★★★★★ “Another fabulous installment of the Inspector Graham series.”
Secrets don’t stay buried forever . . . Sometimes, they return with a vengeance.
When a gruesome discovery is uncovered in the attic of the White House Inn, Detective Inspector Graham and his team are thrust into a mystery four decades in the making. As they are propelled into a labyrinth of secrets, power, and deceit, the investigation probes painstakingly into the affairs of the past.
A trail of false leads, red herrings, and hidden identities emerge, pointing to a sinister web of lies involving exploitation, betrayal, and haunting cover-ups. But every lead only serves to obscure the truth further. What happened at the White House Inn all those years ago?
As old family ties and forgotten connections come to light, Graham finds himself in a race against time. Yet just when they think they have the answers, another mysterious discovery throws everything into question. Amidst it all, Janice's wedding approaches.
As the truth inches closer and personal and professional worlds collide, loyalties are tested, and shocking confessions leave questions. Who was the victim? And why did he have to die?
For fans of gripping and tangled mysteries, The Case of the Body in the Block is a twisty journey into the darkest corners of the past. It will keep you guessing until the very last page!
"Welcome back Inspector Graham. Another superb entry in this superb series."
Praise for the Inspector David Graham mystery “Another fabulous installment of the Inspector Graham series.” “Had me guessing to the end.” “It was so fun to catch up with all the characters.”
Books in the Inspector David Graham mystery The Case of the Screaming Beauty The Case of the Hidden Flame The Case of the Fallen Hero The Case of the Broken Doll The Case of the Missing Letter The Case of the Pretty Lady The Case of the Forsaken Child The Case of Sampson's Leap The Case of the Uncommon Witness The Case of the Body in the Block
Buy your copy today because life's too short for boring books.
Alison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.
Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.
Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.
To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.
When a secret is found in the attic of the White House Inn Inspector Graham is on the case. He and his team have to comb through decades old lies and clues to find out who the murder victim is and why he was killed.
Another hit written by Alison Golden. The mystery is full of twists and turns and red-herrings. The plot keeps the story moving at a great pace and keeps the reader engaged. The characters are well-developed and complex. They have great chemistry and are relatable. A must read for the fans of the series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
I really enjoyed this book. There was so much going on with the wedding, a cold case investigation and the storm, that I stayed hooked until the very end. I never would have guessed the ending which is why Detective Inspector Graham was in charge of the case and not me. It was a good mystery with lots of twist and guessing on my part. It played out well and was very nicely wrapped up in the conclusion. I really like the characters and the fun drop in character from another series, just perfect for the roll and circumstances. The small island of Jersey still continues, at book ten, to entertain, especially as many of the locations mentioned I know well. A storm has the local hotel in desperate need of a roof repair but it is what is found in the attic that is causing the real storm. A dead body is uncover in a block of concrete, leading Detective Inspector Graham and his team to start investigating a very cold case. Who is the victim and how has he stayed hidden for forty years? Freddy the local blogger is causing trouble with talk of the Mob in Jersey and hits but as Graham and his team learn more, the more complicated it becomes. At the same time the team are preparing for Janice's wedding but with the hotel her guests were going to stay at a crime scene, will the wedding be called off? I like the narrator. He helps make the series a runaway success with not only the sound of his voice but with little gadgets to enhance the experience. A great performance and story. This book (as the whole series) is so well written and engaging that it is so easy to picture as a tv show. I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When a major storm hits Jersey, the White House Inn suffers some major damage to the roof. Constable Barnwell had offered to help survey the damage as a favor to the inn's owner, Mrs. Taylor. During the inspection, Barnwell discovered a cement block inside a red velvet couch. When a portion of the block fell away, Barnwell spotted what looked like a human finger sticking out of the concrete. Dr. Tomlinson, with the help of a friend, Professor Papadopoulos, and others is able to successfully remove the body from the concrete block. It turns out the body is quite well preserved. Now comes the task of identifying the man in the block and figuring out how and why he died. In addition to the body in the concrete, Barnwell also found a Smith & Wesson pistol in the attic.
Mrs. Taylor is horrified when she learns about the gun found in the attic and insists she knew nothing about it. She also says everything in the attic was already there when she purchased the inn. She says she has not been up there in many years and had no reason to go up there, as it was not used for anything. Inspector Graham has a lot of questions, but few initial answers. To complicate matters even more, Janis and Jack are preparing for their wedding in a week.
Who is the corpse in the concrete block? How did he die? Why wasn't the death reported when it happened in the early 1980s? Can Inspector Graham and his crew unravel the mystery? Will Janis and Jack have their wedding disrupted or will it go smoothly?
Alison Golden has another fantastic Inspector Graham mystery with this latest story. With a wealth of lies and red herrings, it is a very complex mystery to sort out. I am sure it will keep the reader engaged clear to the end.
I really loved The Body in the Block! The latest in the Inspector Graham Mystery Series is probably the best so far. It's very twisty & Agatha Christie-ish - more so than previous books in the series. Author Alison Golden has done a lot of research in forensics & police procedure, & it shows. The mystery feels very realistic (but still without graphic gore, violence, or strong language).
A storm damages the attic roof on The White House Inn, revealing a previously unknown body - encased in concrete & upolstered to look like a couch. Who was the victim, why were they killed, & who did it? The Gorey Police have very few clues to go on, but are able to slowly tease out information, leading them closer to the truth, but they also must contend with Freddie, the local gossip columnist butting in on the investigation.
On top of it all, Janice & Jack are getting married! Will the case be solved before the ceremony? Will Freddie make a mess of the case in the court of public opinion? Will Janice's meddling mother ever stop complaining?
This was a fun, fast-paced mystery that really kept me guessing. My favorite part was probably the Thai restaurant scene! I literally laughed out loud (but it also made me hungry for Thai food). Alison Golden never disappoints!
Inspector Graham is back and this case may just get the better of him and his team. Seems they have discovered a body buried in cement and left in the attic of the local inn...there for the past 40 years. How does one go about solving a cold case that is this old! Once again, we get a chance to visit the island of Jersey and the police force of Inspector Graham and his two police officers. With a staff this small, the readers get a better feel for the characters--not only who they are as people, but how they interact with each other. In this story, not only are they trying to solve a cold case, but the wedding of Janice and Jack is only days away, and last minute preparations are taking up some of Janice's time and patience. The one negative I have is I feel that Graham's character was too harsh with Freddie's nonsense...seemed to me a little out of character for Graham's normal personality, but that's just me. It certainly didn't interfere with my enjoyment of the story. And finally, I absolutely adored the little surprise near the end of the story (no spoilers!!!). Thanks to the author once again for providing a very enjoyable murder mystery and great characters to get to know. Disclosure: I am voluntarily review this book and al opinions are strictly my own.
The 10th book in this series and once again we have a wonderful addition to the series. When Jersey is hit by a wicked damaging storm, the roof of the White House Inn is heavily damaged. The inn's owner, Mrs. Taylor was happy that Constable Barnwell offered to help survey the damage as a favor. During the inspection, Barnwell discovered a crumbling cement block inside a red velvet couch. But worse, he sees a human finger sticking out of the block. After breaking up the rest of the block with some help, he discovers the body the finger is attached to as well as a gun in the attic. So now Inspector Graham and his crew has an old case to unravel. Who is the man? Why was he killed? With so many twists and turns and red herrings, we are taken to a very surprise ending you wouldn't have guessed. I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
After a severe storm blew across the island leaving the White Inn badly damaged, a discovery in the attic leads to Inspector Graham and his team investigating a several decades old mystery. With little clues to aid them they call in aid from friends and colleagues from a variety of specialties to solve the perplexing mystery.
I found this to be an exciting book. All the main characters had important roles, they experienced new technologies and techniques which gave me a bit of an education in some new things. Every new piece of information they found led to more questions until they finally found that one important bit that allowed the pieces to fit together. I enjoyed every phase of their journey. I was kept guessing along with them and was just as surprised at the outcome.
I received an ARC of this book. I share my thoughts voluntarily.
While inspecting damage from a storm. Sergeant Barnwell discovers a covered bench made of concrete with a surprise in its crumbling structure. After confirmation from the M.E., DI Graham and his team are immersed in a mystery from several decades ago. This is a relieve to Sergeant Janice Harding, as it gives her a break from her overbearing mother who is in town for Janice's wedding in just a few days.
The Case of the Body in the Block is the 10th book in the Inspector David Graham series. There are developed characters, some humor, and a good storyline.
It was nice to get to say hello from a character from a now completed series who makes an appearance towards the end of the story.
This may be my favorite Inspector Graham book yet and that is saying a lot. I love this series! This time not only are we looking forward to Janice & Jack's wedding (yet again) but we have a murder that took place in the 80s but is just being found out about (would you call that a cold case that is current?). I love the style that Alison Golden has written in this book. I love that she has included a few English isms here and there, The characters are wonderful and real. No bridezilla but a "mother of the bridezilla" and she is a piece of work. Plus if you are an Alison Golden fan and read her other series you will love the twist at the wedding. I was clapping saying yes, awesome story line Alison.
The Case Of The Body In The Block - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Having recently purchased the old White House Inn on the Channel Island of Jersey, and now preparing for the first wedding of the season, landlady Mrs Taylor suffers two major catastrophes...the second of which brings Detective Inspector Graham and the SOCO team to put the upcoming nuptials on indefinite hold...but what's going on? What else is found in the attic?
The Case Of The Body In The Block by Alison Golden is a riveting cozy, that will give you a deliciously chilly frisson down your spine this Halloween... don't be frightened, but do enjoy this spooky murder-mystery soon!
In the latest entry in the Inspector Graham series, a body is found in a concrete box in the attic of a storm damaged inn. Inspector Graham and the rest of the constabulary must identify the victim and determine cause of death. Freddie Solomon, Jersey blogger and thorn in DI Graham’s side is his usual meddlesome self and everything is trying to be resolved in time for Janice and Jack’s wedding. This story has many twists and turns and a few comedic scenes that makes it a fast and enjoyable read. I love this series and its well developed characters and brilliant descriptions of the island of Jersey. I look forward to the next entry in this series.
Audiobook: I enjoyed book ten a lot. I was amazed at the complexity of the mystery, and all the red herrings which kept my attention riveted on the story. I wondered how losing one of the constabulary's members would affect the others, but Inspector Graham and his team members handled this cold case with their usual proficiency, and their determination to discover the truth behind the mystery. I was entertained by Matt Jamie's narration and his performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I was given a copy of the audiobook. I volunteered, without financial gain, to post this review which reflected my honest opinions regarding this audiobook.
This is a good addition to the Inspector Graham series. Looking back to investigate a body that’s been hidden for 40 years, this story is a bit different. So much goes into these books and it’s evident that the author has done an excellent job with research. I love how these books build on each other. This particular book also includes an unexpected turn. The British spellings are an added plus to give the reader even more of a sense of location. Characterization, as always in Ms. Golden’s books, is so well done. Recommended.
Final preparations for Sergeant Harding’s wedding and a huge storm which attacks the White House Inn provide the background for Inspector Graham and his team as they strive to uncover the mystery behind the Body in the Block. Alison Golden always creates an intriguing cast of characters with a mystery surrounding them. Again, blogger Freddie Solomon gets in the middle of the action. Librarian Laura, Constable Barnwell, Marcus Tomlinson and his new assistant Fiona all assist Inspector Graham to look back 40 years to solve the murder.
WOW! Just WOW! “The Case of the Body in the Block” truly deserves the appellation ‘The Latest and Greatest’! The twists in this latest installment in the Inspector Graham series will keep you on your toes. The lives and personal relationships of the characters continue to evolve as the Jersey Island Police Force “digs” into this very cold case. And keep an eye open for a fun surprise visitor! You’re going to love it!
I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Just finished the body in the block inspector graham series, absolutely loved it, great story, flows really well and I love the way the characters develop, without being stuck like a Broken record, inspector Graham is smart, he’s been through some awful and heartbreaking stuff but still,is able to survive and thrive. Love his support acts and the way they develop with him, his staff thrive and grow, with his support. Can’t wait for the next one, I have chosen to purchase all the books as I quite often love to read-read them, I’m a bit of a horder when it comes to books.
This is a cold case that will keep you guessing. There are plenty of twists and turns. After a big storm, a body was found in the attic of a hotel. It was encased in cement. From all they can tell, it has been there many years. There are few clues and as DI Graham asks questions, he just gets more questions. The body was in remarkable condition, but there are still few clues as to who the person was. Good mystery.
What more could you ask for in a mystery. It includes delightful characters, an intriguing plot, returning characters, a mother-in-law-zilla and a special wedding surprise for all Alison Golden fans. This Inspector Graham mystery involves many new forensic techniques that we’ve never seen before. Can they solve a 40 year old case? Will catching the bouquet really make a special character the next bride? I can’t wait for the next edition.
I have loved every book in this series but this is the best one yet. Detective Inspector Graham and his team are challenged by a very old murder that comes to light in the White House Inn. The investigation becomes an intricate and delightfully fun set of puzzles that drew me through the book. And I loved following the new adventures of the characters as their lives continue to unfold. Each book is like a visit to a favourite place to catch up with dear friends.
Every book in the Inspector Graham series gets better than the one before. This was a fantastic read!
A body discovered in the attic of a hotel after a storm. It has been there for decades. This poses quite a challenge for the Inspector and his team. There are some fantastic twists and turns before they are able to get to the bottom of it. Combine this with some well developed characters, and you have a page turning cozy mystery that is very hard to put down.
This series has captivated me from the first book and as it usually is, each book gets better. The characters are so well developed that I feel they are friends and they work so well together to solve crimes. Lots of mysteries in this book and twists and turns to keep you guessing. I was delighted with the surprise character who showed up at the end and was glad to see how everything wrapped up so nicely. Just love these books! Outstanding mystery!
Wow! Ms. Golden has written another complicated and intriguing mystery for Detective Inspector Graham. From the first chapter when Barnwell discovers the "secret in the attic" until the final reveal, I was completely wrapped up in the story. A 40-year-old cold case with no suspects, twists and turns, dodgy informants and the added stress of Freddy muddling up the investigation (as usual) kept me turning the pages.
This book is a great addition to the series. It was interesting watching the police trying to solve a 40-year-old murder. There were so many twists and turns that just when I thought I had things figured out, something new popped up. I wasn't really surprised by the ending because I knew that character was somehow involved in the case. I loved the cameo near the end of the book. I like the way everything was fully explained in the final chapter. I look forward to the next book in the series.
A complex cold case, for Inspector Graham, which consumes the constabulary and a chunk of the Jersey community. Spanning decades and many families, can Inspector Graham unravel this web of lies, deceit and deception, before a significant event for his team and the island? Or will there be a travesty of justice and dreams...
I thoroughly enjoyed this tenth instalment of the Inspector Graham mysteries and highly recommend this book / series
I've read all of Alison Golden's books. Inspector Graham is my favorite series. In this particular book we get to see all of the characters become much more personable and real. And, what a different plot - a body in a block in an attic. Hmmm ... Anyway, you will have fun reading this mystery and all the drama that occurs during the story. Did I mention the wedding? Great book for a bit of holiday respite. Enjoy!
I always enjoy Alison Graham's books, and the Inspector Graham series are my favourite books in her catalogue. This latest one didn't disappoint, either!
This time it's an old case, as post-hurricane damage turns up a body that's been hidden for 40 years - and as the investigation progresses many old secrets come to light that some would prefer stayed hidden.
Each one of this series takes on a big issue. This one is criminal gangs, with, of course, drug connections. It’s clever, maybe far-fetched, but I was prepared to believe, which demonstrates the writing skill. I’m still immersed in this community and want to know how they are getting on. I have a slight discomfort with Freddie’s transformation. It’s possible, but a bit swift. By the end he writes almost as well as the author!
After a storm a body is found hidden in the attic of the White House Inn and it's been hidden for over forty years. Chasing clue after clue and getting no where as each is a dead end Inspector Graham finally gets to the truth, although that truth puts Janice's wedding ceremony in jeopardy...enter a surprise... (Thanks to the author for an advance copy)