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Death Along The Dee
Alfred and Ettie Palmer are back for another stunning standalone Victorian mystery.
Wrexham, 1884. Eight years earlier they’d been warned never again to interfere with police business. But it seems their skills are needed once more. A body deliberately drowned but left abandoned on the banks of the River Dee. A mysterious tattoo. Then two further murders, each more bizarre than the last – killings which draw them ever further into a circle of unlikely allies, eccentric suspects, old enemies, and the murky world of Fenian plots and bombings. A kidnapping. An attempted rescue among the tombstones of Chester’s Overleigh Cemetery. And a terrifying May Day climax. But why Wrexham? Why the River Dee? And have the true culprits really been identified? Another glittering mystery by award-winning author David Ebsworth.
Wrexham, 1884. Eight years earlier they’d been warned never again to interfere with police business. But it seems their skills are needed once more. A body deliberately drowned but left abandoned on the banks of the River Dee. A mysterious tattoo. Then two further murders, each more bizarre than the last – killings which draw them ever further into a circle of unlikely allies, eccentric suspects, old enemies, and the murky world of Fenian plots and bombings. A kidnapping. An attempted rescue among the tombstones of Chester’s Overleigh Cemetery. And a terrifying May Day climax. But why Wrexham? Why the River Dee? And have the true culprits really been identified? Another glittering mystery by award-winning author David Ebsworth.
306 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2024
About the author
David Ebsworth
27 books105 followersDavid Ebsworth is the pen name of writer, Dave McCall, a former negotiator and Regional Secretary for Britain's Transport & General Workers’ Union. He was born in Liverpool (UK) but has lived since 1980 in Wrexham, North Wales, with his wife, Ann. Following their retirement in 2008, the couple have spent about six months of each year in southern Spain. Dave began to write seriously in the following year, 2009.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 5, 2024
This is the second book in the Wrexham Victorian Mystery series and it's been a while since I read the first book back in March - Blood Among The Threads - but this was so easy to fall back into right from the start.
What I would say though, is that this could easily be read as a standalone read. With a full and complete mystery here, there's no need to have read the previous book - however, you know that I'll always advise you to read these in order - best for character development - and it was such a good read.
We're back with Alfred and Ettie - 8 years on - but still keen to get stuck into a good old mystery.
This time an abandoned body is found on the banks of the Dee and when two further murders occur under ever more bizarre circumstances, the pair get sucked into a complex investigation.
Once again the writing style is engaging.
I've never been to Wrexham but did recognise some of the Chester descriptions, which was great to see in this era.
The atmosphere was perfectly portrayed and with some great descriptive passages, this really immersed me in this gritty setting.
Another great read with an intriguing plot and interesting characters - I can't wait to see what will be waiting for us all in book 3?
What I would say though, is that this could easily be read as a standalone read. With a full and complete mystery here, there's no need to have read the previous book - however, you know that I'll always advise you to read these in order - best for character development - and it was such a good read.
We're back with Alfred and Ettie - 8 years on - but still keen to get stuck into a good old mystery.
This time an abandoned body is found on the banks of the Dee and when two further murders occur under ever more bizarre circumstances, the pair get sucked into a complex investigation.
Once again the writing style is engaging.
I've never been to Wrexham but did recognise some of the Chester descriptions, which was great to see in this era.
The atmosphere was perfectly portrayed and with some great descriptive passages, this really immersed me in this gritty setting.
Another great read with an intriguing plot and interesting characters - I can't wait to see what will be waiting for us all in book 3?
December 2, 2024
An historical murder mystery set in Wrexham, well that got me hooked straight away.
The details in the writing really drew me into the story, I especially loved reading the historical notes at the back of the book too.
Ettie and Neo (Alfred) Palmer certainly have their work cut out for them with murders, kidnapping all expertly mapped out on the pages, I loved the pace of this book, it really felt like a step back into Victorian times.
This is book 2, I haven’t read the first but will be going back to do that now, it was set in 1884 which is 8years after the first book but I this can be read as a standalone as I didn’t have any problem following the storyline.
I love a clever mystery/thriller book and this was definitely very clever.
The details in the writing really drew me into the story, I especially loved reading the historical notes at the back of the book too.
Ettie and Neo (Alfred) Palmer certainly have their work cut out for them with murders, kidnapping all expertly mapped out on the pages, I loved the pace of this book, it really felt like a step back into Victorian times.
This is book 2, I haven’t read the first but will be going back to do that now, it was set in 1884 which is 8years after the first book but I this can be read as a standalone as I didn’t have any problem following the storyline.
I love a clever mystery/thriller book and this was definitely very clever.
January 2, 2025
Here is my review for Death Along The Dee by David Ebsworth
This was quite an intriguing read with a lot of twists and turns included to make it a really good read, Alfred and Ettie Palmer are back in this story after being warned not to interfere with police business. Only this time, Superintendent Wilde goes to them asking Alfred to anaylse something for him now Alfred has branched out on his own and is running his own business as a chemist. A man has been found dead on the River Dee, deliberately drowned and left on the bank. A bottle of yeast in his pocket. The Superintendent explains the case but Alfred doesn’t seem interested. He gets a note at work telling him to let, ‘sleeping dogs lie’. He’s unsure what the note refers to. He goes to the mortuary to pick up the sample for testing and is annoyed when he is told that he is expected and the doctor reads his notes for the inquest. He tests the sample and finds that the man was drowned near the lager factory then moved to where they found him. Alfred told the Superintendent of his findings and picked up the bottle of yeast for testing as well. Alfred and Ettie get quite involved in this case as it’s not just the police involving them. There is the Fitzpatrick’s and an Irish police woman is harassing Ettie. This was a very interesting and exciting story. There was a lot going on in this story and Alfred was doing his best to protect Ettie. It has a strong storyline and includes some history in the story which may have been researched by the author for the book. It was extremely well written and you got the feeling it was set in olden times as you read the book. I got invested in the story and found it an enjoyable read. Alfred and Ettie were great characters, I truly enjoyed reading about them in this book, they make a great investigative couple.
Blurb :
Alfred and Ettie Palmer are back for another stunning standalone Victorian mystery.
Wrexham, 1884. Eight years earlier they’d been warned never again to interfere with police business. But it seems their skills are needed once more. A body deliberately drowned but left abandoned on the banks of the River Dee. A mysterious tattoo. Then two further murders, each more bizarre than the last – killings which draw them ever further into a circle of unlikely allies, eccentric suspects, old enemies, and the murky world of Fenian plots and bombings. A kidnapping. An attempted rescue among the tombstones of Chester’s Overleigh Cemetery. And a terrifying May Day climax. But why Wrexham? Why the River Dee? And have the true culprits really been identified? Another glittering mystery by award-winning author David Ebsworth.
This was quite an intriguing read with a lot of twists and turns included to make it a really good read, Alfred and Ettie Palmer are back in this story after being warned not to interfere with police business. Only this time, Superintendent Wilde goes to them asking Alfred to anaylse something for him now Alfred has branched out on his own and is running his own business as a chemist. A man has been found dead on the River Dee, deliberately drowned and left on the bank. A bottle of yeast in his pocket. The Superintendent explains the case but Alfred doesn’t seem interested. He gets a note at work telling him to let, ‘sleeping dogs lie’. He’s unsure what the note refers to. He goes to the mortuary to pick up the sample for testing and is annoyed when he is told that he is expected and the doctor reads his notes for the inquest. He tests the sample and finds that the man was drowned near the lager factory then moved to where they found him. Alfred told the Superintendent of his findings and picked up the bottle of yeast for testing as well. Alfred and Ettie get quite involved in this case as it’s not just the police involving them. There is the Fitzpatrick’s and an Irish police woman is harassing Ettie. This was a very interesting and exciting story. There was a lot going on in this story and Alfred was doing his best to protect Ettie. It has a strong storyline and includes some history in the story which may have been researched by the author for the book. It was extremely well written and you got the feeling it was set in olden times as you read the book. I got invested in the story and found it an enjoyable read. Alfred and Ettie were great characters, I truly enjoyed reading about them in this book, they make a great investigative couple.
Blurb :
Alfred and Ettie Palmer are back for another stunning standalone Victorian mystery.
Wrexham, 1884. Eight years earlier they’d been warned never again to interfere with police business. But it seems their skills are needed once more. A body deliberately drowned but left abandoned on the banks of the River Dee. A mysterious tattoo. Then two further murders, each more bizarre than the last – killings which draw them ever further into a circle of unlikely allies, eccentric suspects, old enemies, and the murky world of Fenian plots and bombings. A kidnapping. An attempted rescue among the tombstones of Chester’s Overleigh Cemetery. And a terrifying May Day climax. But why Wrexham? Why the River Dee? And have the true culprits really been identified? Another glittering mystery by award-winning author David Ebsworth.
November 18, 2024
Death Along the Dee by David Ebsworth
It's been eight years since the exploits and daring-do finale of Ettie and Alfred along the Menai Straits in the first of the author's tales set in his adopted home town of Wrexham.
We are quickly re-acquainted with the sleuthing couple who find themselves at somewhat of a crossroads, having recently endured the tragic loss of a baby. This event has understandably caused Ettie to retreat into her deeply felt beliefs that are diametrically opposed to the rational and scientific mind of Alfred. This, with the need to balance Alfred’s precarious income from his passions of investigating and writing with the more sustainable practice of chemistry, add a level of domestic tension and authenticity that grounds the story throughout.
However, it is not long before the figure of the police superintendent Wilde, appears on the scene and we are borne along on the swift tides of a Deeside drama involving brewing, brutal deaths, Fenian politics and Jacobite intrigues. All these place Ettie and Alfred on conflicting trajectories which threaten both their relationship and themselves.
As with all this author’s work this is both detailed and scrupulously researched. The reader enjoys an immersive journey into the latter part of the nineteenth century where ancient beliefs often collide with scientific certainties, and as ever the author touches upon the personal, historic and political through themes and events which often resonate with a strangely contemporary note for the reader.
Wrenching tension and very real jeopardy are never far away in this compelling tale whose narrative is engaging and well-paced.
A compelling read and worthy sequel to 'Blood Among the Threads'.
It's been eight years since the exploits and daring-do finale of Ettie and Alfred along the Menai Straits in the first of the author's tales set in his adopted home town of Wrexham.
We are quickly re-acquainted with the sleuthing couple who find themselves at somewhat of a crossroads, having recently endured the tragic loss of a baby. This event has understandably caused Ettie to retreat into her deeply felt beliefs that are diametrically opposed to the rational and scientific mind of Alfred. This, with the need to balance Alfred’s precarious income from his passions of investigating and writing with the more sustainable practice of chemistry, add a level of domestic tension and authenticity that grounds the story throughout.
However, it is not long before the figure of the police superintendent Wilde, appears on the scene and we are borne along on the swift tides of a Deeside drama involving brewing, brutal deaths, Fenian politics and Jacobite intrigues. All these place Ettie and Alfred on conflicting trajectories which threaten both their relationship and themselves.
As with all this author’s work this is both detailed and scrupulously researched. The reader enjoys an immersive journey into the latter part of the nineteenth century where ancient beliefs often collide with scientific certainties, and as ever the author touches upon the personal, historic and political through themes and events which often resonate with a strangely contemporary note for the reader.
Wrenching tension and very real jeopardy are never far away in this compelling tale whose narrative is engaging and well-paced.
A compelling read and worthy sequel to 'Blood Among the Threads'.
December 16, 2024
This is a beautifully written and intriguing story, packed full of historical facts. I hadn’t read the previous book, so, at times, was slightly more about the two characters and their past involvement with the police. The novel is written very much in the style of the early 20th century, when it is set. The language, not just of the dialogues, but also of the general prose, is highly evocative, with a slightly stylised, more formal tone than modern writing. This is very effective, and really takes you back to former times. I loved the equal and very loving relationship between the two main protagonists, Ettie and Neo. We are used to reading about women of this era being marginalised, so this was a refreshing change. Their mutual love and respect, which drives both of them to take unusual risks in order to protect each other, is extremely moving. Wrexham itself is vividly depicted, evoking the sights, smells and sounds of this amazing town and its wonderful, welcoming people. I was particularly fascinated by the inclusion of the rising popularity of bicycles for women. I had not been aware of the importance of bicycles in the suffragette movement and the freedom it gave to women. Indeed, the novel if full of gems that make me want to shout out, wow, I didn’t know that. This really is a fascinating read, meticulously researched and executed. As a Wrexham resident for over 50 years I feel very privileged to have read this impressive book. Now I am just keeping my fingers crossed that this review doesn’t disappear as my previous two attempts have! A highly recommended read.
November 1, 2024
The second book in the author´s Victorian murder mysteries in Wrexham and featuring the real life Alfred Neobard Palmer known as Neo to his friends and his wife Ettie.
1884 and the couple now married are living in Wrexham where Neo has set up his own business as an independent analytical chemist and published author. A dead body found on the banks of the River Dee lead the police to approach Palmer for his professional opinion. Having been warned eight years before not to become involved in police business again he is reluctant to do so. However, a strange note piques his curiosity and suddenly the couple are drawn in a race against time to foil a deadly plot even though following separate paths.
Further murders and mayhem on the streets and countryside of Wrexham follow. Old enemies reappear as unlikely allies, a Gentlemens Dining Club with sympathies to a bygone royal household and an Irish Brotherhood known as The Fenians dedicated to the establishment of an independent Irish Republic. Who is he the mysterious American with eyes for Ettie or the sinister women and her accomplice threatening her?
David Ebsworth, with his usual eye for detail and ability to weave together fiction and historical truth, captures the period perfectly. I thoroughly recommend this his latest book to both fans of the author and those interested in Victorian yarns.
Can be read standalone or as a sequel to Blood Among The Threads.
1884 and the couple now married are living in Wrexham where Neo has set up his own business as an independent analytical chemist and published author. A dead body found on the banks of the River Dee lead the police to approach Palmer for his professional opinion. Having been warned eight years before not to become involved in police business again he is reluctant to do so. However, a strange note piques his curiosity and suddenly the couple are drawn in a race against time to foil a deadly plot even though following separate paths.
Further murders and mayhem on the streets and countryside of Wrexham follow. Old enemies reappear as unlikely allies, a Gentlemens Dining Club with sympathies to a bygone royal household and an Irish Brotherhood known as The Fenians dedicated to the establishment of an independent Irish Republic. Who is he the mysterious American with eyes for Ettie or the sinister women and her accomplice threatening her?
David Ebsworth, with his usual eye for detail and ability to weave together fiction and historical truth, captures the period perfectly. I thoroughly recommend this his latest book to both fans of the author and those interested in Victorian yarns.
Can be read standalone or as a sequel to Blood Among The Threads.
December 3, 2024
Death along the Dee is an atmospheric murder mystery set in Victorian Wrexham and Chester.
I live in Northwest England, not too far from Chester, so we visit there a few times a year, so are quite familiar with the beautiful City. Not too familiar with Wrexham, but have visited a few times, so knowing the areas is what first attracted me to this read, along with being a big fan of murder mysteries, especially one's set in Victorian times, one of my favourite periods of history.
I must admit, I haven't read the first book with these characters, Blood Among the Threads, but Death along the Dee works perfectly fine as a standalone, so not reading the first book didn't matter.
In his day job, our main character, Alfred, is an analytical chemist, but he's also a keen sleuth and together with his wife, Ettie, they set out to solve perplexing, mysterious murders, one a river drowning, and a further two strange killings.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, I enjoyed this read. It's full of great, well researched historical details. As you read along, the story explores the brewing industry, the temperance movement and religious aspects, all written in an expansive, believable way.
It's a read with an incredibly strong sense of time and place and will transport you to those murky Victorian streets in this immersive, intriguing tale.
I read this over three, wintery evenings
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
I live in Northwest England, not too far from Chester, so we visit there a few times a year, so are quite familiar with the beautiful City. Not too familiar with Wrexham, but have visited a few times, so knowing the areas is what first attracted me to this read, along with being a big fan of murder mysteries, especially one's set in Victorian times, one of my favourite periods of history.
I must admit, I haven't read the first book with these characters, Blood Among the Threads, but Death along the Dee works perfectly fine as a standalone, so not reading the first book didn't matter.
In his day job, our main character, Alfred, is an analytical chemist, but he's also a keen sleuth and together with his wife, Ettie, they set out to solve perplexing, mysterious murders, one a river drowning, and a further two strange killings.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up to find out.
So all in all, I enjoyed this read. It's full of great, well researched historical details. As you read along, the story explores the brewing industry, the temperance movement and religious aspects, all written in an expansive, believable way.
It's a read with an incredibly strong sense of time and place and will transport you to those murky Victorian streets in this immersive, intriguing tale.
I read this over three, wintery evenings
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
January 11, 2025
As both the Palmers and I were both intrigued by what was shared on the first case.
We just had to investigate, did we not?
A body has been found along the Dee. With a bottle of yeast in the pocket.
See? I know you want to.😄
Oh, how I enjoy historical novels. This was not considered as an impertinence at all. (I just had to use that word in a sentence.)😂
I was drawn right in, and the language kept me in 1884 as everything went on.
In order to get anywhere on this case, they also need to look back. I found the history part interesting as well, even though this is fiction. Even better with myths mixed in. I must admit I do not know much about those here in the UK yet.
It is funny as well, especially the beginning, as we are getting to know our characters. Less so when danger lures around almost every corner. Or bend.
I quite like the Palmers.
I like that they seem attentive to each other’s, shall I say energy? Feel that something is wrong. Needs, perhaps?
This is another one of those books I almost couldn't put down.
Who is Hachet-face? (Yes, really!)
Who will be kidnapped?
Who survives?
And will they be able to solve the murder?
We just had to investigate, did we not?
A body has been found along the Dee. With a bottle of yeast in the pocket.
See? I know you want to.😄
Oh, how I enjoy historical novels. This was not considered as an impertinence at all. (I just had to use that word in a sentence.)😂
I was drawn right in, and the language kept me in 1884 as everything went on.
In order to get anywhere on this case, they also need to look back. I found the history part interesting as well, even though this is fiction. Even better with myths mixed in. I must admit I do not know much about those here in the UK yet.
It is funny as well, especially the beginning, as we are getting to know our characters. Less so when danger lures around almost every corner. Or bend.
I quite like the Palmers.
I like that they seem attentive to each other’s, shall I say energy? Feel that something is wrong. Needs, perhaps?
This is another one of those books I almost couldn't put down.
Who is Hachet-face? (Yes, really!)
Who will be kidnapped?
Who survives?
And will they be able to solve the murder?
December 8, 2024
#adpr #lbttours #historical fiction
Thank you, @ebsworthauthor and @lovebookstours, for having me on this tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
It's the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone, I did feel that it was a slow read it took me a few chapter til I felt gripped to the story but I did enjoy reading it, I'm not much of a historical fiction reader iv only read a couple of historical fiction books l. It's a good mystery l, this is my first book of david ebsworth, not quite what I was expecting. I would have liked it a bit more full-on within the mystery bit thrillering but I recommend reading it
Thank you, @ebsworthauthor and @lovebookstours, for having me on this tour and for my gifted copy of the book.
It's the second book in the series but it can be read as a standalone, I did feel that it was a slow read it took me a few chapter til I felt gripped to the story but I did enjoy reading it, I'm not much of a historical fiction reader iv only read a couple of historical fiction books l. It's a good mystery l, this is my first book of david ebsworth, not quite what I was expecting. I would have liked it a bit more full-on within the mystery bit thrillering but I recommend reading it
November 1, 2024
Unusual murder story set in Victorian Wrexham, North Wales. Alfred Neobard Palmer, is an analytical chemist, and a keen Wrexham football fan. He's also the town's very own Sherlock Holmes. Together with his delightful young wife Ettie, he tackles dark perplexing deaths, perhaps connected to the town's newly founded Lager Brewery. Other themes include the tragic loss of a baby, Irish nationalism and what it means to belong to a place. Very well written, with an exceptionally strong sense of time and place. Highly recommended.
December 23, 2024
If you're into crime mysteries or local history you won't be disappointed. I thoroughly enjoyed this sequel to Blood among the threads.
I appreciated the depth of research into the history and geography of the area. The crime was a great victorian setting.
I did get a little lost sometimes as there were quite a few characters to keep track of. I suppose I tried to pay more attention to the detail because of the history.
I appreciated the depth of research into the history and geography of the area. The crime was a great victorian setting.
I did get a little lost sometimes as there were quite a few characters to keep track of. I suppose I tried to pay more attention to the detail because of the history.
January 24, 2025
A fantastic sequel to ‘Blood among the threads’. Ettie and Alfred Palmer are back and continue to develop into characters you want to follow on their journey. Set in 1884 in Wrexham and also venturing across the border in to Chester. Death along the Dee is a Victorian mystery that has many threads and intriguing historical references from brewing to biking. A gripping read which is hard to put down. A definite recommendation from me!
December 5, 2024
Excellent, almost cosy mystery tipe, book. Atmospheric, twisty and turny.
It was one of those books you can not put down, and ,so, I turned pages as fast as I could. And enjoyed it from start to the very last page. The epilogue was a little bit emotional.
The setting was lovely, and I liked the plot.
Overall, it was a very interesting read, and I highly recommend this book.
It was one of those books you can not put down, and ,so, I turned pages as fast as I could. And enjoyed it from start to the very last page. The epilogue was a little bit emotional.
The setting was lovely, and I liked the plot.
Overall, it was a very interesting read, and I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews