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Slater & Norman Mystery #14
Death by Sports Car
Please note, this book was previously published as The Invisible Man.
Is this the end for Slater & Norman Investigations?
They haven’t had a case in weeks. Slater fears it’s time to admit defeat, shut up shop and manfully retreat to the pub. But he never reckoned on one last client.
Distressed mum Lizzie Becker. One look at her tear-stained face and Slater knows his pint will have to wait.
Lizzie is crying over a text message, from her teenage daughter, Lilly. Slater can’t understand why. Until Lizzie explains . . .
Lilly can’t possibly be the sender. Lilly is dead.
Two years ago, they pulled her body from the wreckage of a flashy sports car. Everyone says Lilly stole it from her boyfriend’s dad, for a cheap thrill.
But Lizzie knows that can’t be true. That’s not the girl she raised.
Now someone’s stirring up the past — and a veritable hornet’s nest of secrets and lies to boot.
Slater and Norm will stop at nothing to get Lilly’s grieving mother the answers she deserves. But the road to the truth is twisty, with danger lurking behind every hidden corner.
Can they catch the mystery messenger — and Lilly’s elusive boyfriend — before the body count rises again?
Is this the end for Slater & Norman Investigations?
They haven’t had a case in weeks. Slater fears it’s time to admit defeat, shut up shop and manfully retreat to the pub. But he never reckoned on one last client.
Distressed mum Lizzie Becker. One look at her tear-stained face and Slater knows his pint will have to wait.
Lizzie is crying over a text message, from her teenage daughter, Lilly. Slater can’t understand why. Until Lizzie explains . . .
Lilly can’t possibly be the sender. Lilly is dead.
Two years ago, they pulled her body from the wreckage of a flashy sports car. Everyone says Lilly stole it from her boyfriend’s dad, for a cheap thrill.
But Lizzie knows that can’t be true. That’s not the girl she raised.
Now someone’s stirring up the past — and a veritable hornet’s nest of secrets and lies to boot.
Slater and Norm will stop at nothing to get Lilly’s grieving mother the answers she deserves. But the road to the truth is twisty, with danger lurking behind every hidden corner.
Can they catch the mystery messenger — and Lilly’s elusive boyfriend — before the body count rises again?
- GenresMystery
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2019
682 people are currently reading
76 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 39 reviews
March 15, 2019
Having read the synopsis of the plot I'm left wondering if I'm reading the same book.
Having purchased all the books from the beginning of this series I've been disappointed at the way this it has gone.
Although there are grey areas in all people the way the senior detectives, first Rob Murray then Marion Goodnews go 'to the bad' is depressing.
When Bradshaw, given a very sound reference by Norman Norman, appears on the scene with Samantha (Watson) Brearley to join Dave Slater I was hoping we now were being given a sound team which could be fleshed out and begin to work together along with the hidden team of misfits employed by Bradshaw.
Unfortunately this hasn't happened & the author has changed Bradshaw from good guy to bad and back and forth again.
My preference in mystery series is to have a basic group of people that I can follow from book to book eg LJ Ross' Ryan, Frank etc. and Deborah Crombie's Kincaid & James. This way I can relate to them & their lives and was hoping would happen with Slater, Norman, Bradshaw & Watson.
The fact that Dave Slater hardly appeared in the latest book didn't help either, nor did the underlining of some words which I found singularly annoying.
Having purchased all the books from the beginning of this series I've been disappointed at the way this it has gone.
Although there are grey areas in all people the way the senior detectives, first Rob Murray then Marion Goodnews go 'to the bad' is depressing.
When Bradshaw, given a very sound reference by Norman Norman, appears on the scene with Samantha (Watson) Brearley to join Dave Slater I was hoping we now were being given a sound team which could be fleshed out and begin to work together along with the hidden team of misfits employed by Bradshaw.
Unfortunately this hasn't happened & the author has changed Bradshaw from good guy to bad and back and forth again.
My preference in mystery series is to have a basic group of people that I can follow from book to book eg LJ Ross' Ryan, Frank etc. and Deborah Crombie's Kincaid & James. This way I can relate to them & their lives and was hoping would happen with Slater, Norman, Bradshaw & Watson.
The fact that Dave Slater hardly appeared in the latest book didn't help either, nor did the underlining of some words which I found singularly annoying.
January 29, 2021
Contrived
Seems the author is struggling to squeeze to much out of this series. Plot is a convoluted and quite messy. Tired old story line.
Seems the author is struggling to squeeze to much out of this series. Plot is a convoluted and quite messy. Tired old story line.
September 8, 2025
This is a 3.5*. I quite enjoy this series but there are things wrong with all the books. One of the 2 will find a clue or a scenario and the other will dismiss it out of hand even though it makes sense - you have to assume it is for plot tension but it feels contrived. Then there is sometimes the case of people not behaving as you would expect for their character. In this one the police write off a crash as a 14 year old having stolen a car. There isn't any evidence of someone else, except for the fact that Slater and Norman quickly prove that it would have been impossible for her to have driven the car! I can't believe the police are so lazy/inept/ pressured that they would miss such a fundamental thing. And it wouldn't have changed the main plot - they still could have not worked out who drove and let the case get cold. Also, it doesn't end satisfactorily in my opinion. Then there is the fact that Slater and Norman have been trying to decide if they are keeping their detective agency, they don't make that decision and yet this is the last of the series. When we next meet Norman, he is off mentoring young police recruits in Wales! A different series entirely. Would have been nice to have an actual end to the agency.
September 22, 2024
Another gem from Peter Ford.
It turns out this fourteenth Slater and Norman book really is the last , with Norman Norman moving to God's own Country (South Wales), as a rejoiner with the police force there.
This proves to be a complicated case for the duo, with hardly anyone telling them the whole truth. The conclusion has some surprises, and it's not completely satisfying for some of the people involved.
Readers who enjoy this book and decide they want to catch up on the previous books should be aware that after a change of publisher, some of the books have different titles,so it would be worthwhile checking out the number they are in the series before buying. For example, I read this book as " The Innocent Man".
I recommend the whole series.
It turns out this fourteenth Slater and Norman book really is the last , with Norman Norman moving to God's own Country (South Wales), as a rejoiner with the police force there.
This proves to be a complicated case for the duo, with hardly anyone telling them the whole truth. The conclusion has some surprises, and it's not completely satisfying for some of the people involved.
Readers who enjoy this book and decide they want to catch up on the previous books should be aware that after a change of publisher, some of the books have different titles,so it would be worthwhile checking out the number they are in the series before buying. For example, I read this book as " The Innocent Man".
I recommend the whole series.
March 15, 2019
This is the 14th Dave Slater Mystery I have read and enjoyed. The plot of the Invisible Man delved into murder and paedophilia ,but like all the books in this series it was never dark or sinister. The main characters didn't over indulge nor did they crustaceans swear.Perhaps that's because they are not super sleuths but just two hard working bladders.
Dave and Norman have developed over time. Norman is less of the number two with bad hair and scruffy clothes.
However only 4 stars this time. What happened to the last chapter ?.. I didn't like the sudden stop and all the loose ends.
Dave and Norman have developed over time. Norman is less of the number two with bad hair and scruffy clothes.
However only 4 stars this time. What happened to the last chapter ?.. I didn't like the sudden stop and all the loose ends.
April 2, 2019
The books that keep on giving..
I am a big fan of PF Ford's books and this one did not disappoint. Slater and Norman rise to yet another challenge. What I like is the limited number of characters in the book, the great chemistry between Slater and Norman and the humour.
My reviews never encompass the story line for fear of including spoilers, but poor Norman but then again has Slater found his true match.
I will just say that there were too many lose ends at the conclusion, I like all the i's dotted and the t's crossed.
I am a big fan of PF Ford's books and this one did not disappoint. Slater and Norman rise to yet another challenge. What I like is the limited number of characters in the book, the great chemistry between Slater and Norman and the humour.
My reviews never encompass the story line for fear of including spoilers, but poor Norman but then again has Slater found his true match.
I will just say that there were too many lose ends at the conclusion, I like all the i's dotted and the t's crossed.
October 8, 2024
it’s Like a Visit from Family!
Dave and Norm just grow on you with each new book. The twists and turns continue to surprise you with each new chapter. Just as you are reading of what new evidence they have over-turned and are asking yourself why they haven’t concluded the obvious, you realize it’s not so obvious. Surprise, surprise, surprise—more curves than a no hitter ball game. Author Ford is great. I passed up reading the last book in a long series until I could stuff my brain with the sleuthing antics of family! Couple of great days reading.
Dave and Norm just grow on you with each new book. The twists and turns continue to surprise you with each new chapter. Just as you are reading of what new evidence they have over-turned and are asking yourself why they haven’t concluded the obvious, you realize it’s not so obvious. Surprise, surprise, surprise—more curves than a no hitter ball game. Author Ford is great. I passed up reading the last book in a long series until I could stuff my brain with the sleuthing antics of family! Couple of great days reading.
January 20, 2023
Acts of revenge are usually so twisted that it’s hard to figure out where the person is coming from or what their intentions are. This book is loaded with it!! And I did not realize who the lowlife was until it was revealed, that’s how twisted the storyline is! This author weaved several blended stories that had you questioning who did what every step of the way! It was hard to put the book down. It was so good!
December 24, 2024
Lots of Twists and Turns
In this mystery, Slater and Norman have left the police force and are now operating a struggling private detective agency. Their first client walks in with an interesting problem to resolve. How is it that she's getting messages about her daughter who's been dead for two years? Those messages saying she's alive and well. There's a lot going on in this book but I felt it wasn't tied together as much as I'd have liked so I deducted a star.
In this mystery, Slater and Norman have left the police force and are now operating a struggling private detective agency. Their first client walks in with an interesting problem to resolve. How is it that she's getting messages about her daughter who's been dead for two years? Those messages saying she's alive and well. There's a lot going on in this book but I felt it wasn't tied together as much as I'd have liked so I deducted a star.
March 17, 2019
Dave and Norm have another mystery.
Dave and Norm seem to be on the verge of closing up shop. Then a new client tell them she's had a text from her dead daughter. Can't go out of business now with a new mystery to solve. This story has lots of twists and turns. I had a hard time putting it down.
Dave and Norm seem to be on the verge of closing up shop. Then a new client tell them she's had a text from her dead daughter. Can't go out of business now with a new mystery to solve. This story has lots of twists and turns. I had a hard time putting it down.
April 28, 2019
Review
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. However I am disappointed that the series has ended, as I liked the relationship between David and Norman. In fact I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series. The series is a mixture of British police procedure, cozy and crime mysteries. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a really good mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. However I am disappointed that the series has ended, as I liked the relationship between David and Norman. In fact I have thoroughly enjoyed the whole series. The series is a mixture of British police procedure, cozy and crime mysteries. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys a really good mystery.
April 15, 2022
All good things must come to an end!
What a good book! What a fantastic series! This last book was well written, full of all of the twists and turns that keep you guessing! It does broach a difficult subject, and could be triggering for some. I'm truly going to miss this friendship!
What a good book! What a fantastic series! This last book was well written, full of all of the twists and turns that keep you guessing! It does broach a difficult subject, and could be triggering for some. I'm truly going to miss this friendship!
June 7, 2023
The Invisible Man lives in an abandoned car in a layby where a tragic car accident robbed a fourteen year old girl of her life. The girl's mother is told by police that she stole the car and was driving it at the time of the accident, but Slater and Norman finally discover that was not the case. A great read.
December 30, 2023
S & N no beer included
Well, nothing good lasts for ever, we move on from Dave & Norm, I've thoroughly enjoyed the series, the characters, the story lines, the plots and most importantly the author's use of his knowledge of how to bring his stories to life.
Thanks again for these pages of enjoyment
Well, nothing good lasts for ever, we move on from Dave & Norm, I've thoroughly enjoyed the series, the characters, the story lines, the plots and most importantly the author's use of his knowledge of how to bring his stories to life.
Thanks again for these pages of enjoyment
January 27, 2025
Incredibly disappointing!!!
This is book # 14 and the last of the Slater and Norman series. I just came to the end, to find out that there wasn’t an end! The serious crimes committed weren’t solved, the criminals weren’t apprehended, and the narrative just stopped abruptly. Worse book I’ve read in years!
This is book # 14 and the last of the Slater and Norman series. I just came to the end, to find out that there wasn’t an end! The serious crimes committed weren’t solved, the criminals weren’t apprehended, and the narrative just stopped abruptly. Worse book I’ve read in years!
March 10, 2019
Twists and Turns
Another captivating adventure for Norman and Slater, with even more twists and turns than usual. Mr Ford deftly leads you down path after path only to double you (and our protagonists) back in unexpected ways. A terrific, must-read addition to the series!
Another captivating adventure for Norman and Slater, with even more twists and turns than usual. Mr Ford deftly leads you down path after path only to double you (and our protagonists) back in unexpected ways. A terrific, must-read addition to the series!
May 20, 2020
Outstanding!
What a great series.Wonderful characters, how can you beat Norman Norman, Slater as well. Missed Jane in this one.
Really interesting plot, keeps you guessing till the end.I can't wait for the next one!
What a great series.Wonderful characters, how can you beat Norman Norman, Slater as well. Missed Jane in this one.
Really interesting plot, keeps you guessing till the end.I can't wait for the next one!
April 22, 2022
Great series-- worthy reads!
Had previously read. Immediately remembered it when starting at the beginning. Apparently had not included it on Goodreads in error.
Was likely a number of yrs ago. Says a lot when details come back so readily!
Read the series-- it is excellent!
Had previously read. Immediately remembered it when starting at the beginning. Apparently had not included it on Goodreads in error.
Was likely a number of yrs ago. Says a lot when details come back so readily!
Read the series-- it is excellent!
September 28, 2024
easy reading. not as cozy as usual
Norm and Dave are at it again. A woman gets a text from her dead daughter and the case is opened. Norm is moody. Dave is annoyed. Stella is frustrated. The usual irate suspects hiding secrets.
Norm and Dave are at it again. A woman gets a text from her dead daughter and the case is opened. Norm is moody. Dave is annoyed. Stella is frustrated. The usual irate suspects hiding secrets.
October 1, 2024
One of the best!
I've read every book in this series and I think its one of the be series I've ever read. The characters are so real that you feel like you know them and the plots are always good and twisty. 🤔
I've read every book in this series and I think its one of the be series I've ever read. The characters are so real that you feel like you know them and the plots are always good and twisty. 🤔
December 1, 2024
Twists and turns then the big bombshell
The story starts slow but then you find another intertwined in the middle you go towards all the evidence that is put up but you can feel there is a bit missing and then in the end here it is . Gripping through the story great read .
The story starts slow but then you find another intertwined in the middle you go towards all the evidence that is put up but you can feel there is a bit missing and then in the end here it is . Gripping through the story great read .
December 18, 2024
Another Good Story
Another good story by P F Ford in the Slater and Norman series. Lots of interesting characters and a good storyline. Read this out of sequence but enjoyed it nevertheless.Looking forward to reading more.
Another good story by P F Ford in the Slater and Norman series. Lots of interesting characters and a good storyline. Read this out of sequence but enjoyed it nevertheless.Looking forward to reading more.
January 18, 2025
Wonderful Series
I really enjoy this series! The mysteries are excellent; the characters continue to evolve and are very realistic. Ford is an excellent author; I read all I can by them. If you enjoy mysteries with depth, I highly recommend.
I really enjoy this series! The mysteries are excellent; the characters continue to evolve and are very realistic. Ford is an excellent author; I read all I can by them. If you enjoy mysteries with depth, I highly recommend.
March 21, 2019
Outstanding
One of my favorite series. Dave continues to mature with Norman’s assistance. One of the more suspenseful of the series with a superb and surprising conclusion.
One of my favorite series. Dave continues to mature with Norman’s assistance. One of the more suspenseful of the series with a superb and surprising conclusion.
March 28, 2019
The invisible man
Another great book. Dave and norman are such funny characters. Look forward to the next one hopefully very very soon
Another great book. Dave and norman are such funny characters. Look forward to the next one hopefully very very soon
April 6, 2019
Awesome
Another great book. Read them all and wanting more. Glad author is living his dream job. We are all blessed.
Another great book. Read them all and wanting more. Glad author is living his dream job. We are all blessed.
April 16, 2019
Another Great Read!!!!
Dave and Norman are at it again. They start out with a simple case and it explodes in thief, conspiracy, and blackmail. A must read for any mystery lover.
Dave and Norman are at it again. They start out with a simple case and it explodes in thief, conspiracy, and blackmail. A must read for any mystery lover.
July 7, 2019
3.5 stars. A reread before rating.
October 21, 2019
Great series
This is a great series. I have read all 14 & not been disappointed in the least. If u like a good read - this is it! Can't wait for more of Dave & Norm.
This is a great series. I have read all 14 & not been disappointed in the least. If u like a good read - this is it! Can't wait for more of Dave & Norm.
April 19, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed all 14 books. However, editing and plot errors kept creeping in and that just took the edge of it for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews