The Complete Detective Proby Series

Inspector Proby #1-5

by John Gano

Detective Inspector Jim Proby isn’t your average sort of copper. He often appears dishevelled, shambling into the station in striped pyjamas. But don’t let that fool you. Behind his ruffled appearance is a keen investigative mind and the police’s secret weapon for solving the most baffling cases. New-fangled technology sometimes has him flummoxed but no matter how complex the case, Proby stays calm and focused, always thinking several steps ahead to outwit any criminal. If only he could keep such a tight handle on his personal life.

Five absorbing mysteries featuring a unique lead detective, multiple twists and turns, and hours of entertainment!

Set in the depths of the English countryside, Hampton is a quaint town where there is no shortage of crime for Proby to sink his teeth into. The town is caught between the old and the new. A close-knit community where everyone seems to know everyone’s business. But Hampton has a charm that lingers, making it both a haven and a trap for its residents.

BOOK 1: INSPECTOR PROBY’S CHRISTMAS
BOOK 2: INSPECTOR PROBY IN COURT
BOOK 3: INSPECTOR PROBY’S WEEKEND
BOOK 4: INSPECTOR PROBY GOES BACK
BOOK 5: INSPECTOR PROBY IN CHURCH

849 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2024

Reviews

[Ted A Faucher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some writers choice of prose flows through my mind. Other writers choose prose that seems awkward and requires rereading sentences or paragraphs. This set of books is not a bad set but it did not flow for me. I read lots of parts over to keep up with the plot. Further, all writers use descriptions to fill in the paragraphs between plot segments. This writer uses a "nature-log" as filler. Be prepared to read lots of weather reports and multiple descriptions of flora. My third and final observation involves the writers endings. Books 1, 2, and 3 seemed to have hurried endings. After having read through 150 pages of dialogue and description, the end of the novel is introduced. Those endings seemed to me to be abrupt, as though the writer has to finish the book up and get it in the mail to his publisher. Books 4 and 5 were better for me. The writer took his time and entered his finale with adequate time and revelation. I did note that the author's writing became better for me as he gained experience. I hope he has another series I could read to give him a fair chance.

[elizabeth mcguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a different twist to these stories.

Detective Proby, leads an unconventional home life. His wife has had many lovers, not because she doesn't love him, but more because she hates that she cannot give him the type of home life she thinks he deserves. He knows about these affairs and finally confronts her.
Meantime He has a full caseload of crimes that keep him busy. They mostly concern shootings and therefore part of his crew includes a sniper. Another side to the usual crime storues.
Well thought out storylines. Unconventional characters, but believable.

[Linda Combellick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heart, Soul, and Murder

These books are so well written. The doer could be so many people, and we don't know who it is until the end when it's revealed. Personal relationships run through everything, and character growth is a main factor throughout. My only difficulties with them are the constant sadness, dreary demeanor, and dreary atmosphere. Even so, the books are so well done that I continued reading with great interest.

[Mary I · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good detective stories..hated for them to end

I could not put down my tablet, spent several nights just having to know how the stories ended. Detective Proby was always the one to solve the greatest mysteries. Some surprising twists and turns!Very good writing. I'm sure some names and phrases were slaughtered in my reading, but the stories were very entertaining.

[iainascot · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story

Good stories and well written spoiled a bit baby pages of descriptions that were not really relevant to the stories

[Becky Hanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good series. Very little profanity, which is unheard of these days. I really liked Proby and his crew. Every book in this series was different and kept me guessing.

[Michael Cordery · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm surprised there are no written reviews for the 5 book series. The books are pretty short so they are an easy read. I think the books are old e.g. 30 years. I like Proby. He is a smart cop and he's worth reading it about.