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Slim Hardy Mysteries #7
When the Wind Blows: The Slim Hardy Mysteries, Book 7
The New Slim Hardy Mystery
Traumatized by a recent case, private investigator John “Slim” Hardy tries to create a new life for himself on the remote Cornish coast. However, when he is recognized by a local woman, he is unable to resist the draw of a dark mystery which has left a long shadow over the village.
Fourteen years earlier, a local man, Richard Maynard, died in mysterious circumstances. The only witness was his five-year-old daughter, Ellen. Now, Richard’s sister, Wendy, wants answers. But the only person who might have them is Ellen, now a wraith haunting the dark recesses of a nearby town.
Was Richard murdered? And if so, by whom?
And does Ellen have the answers? Or only more questions?
When the Wind Blows is a dark mystery of small town lies and deceit, and secrets that remain buried until the last chapterr from Jack Benton, the acclaimed author of The Man By the Sea and The Clockmaker’s Secret.
Traumatized by a recent case, private investigator John “Slim” Hardy tries to create a new life for himself on the remote Cornish coast. However, when he is recognized by a local woman, he is unable to resist the draw of a dark mystery which has left a long shadow over the village.
Fourteen years earlier, a local man, Richard Maynard, died in mysterious circumstances. The only witness was his five-year-old daughter, Ellen. Now, Richard’s sister, Wendy, wants answers. But the only person who might have them is Ellen, now a wraith haunting the dark recesses of a nearby town.
Was Richard murdered? And if so, by whom?
And does Ellen have the answers? Or only more questions?
When the Wind Blows is a dark mystery of small town lies and deceit, and secrets that remain buried until the last chapterr from Jack Benton, the acclaimed author of The Man By the Sea and The Clockmaker’s Secret.
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First published July 3, 2022
265 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jack Benton
48 books90 followersJack Benton is the mystery writing pen name of British science fiction writer Chris Ward.
Chris Ward is a native of Cornwall, England, but currently lives and works in Nagano, Japan. He is the author of multiple series across several speculative genres, as well as writing under pen names in several more.
He spends his time, snowboarding, writing, playing guitar in his rock band, Steampunk Unicorn (www.reverbnation/steampunkunicorn), and generally having too much to say about just about everything.
For more information, please visit www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.net/tok...
Chris Ward is a native of Cornwall, England, but currently lives and works in Nagano, Japan. He is the author of multiple series across several speculative genres, as well as writing under pen names in several more.
He spends his time, snowboarding, writing, playing guitar in his rock band, Steampunk Unicorn (www.reverbnation/steampunkunicorn), and generally having too much to say about just about everything.
For more information, please visit www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.net/tok...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 15, 2023
The plot style is all pretty much the same cookie cutter style. Spoilers ahead:
Slim is down on his luck again. He failed in his last case (which is between books 6 and 7) and a little girl Emma died. We aren't really told the circumstances but the book references it many times as a cause to why Slim is destitute and living in a caravan in a remote village (he's trying to reset his life).
One day the owner of the caravan (Wendy) comes to him and asks him to investigate the death of her brother Richard. His detective instincts kick in and can't stop until he solves the case.
As usual, his MO is to keep asking questions over and over again of everyone even remotely connected to the case. And as usual, he's helped by his three deus ex machina friends Andy, Don and Kay who supply him with information, technology and equipment without payment and on demand anytime, any place.
The pace of the plot is always slow because of Slim's MO and the plot meanders all over the place diffusely but eventually he unravels the truth (after being side tracked by giving in to his demons and getting drunk) with his relentless questioning.
I follow this series not because of the clever writing of the mystery but because of the characters and the settings. It is with a bit of relief that there's only one more book left, but I'm reading it for sure.
Slim is down on his luck again. He failed in his last case (which is between books 6 and 7) and a little girl Emma died. We aren't really told the circumstances but the book references it many times as a cause to why Slim is destitute and living in a caravan in a remote village (he's trying to reset his life).
One day the owner of the caravan (Wendy) comes to him and asks him to investigate the death of her brother Richard. His detective instincts kick in and can't stop until he solves the case.
As usual, his MO is to keep asking questions over and over again of everyone even remotely connected to the case. And as usual, he's helped by his three deus ex machina friends Andy, Don and Kay who supply him with information, technology and equipment without payment and on demand anytime, any place.
The pace of the plot is always slow because of Slim's MO and the plot meanders all over the place diffusely but eventually he unravels the truth (after being side tracked by giving in to his demons and getting drunk) with his relentless questioning.
I follow this series not because of the clever writing of the mystery but because of the characters and the settings. It is with a bit of relief that there's only one more book left, but I'm reading it for sure.
April 12, 2024
El detective "Slim" Hardy se encuentra en una desesperante situación luego de fallar en un caso y que por su culpa una niña muriera.
Esa situación lo lleva a un pueblo alejado, donde, luego de fallar en un intento de terminar con su propia vida, encuentra trabajo y alojamiento para ir continuando con su penosa existencia.
Una mujer lo reconoce de la televisión como un detective y le propone que investigue una muerte que se produjo hace muchos años.
Las pistas que comienza a seguir, por un lado lo mantienen entretenido y por otro comienza a destapar muchas situaciones del pasado de los habitantes del pueblo.
Entretenida. Dinámica.
"Dales espacio y la mayoría creará respuestas para preguntas que aún no has hecho." (178)
Esa situación lo lleva a un pueblo alejado, donde, luego de fallar en un intento de terminar con su propia vida, encuentra trabajo y alojamiento para ir continuando con su penosa existencia.
Una mujer lo reconoce de la televisión como un detective y le propone que investigue una muerte que se produjo hace muchos años.
Las pistas que comienza a seguir, por un lado lo mantienen entretenido y por otro comienza a destapar muchas situaciones del pasado de los habitantes del pueblo.
Entretenida. Dinámica.
"Dales espacio y la mayoría creará respuestas para preguntas que aún no has hecho." (178)
July 12, 2022
Slim is still hurting because of his last case when he is asked to find the truth about the death of the father of two young girls who were born and had lived his entire life in a small village by the sea. Little did he know how that case would bring profound changes in him as well. Another beautifully written story in the Slim Hardy Series that makes me look forward to reading the next one!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 16, 2022
Wow; what a thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously.
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
March 3, 2025
No ha sido una mala lectura pero tampoco trascendental. Tampoco se va a ganar un hueco entre mis thrillers favoritos pero me ha mantenido con la intriga hasta el final, sin averiguar quién era el culpable hasta las últimas páginas, aunque nunca soy buena descubriendo esas cosas jajaja
Aunque he llegado 'tarde' ya que este es el séptimo libro de una saga y no he leído ni escuchado hablar sobre los anteriores, se ha entendido bien toda la historia y se puede leer de manera independiente sin problema. Slim Hardy es un investigador atormentado a unos niveles superiores pero que aún así no se rinde y la curiosidad le puede, probablemente me sentiría identificada con él en ese aspecto.
No sé si ha sido cosa de la traducción o del libro en sí pero había partes que no llegaban a entenderse del todo bien, y también varias faltas y fallos de ortografía y maquetación, pero ha sido una lectura fácil de seguir y, en general, entretenida.
Aunque he llegado 'tarde' ya que este es el séptimo libro de una saga y no he leído ni escuchado hablar sobre los anteriores, se ha entendido bien toda la historia y se puede leer de manera independiente sin problema. Slim Hardy es un investigador atormentado a unos niveles superiores pero que aún así no se rinde y la curiosidad le puede, probablemente me sentiría identificada con él en ese aspecto.
No sé si ha sido cosa de la traducción o del libro en sí pero había partes que no llegaban a entenderse del todo bien, y también varias faltas y fallos de ortografía y maquetación, pero ha sido una lectura fácil de seguir y, en general, entretenida.
October 26, 2022
Captivating – Unlike any other!
Another example of Jack Benton’s (aka: Chris Ward) excellence in writing. This entire series creates such an enticing atmosphere with descriptive detail and intriguing characters. Slim Hardy, a struggling alcoholic with a tormented soul, thrives on solving mysteries despite his effort to avoid them. Having suffered the loss of a young girl on a recent case, he cannot help himself from reaching out to save another. This story has complexity and suspense that draws you in, unexpected twists and a self-taunted investigator who is often endearing and challenging to get to know - except for the reader who is privileged to learn what is on his mind. I’ve been taken with the plight of Slim Hardy from book one and the unusual mysteries he gets caught up in – good reading! …I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Another example of Jack Benton’s (aka: Chris Ward) excellence in writing. This entire series creates such an enticing atmosphere with descriptive detail and intriguing characters. Slim Hardy, a struggling alcoholic with a tormented soul, thrives on solving mysteries despite his effort to avoid them. Having suffered the loss of a young girl on a recent case, he cannot help himself from reaching out to save another. This story has complexity and suspense that draws you in, unexpected twists and a self-taunted investigator who is often endearing and challenging to get to know - except for the reader who is privileged to learn what is on his mind. I’ve been taken with the plight of Slim Hardy from book one and the unusual mysteries he gets caught up in – good reading! …I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
July 25, 2024
Encontré este libro gratis en Amazon, después de leer Perdida, seguía teniendo ganas de leer un thriller, encontré este con una sinopsis y una portada bastante interesantes. La verdad no le tenía nada de fe porque libro gratis, pero me sorprendió para bien.
Aunque es el libro 7 de una saga, la historia es independiente, lo que tiene continuidad es el desarrollo del protagonista, pero la verdad es que no me interesa demasiado.
Los capítulos son muy cortitos, al principio me molestaba bastante porque hay cortes donde no eran necesarios, pero bueno, me acostumbré.
La verdad que es un libro muy entretenido, avanza rápido y te mantiene enganchada. Me pareció muy divertido que esté ambientado en un pueblito, porque como dice el dicho "pueblo chico, infierno grande".
Aunque es el libro 7 de una saga, la historia es independiente, lo que tiene continuidad es el desarrollo del protagonista, pero la verdad es que no me interesa demasiado.
Los capítulos son muy cortitos, al principio me molestaba bastante porque hay cortes donde no eran necesarios, pero bueno, me acostumbré.
La verdad que es un libro muy entretenido, avanza rápido y te mantiene enganchada. Me pareció muy divertido que esté ambientado en un pueblito, porque como dice el dicho "pueblo chico, infierno grande".
November 1, 2022
Slim is back but he is at his lowest point yet. I’m still not sure who “Emma” was but it seems he was totally wrong in his last investigation and she died so he is feeling even more worthless than usual and is on the cliff top with one thing in mind. It doesn’t work out and he finds himself in a cafe. Here he finds a saviour who directs him to a place to live and a possible job. I so love the Slim Hardy series. There seems to be no hope for him but somehow he pulls it all out of the bag in the end. Looking forward to next book.
January 22, 2024
Historia pausada, sin grandes dosis de acción ni impactantes giros de trama.
A pesar de que hay crímenes que resolver, lo que nos encontramos van a ser más relaciones humanas, personajes marcados por su pasado y sus errores y secretos de la vida diaria de un pequeño pueblo. La historia está bien y es creíble, aunque no ha terminado de engancharme. Aun así, la historia se sigue bien y es autoconclusiva.
A pesar de que hay crímenes que resolver, lo que nos encontramos van a ser más relaciones humanas, personajes marcados por su pasado y sus errores y secretos de la vida diaria de un pequeño pueblo. La historia está bien y es creíble, aunque no ha terminado de engancharme. Aun así, la historia se sigue bien y es autoconclusiva.
July 11, 2022
Jack Benton aka Chris Ward has written another excellent novel ... Slim Hardy Book 7. Once again, our alcoholic detective is battling the booze and trying to solve a 14-year-old mysterious death. Plenty of twists and turns that lead you to a surprise ending. Brilliantly written and well worth five stars.
March 11, 2024
Es el primer libro que leo de el y no sentí que me estaba atrapando el libro, aún así seguí leyendo porque queria saber que le pasó al señor, aún así ya después de la mitad del libro ya comencé a agarrarle el hilo y queria saber, nunca me imaginé ese giro tan raro y quien era el cumpable de tooodo!!!
January 31, 2025
>3.5 estrellas<
Un misterio un poco enredado, pues parece existir mucha información por analizar sin llegar a ninguna conclusión. Esta situación hizo que llegara a hartarme un poco, sin embargo todo cobró sentido y el desenlace fue totalmente diferente a lo que yo creí que sería. Puedo decir que terminó siendo de mi agrado, y podría leer otros libros de este autor.
Un misterio un poco enredado, pues parece existir mucha información por analizar sin llegar a ninguna conclusión. Esta situación hizo que llegara a hartarme un poco, sin embargo todo cobró sentido y el desenlace fue totalmente diferente a lo que yo creí que sería. Puedo decir que terminó siendo de mi agrado, y podría leer otros libros de este autor.
December 19, 2025
Very interesting mystery
The author weaves an intriguing tale around an ordinary little village, with interesting characters, sweeping landscapes and plenty of twists and turns. The first of the series, and quite out of order, that i have read, but it read well as a standalone and warrants further reading of this author!
The author weaves an intriguing tale around an ordinary little village, with interesting characters, sweeping landscapes and plenty of twists and turns. The first of the series, and quite out of order, that i have read, but it read well as a standalone and warrants further reading of this author!
August 18, 2022
An interesting tale, well written, with excellent descriptions of the countryside. I like the way Jack Benton involves you in his wandering as he takes each step up an incline or a swift fall down a slope. I love being in the English countryside with Slim.
February 16, 2024
Es el primer libro que leo del autor. Me agrada que el personaje de Slim sea tan humano, con más fallas que aciertos, lo que te da una sensación de que es un héroe que ha caído en desgracia y que busca reparar el daño causado en el caso anterior.
March 22, 2024
A slightly different start to the others in the series, but as unusual and original as all in this series.
I do enjoy the areas these books are set in, as I think the west country ones are quite unusual for this genre.
I do enjoy the areas these books are set in, as I think the west country ones are quite unusual for this genre.
December 19, 2024
Great Book!!
I’ve read and enjoyed every Slim Hardy book so far. But, I have to say this one is my absolute favorite. I think each one has gotten better than the one before. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
I’ve read and enjoyed every Slim Hardy book so far. But, I have to say this one is my absolute favorite. I think each one has gotten better than the one before. Can’t wait to read the next one in the series.
November 11, 2025
hanging thought suicide is murder
A retired drunk detective works through the evidence and the village population to find who committed the murder and why. Many secrets and problems needed to be solved.
A retired drunk detective works through the evidence and the village population to find who committed the murder and why. Many secrets and problems needed to be solved.
November 23, 2025
A different take on the detective genre
Plenty of novels deal with the maverick detective but Slim Hardy is a refreshing change. A mysterious background is only partially revealed, so plenty of scope for a series of tales yet. All in all an enjoyable read and a pacy plot.
Plenty of novels deal with the maverick detective but Slim Hardy is a refreshing change. A mysterious background is only partially revealed, so plenty of scope for a series of tales yet. All in all an enjoyable read and a pacy plot.
November 29, 2025
Es una novela entretenida. El investigador es bastante creíble en cuanto a sus problemas y sus actitudes vitales. El autor mantiene el interés por la trama. Y tiene un buen final. Ayuda a pasar el rato.
October 17, 2022
Amazing story.
This man knows how to write wonderful stories. I highly recommend all of his books. I can't wait for the next book.
This man knows how to write wonderful stories. I highly recommend all of his books. I can't wait for the next book.
April 29, 2023
When the wind blows
I really enjoyed this book based on Cornwall. A good story and I couldn't guess the end, which is always a good thing !!
I really enjoyed this book based on Cornwall. A good story and I couldn't guess the end, which is always a good thing !!
February 28, 2024
Simplemente increíble, el libro es muy adictivo, lleno de misterios y traiciones, al final dando una vuelta inesperada que te deja con la mandíbula en el suelo, demostrando que muchas personas no son lo que aparentan.
June 27, 2024
esto no puede tener 4.11, ustedes me tienen que pedir perdón a mi
July 28, 2024
2.5 stars
January 11, 2025
Novela entretenida para pasar el rato durante un viaje, por ejemplo.
Los capítulos son muy cortos. La historia principal es sencilla. Y los personajes no están muy desarrollados.
En resumen, pasable.
Los capítulos son muy cortos. La historia principal es sencilla. Y los personajes no están muy desarrollados.
En resumen, pasable.
May 16, 2025
entretenido. Es predecible el final. Sabes casi desde el principio quien iba a ser el asesino.
July 6, 2025
Slim does it again
Another great Slim mystery. Took a while to get going but once it did, it was a joy to read.
Another great Slim mystery. Took a while to get going but once it did, it was a joy to read.
August 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book.
November 8, 2025
I enjoyed this read, thanks again Bookbub. Slim works his way gradually through the case and solves it, not the result he expected but it is done. Nice descriptive writing and deduction process plus he made a few friends along the way.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews