because i know this is a series but each book can also be a stand alone. Since I liked the detective I may try another one following a new set of people.
July 4, 2017
This is a reprint of a book from 1999 and it's safe to say that it's dated and quite simplistic reading! Verna is married to Martin. They hate each other and one day Verna is found dead. So who killed Verna? Was it Martin or one of the many enemies Verna had amassed?
August 14, 2017
Loved it
I always look for book to rad that are shorter and this book fits with what I seek in most books.
I always look for book to rad that are shorter and this book fits with what I seek in most books.
October 26, 2018
Another good who-done-it!
I am enjoying this series by Gregson. He sets up the murder, gives you a number of possible murderers, and surprises you at the end with a confession.
I am enjoying this series by Gregson. He sets up the murder, gives you a number of possible murderers, and surprises you at the end with a confession.
August 9, 2025
Another reasonable, if lightweight, police procedural featuring Inspector "Percy" Peach. He is becoming more likeable under the influence of his female sergeant, Lucy Blake. The only downside for me is that his constant baiting of his superintendent is rather tiresome and detracts from the reality of the story.
March 17, 2025
A great murder mystery
To Kill A Wife is an exciting murder mystery. Gregson’s methodically guides CI Peach and his assistant through the clues as they solve the mystery. He includes an interesting side story with Peach’s supervisor. A great read.
To Kill A Wife is an exciting murder mystery. Gregson’s methodically guides CI Peach and his assistant through the clues as they solve the mystery. He includes an interesting side story with Peach’s supervisor. A great read.
April 29, 2025
This was an amusing read. I enjoyed the banter that
DI Peach has with his boss the most, but the story
seemed investigative enough with everybody
lying and then being found out. My biggest regret
is that it ended very un-cleverly, no twist, just
arresting the culprit. Sigh.
DI Peach has with his boss the most, but the story
seemed investigative enough with everybody
lying and then being found out. My biggest regret
is that it ended very un-cleverly, no twist, just
arresting the culprit. Sigh.
May 14, 2017
I like Peach. I think if there was a Peach fan club I just might join it. Or might not. Still, Peach continues to give pugnacity a bit of a shine.
February 23, 2017
Title: To Kill a Wife - Inspector Peach Mystery Book 3
Author: J. M Gregson
Published: 2-10-2017
Publisher: Endeavor Press
Pages: 238
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Spies & Politics, Conspiracies; Police Proceedurals; Murder Mystery
ISBN: 13: 9780727822734
ASIN: B01N5YAXGQ
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
I received a copy of "To Kill A Wife" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Verna Hume was not a happy woman. Treated her father and and stepmother like garbage. She cheated on her husband numerous times, refusing him a divorce while flaunting her many affairs. Treating her ex-lovers no better than her husband. In truth there was no one she treated kindly other than perhaps her present lover Hugh Pearson and even that is questionable as she was pushing for marriage and Hugh was only interested in an affair.
Her husband, Martin has had enough and begins fantasizing of different ways to remove Verna from his life permanently. When he returns from a weekend away to enjoy himself and make plans he is shocked to find someone has done the deed for him. With an air tight alibi for Martin Detective Inspector Peach and Detective Sargent Lucy Blake must look at the long list of suspects that might have helped Verna on her way to the afterlife.
I was surprised to find this was the third book in the series as I had no problem following the story. I would like to go back and read the previous two as well since "To Kill a Wife" was such an enjoyable read. With strong established characters and a quick paced plot. This is a republish of a 17 year old book that is full of charm, mystery and a classic whodunit style of mystery. If you enjoy British Mysteries that are more on the lighter side then you will definitely want to check out the Inspector Peach series. I gave "To Kill a Wife" a 4 out of 5 star rating.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5YAXGQ/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-ki...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Post: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: J. M Gregson
Published: 2-10-2017
Publisher: Endeavor Press
Pages: 238
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Spies & Politics, Conspiracies; Police Proceedurals; Murder Mystery
ISBN: 13: 9780727822734
ASIN: B01N5YAXGQ
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
I received a copy of "To Kill A Wife" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Verna Hume was not a happy woman. Treated her father and and stepmother like garbage. She cheated on her husband numerous times, refusing him a divorce while flaunting her many affairs. Treating her ex-lovers no better than her husband. In truth there was no one she treated kindly other than perhaps her present lover Hugh Pearson and even that is questionable as she was pushing for marriage and Hugh was only interested in an affair.
Her husband, Martin has had enough and begins fantasizing of different ways to remove Verna from his life permanently. When he returns from a weekend away to enjoy himself and make plans he is shocked to find someone has done the deed for him. With an air tight alibi for Martin Detective Inspector Peach and Detective Sargent Lucy Blake must look at the long list of suspects that might have helped Verna on her way to the afterlife.
I was surprised to find this was the third book in the series as I had no problem following the story. I would like to go back and read the previous two as well since "To Kill a Wife" was such an enjoyable read. With strong established characters and a quick paced plot. This is a republish of a 17 year old book that is full of charm, mystery and a classic whodunit style of mystery. If you enjoy British Mysteries that are more on the lighter side then you will definitely want to check out the Inspector Peach series. I gave "To Kill a Wife" a 4 out of 5 star rating.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N5YAXGQ/...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-ki...
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Post: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
April 12, 2017
I didn't really care for this book. The writing wasn't awful but the characters really needed more substance to them. It would have been so much better with more robust characters and for some, better story lines.
There's no doubt the murder victim Verna Hume is a dreadful person and completely lacking any kind of compassion. There are 7 people who have both motive and opportunity to kill her and all are very relieved in their own way that Verna is dead. It was quite impossible to feel any pity for her demise.
I found all the characters very shallow and some story lines weak. I particularly disliked the lead Detective Percy Peach probably because I dislike sarcastic arrogant people in real life. I found the search for the guilty party entertaining and didn't guess the culprit until he was revealed.
Because I dislike Percy Peach so much I won't be reading another book featuring him.
There's no doubt the murder victim Verna Hume is a dreadful person and completely lacking any kind of compassion. There are 7 people who have both motive and opportunity to kill her and all are very relieved in their own way that Verna is dead. It was quite impossible to feel any pity for her demise.
I found all the characters very shallow and some story lines weak. I particularly disliked the lead Detective Percy Peach probably because I dislike sarcastic arrogant people in real life. I found the search for the guilty party entertaining and didn't guess the culprit until he was revealed.
Because I dislike Percy Peach so much I won't be reading another book featuring him.
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April 25, 2017Good
the murder of one woman who w was rude and means to every one the where so many suspect's that was difficult to solve.
the murder of one woman who w was rude and means to every one the where so many suspect's that was difficult to solve.
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