What do you think?
Rate this book
DCI Peter Hatherall Mystery #2
Bells On Her Toes
DCI Peter Hatherall is called in to investigate a shooting on the Earl of Ditchburn’s country estate. The Earl’s activities have angered animal rights and environmental groups but subsequent deaths suggest Elmsgrove Racehorse Yard is the target. There is more at stake than a horse race and time is running out for Hatherall to solve the case before the culprit kills again.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2014
349 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
September 30, 2016
Mystery Lovers! Diana J. Febry has a fabulous Giveaway going on right now!
Intl where allowed - Ends Oct 10, 2016 - click on Banner to enter!
Bells on Her Toes by Diana Febry is an English murder mystery at its best! This novel is dark and edgy, full of unexpected twists with unusual characters that all could be called suspects. It is up to DCI Peter Hatherall and DI Fiona Williams to investigate, eliminate and finally catch the culprit in the murder at a prominent Earl’s country estate. Follow the detectives as they sort the clues, discover who was killed and get to the bottom of a long string of instances, all revolving around the training of race horses and the Elmsgrove Racehorse yard.
Being a licensed trainer is the difference between a paycheck and an empty wallet. Someone is out to make sure no one has a license. When one of the possible suspects ends up dead, too, they can rule out head trainer Ben Halloway. Could this be the clue that will lead the killer? How many dead end leads will they run into until the path to justice is revealed? Was it the newly widowed and very loopy Gladys Halloway? Did she have a connection to the first victim, too or is that just a small world coincidence? Only good detective teamwork and a bit of luck will lead to the murderer…
Diana J. Febry knows her mysteries as she builds her world, brings in the players and leaves just enough unsaid that the “AHA” moment is not one easily found. Her pacing is spot on, never too fast, never dragging, as she has hit on the perfect speed to settle in and become part of the story.
If you like the feel of a gritty mystery, with a detective team that works well in both a professional and personal capacity, suspects galore in a setting that should be peaceful and serene from a glance, you’ll love getting lost in the churning tale that lies below the surface. Excellent reading!
I received this copy from Diana J. Febry in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Wings ePress
Publication Date: September 1, 2014
Genre: Crime Fiction | Murder Mystery
Print Length: 439 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Intl where allowed - Ends Oct 10, 2016 - click on Banner to enter!
Bells on Her Toes by Diana Febry is an English murder mystery at its best! This novel is dark and edgy, full of unexpected twists with unusual characters that all could be called suspects. It is up to DCI Peter Hatherall and DI Fiona Williams to investigate, eliminate and finally catch the culprit in the murder at a prominent Earl’s country estate. Follow the detectives as they sort the clues, discover who was killed and get to the bottom of a long string of instances, all revolving around the training of race horses and the Elmsgrove Racehorse yard.
Being a licensed trainer is the difference between a paycheck and an empty wallet. Someone is out to make sure no one has a license. When one of the possible suspects ends up dead, too, they can rule out head trainer Ben Halloway. Could this be the clue that will lead the killer? How many dead end leads will they run into until the path to justice is revealed? Was it the newly widowed and very loopy Gladys Halloway? Did she have a connection to the first victim, too or is that just a small world coincidence? Only good detective teamwork and a bit of luck will lead to the murderer…
Diana J. Febry knows her mysteries as she builds her world, brings in the players and leaves just enough unsaid that the “AHA” moment is not one easily found. Her pacing is spot on, never too fast, never dragging, as she has hit on the perfect speed to settle in and become part of the story.
If you like the feel of a gritty mystery, with a detective team that works well in both a professional and personal capacity, suspects galore in a setting that should be peaceful and serene from a glance, you’ll love getting lost in the churning tale that lies below the surface. Excellent reading!
I received this copy from Diana J. Febry in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Wings ePress
Publication Date: September 1, 2014
Genre: Crime Fiction | Murder Mystery
Print Length: 439 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
August 21, 2019
The rural setting serves to accentuate England's still significant hierarchy of social classes. The crime occurs on the estate of the local earl. The actual area is leased to his horse trainer, Ben Halloway, a man thoroughly disliked by anyone who has ever met him. The reader is of the same opinion after listening to the overbearing tone he takes with his semi-functional alcoholic wife Gladys.
The crime is no simple case. A man named Jake Skellett was shot and the barn where the body lay was torched. (Not to worry. No horses were in the barn!) Skellett was a used car salesman from a lower class housing development some 30 miles away. He would have had no connection to the farm and his different social status would have made him a foreigner to the rural insular villagers. A subsequent accident only deepens the mystery.
Nevertheless, the investigating officers have been ordered to wrap up the case quickly and quietly. Above all, the earl and his family are not to be bothered. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Hatherall is mired in his own personal troubles and chafes at the hobbling of his investigation and the close scrutiny of his superior, Superintendent Rogers, whom he views as overly conscious of political consequences. His young colleague, Detective Inspector Fiona Williams, is also distracted by personal concerns. She is in a relationship with her housemate and colleague, Detective Inspector Steve Jackson. Jackson is ambitious and has been emotionally distant while working his own case. He has also indicated he has extended his search for promotion to other parts of the country. In contrast to her assertive demeanor on the job, Fiona has been reluctant to press Steve about the future of their relationship. At the same time, she worries about Hatherall's increasingly surly attitude and drinking habits. Author Diana Febry skilfully employs these details to add dimension to her characters and tension to their investigation without descending into soap opera theatrics.
Appealing characters drive this book's momentum. Hatherall expresses his frustration with the case with succinct sarcasm. When Fiona shows him the file he exclaims: “ 'Wonderful....I do so love the smell of bullshit in the country air.'” (p.3) The investigation forces them to drive narrow muddy country lanes. When Hatherall is forced to bank the car blocking the door on Fiona's side her response might seem familiar to some. “Her silence confirmed she was annoyed. [Hatherall] 'Sorry about that. You could have climbed across.' [Fiona] 'It's fine, don't worry about it....' From two marriages and a teenage daughter, Peter knew from her tone that it was not fine.” (p.118)
Febry has an ear for dialogue. For Gladys, Halloway's wife, she provides rambling diary-like entries. They are a stark contrast to her annoyingly affected inebriated conversations with the police and reveal deep emotions and an unsuspected watchfulness that might be either clues or red herrings.
This was an entertaining mystery despite its flaws. I felt there were some loose ends and a few difficult to believe scenes. This is apparently the second in an ongoing series (D.C.I. Peter Hatherall Mystery Series). The characters were interesting enough to pique my curiosity about the subsequent books.
NOTES:
The crime is no simple case. A man named Jake Skellett was shot and the barn where the body lay was torched. (Not to worry. No horses were in the barn!) Skellett was a used car salesman from a lower class housing development some 30 miles away. He would have had no connection to the farm and his different social status would have made him a foreigner to the rural insular villagers. A subsequent accident only deepens the mystery.
Nevertheless, the investigating officers have been ordered to wrap up the case quickly and quietly. Above all, the earl and his family are not to be bothered. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Hatherall is mired in his own personal troubles and chafes at the hobbling of his investigation and the close scrutiny of his superior, Superintendent Rogers, whom he views as overly conscious of political consequences. His young colleague, Detective Inspector Fiona Williams, is also distracted by personal concerns. She is in a relationship with her housemate and colleague, Detective Inspector Steve Jackson. Jackson is ambitious and has been emotionally distant while working his own case. He has also indicated he has extended his search for promotion to other parts of the country. In contrast to her assertive demeanor on the job, Fiona has been reluctant to press Steve about the future of their relationship. At the same time, she worries about Hatherall's increasingly surly attitude and drinking habits. Author Diana Febry skilfully employs these details to add dimension to her characters and tension to their investigation without descending into soap opera theatrics.
Appealing characters drive this book's momentum. Hatherall expresses his frustration with the case with succinct sarcasm. When Fiona shows him the file he exclaims: “ 'Wonderful....I do so love the smell of bullshit in the country air.'” (p.3) The investigation forces them to drive narrow muddy country lanes. When Hatherall is forced to bank the car blocking the door on Fiona's side her response might seem familiar to some. “Her silence confirmed she was annoyed. [Hatherall] 'Sorry about that. You could have climbed across.' [Fiona] 'It's fine, don't worry about it....' From two marriages and a teenage daughter, Peter knew from her tone that it was not fine.” (p.118)
Febry has an ear for dialogue. For Gladys, Halloway's wife, she provides rambling diary-like entries. They are a stark contrast to her annoyingly affected inebriated conversations with the police and reveal deep emotions and an unsuspected watchfulness that might be either clues or red herrings.
This was an entertaining mystery despite its flaws. I felt there were some loose ends and a few difficult to believe scenes. This is apparently the second in an ongoing series (D.C.I. Peter Hatherall Mystery Series). The characters were interesting enough to pique my curiosity about the subsequent books.
NOTES:
August 28, 2015
I really liked this book. Good old fashioned detective murder mystery that resonated with me because I grew up on murder mystery books. In fact I think I went through a phase where they were my chief source of entertainment. Here we have a writer whose ability to draw character and develop plot is unquestioned. A tiny criticism for me was perhaps a little over complexity made me stutter a little but that aside this is an excellent read. The book opens wonderfully, not wham bam thank you mam but an excellent character introduction followed by dipping straight into the dead body in the barn (no plot spoilers) What I particularly liked here was the pace of the story. I felt comfortable getting to know the characters and I liked the two lead detectives and how they interacted with each other. I have read so much in this genre that I can safely say that Diana J..Febry knows her stuff, perhaps a student of the genre as much as a writer. My criticism in terms of complexity is only minor but I know from whence it came. I could see what the writer was trying to achieve, because all great detective novels need dead ends, diversions and red herrings. I suspect in my case it is more an anxiety to find out the answers that made me impatient .Fundamentally, this is an excellent story, well told and perhaps the best compliment I can give it is to say I have the follow up book on my Kindle and I am looking forward to getting stuck in. Sit by the fire, have a cup of tea and wallow in a lovely murder mystery. What could be better. Five stars.
November 9, 2014
Bells On Her Toes is a nicely done mystery set in a horse-racing training yard and told from the point of view of two police detectives. There are enough expected elements of the literary rural British subgenre to make it comfortable and compelling for a cozy read, but enough twists to keep it from being overly predictable. The protagonists are believable and have hints dropped to their back stories to make me go looking for other books they might have appeared in (or will appear perhaps, in subsequent works). The other characters, like most of us in real life, have strengths and foibles that lead police and reader alike to consider how much of their resentments, or economic dislocation, or emotional instability could have led to murder.
The author, Diana J. Febry, provides just enough description of horse-training yards and their training staffs for non-racing readers like me to understand the roles and economic dynamics, but never to the point of distracting from the story. All in all, a very nice read, and I’ll be adding Diana Febry to my go-to list when looking for good mysteries in a setting very different from my own.
The author, Diana J. Febry, provides just enough description of horse-training yards and their training staffs for non-racing readers like me to understand the roles and economic dynamics, but never to the point of distracting from the story. All in all, a very nice read, and I’ll be adding Diana Febry to my go-to list when looking for good mysteries in a setting very different from my own.
September 12, 2014
Another fine and satisfying mystery in the police procedural genre from the capable hands of Diana J. Febry, this one revolving around the horse racing activities in an area of England. It also involves some severely dysfunctional people and a couple of murders. Phew! What a place!
It starts with the burning barn of a man who trains and races horses for a living. But it turns out that the burning barn may have been the work of arson, and goodness me, a body is found inside the wreckage. We can be fairly certain he didn't die from the effects of the fire as he had a bullet hole in his head. Aha! First clue. And nobody knew who he was. He was not a local character.
As DCI Peter Hatherall and DI Fiona Williams begin their investigations, it would appear there could be a number of plausible suspects, and we are introduced to a cast of interesting folk who populate the area.
I really like the work of this author. Neat, tidy, nicely done.
It starts with the burning barn of a man who trains and races horses for a living. But it turns out that the burning barn may have been the work of arson, and goodness me, a body is found inside the wreckage. We can be fairly certain he didn't die from the effects of the fire as he had a bullet hole in his head. Aha! First clue. And nobody knew who he was. He was not a local character.
As DCI Peter Hatherall and DI Fiona Williams begin their investigations, it would appear there could be a number of plausible suspects, and we are introduced to a cast of interesting folk who populate the area.
I really like the work of this author. Neat, tidy, nicely done.
November 21, 2014
This is an excellent and quintessentially English murder mystery, which has echoes of the likes of Midsomer Murders and other great police dramas. Yet it is also unique with a great cast of characters including our two main investigators, Peter and Fiona, who both have personal lives in a mess and need to urgently find a killer as the body count rises.
I enjoyed the countryside setting and the mix of characters from the racing fraternity and grand estate, who were all recognisable and in the case of Gladys I thought a brilliant creation.
There is a good mystery at the hart of the story with twists and turns, and it was very late in the book before I realised who was guilty.
This is also a very well edited book with nothing to distract from the high quality of the writing.
I look forward to reading more by this author and maybe one day seeing this as a television drama!
I enjoyed the countryside setting and the mix of characters from the racing fraternity and grand estate, who were all recognisable and in the case of Gladys I thought a brilliant creation.
There is a good mystery at the hart of the story with twists and turns, and it was very late in the book before I realised who was guilty.
This is also a very well edited book with nothing to distract from the high quality of the writing.
I look forward to reading more by this author and maybe one day seeing this as a television drama!
March 6, 2020
An absolute page turner.
Wow, I couldn't put this book down; a brilliant murder mystery set in The Cotswolds within the horse racing fraternity.
A body is found in a burnt out barn on a horse farm, and this has DCI Peter Hatherall and his team heading in all directions.
So well written, this book will have the reader hooked from beginning to end.
Very highly recommended.
Wow, I couldn't put this book down; a brilliant murder mystery set in The Cotswolds within the horse racing fraternity.
A body is found in a burnt out barn on a horse farm, and this has DCI Peter Hatherall and his team heading in all directions.
So well written, this book will have the reader hooked from beginning to end.
Very highly recommended.
January 12, 2015
I have to start with the positives. This detective murder mystery had a lot of twists and I did not see the ending coming.
However, I have to admit that the range of characters and interview situations took me out of the story a lot and it wasn't until I was about half way that it picked up the pace and I had to finish it to find out what was going to happen.
Having read a lot of Agatha Christie novels in my time, I think the problem was that I did not really like either of the main characters. They had too much emotional baggage which detracted from the mystery at hand. Both Poirot and Mrs Marple had solid characters that compel you to believe they will come up with the goods against the odds. The big reveal in Christie novels is always full of surprise.
In the case of "Bells on Her Toes" the finale fizzled out, and the tying up of loose ends did not add much to the story. I personally think that the removal of some characters would tighten up this plot. A romantic angle will also keep it more exciting. The romantic side of things was pretty depressing... unhappy marriage, woes of parenthood (I can relate to this one), and unfulfilled relationships.
Even so, worth a read if you enjoy detective mysteries.
~*I obtained it for free for an honest review via Rosie's Book Review Team*~
However, I have to admit that the range of characters and interview situations took me out of the story a lot and it wasn't until I was about half way that it picked up the pace and I had to finish it to find out what was going to happen.
Having read a lot of Agatha Christie novels in my time, I think the problem was that I did not really like either of the main characters. They had too much emotional baggage which detracted from the mystery at hand. Both Poirot and Mrs Marple had solid characters that compel you to believe they will come up with the goods against the odds. The big reveal in Christie novels is always full of surprise.
In the case of "Bells on Her Toes" the finale fizzled out, and the tying up of loose ends did not add much to the story. I personally think that the removal of some characters would tighten up this plot. A romantic angle will also keep it more exciting. The romantic side of things was pretty depressing... unhappy marriage, woes of parenthood (I can relate to this one), and unfulfilled relationships.
Even so, worth a read if you enjoy detective mysteries.
~*I obtained it for free for an honest review via Rosie's Book Review Team*~
November 8, 2014
‘Bells on Her Toes’ is the latest case for DI Fiona Williams and DCI Peter Hatherall in the not-so-delightful country estate of Elmsgrove Farm. It’s a delightfully British book requiring our detective duo to deal with the mostly crazy landed gentry and their often disgruntled workers, drink endless cups of tea and sample the delights of the many local pubs.
With clues masterfully scattered throughout the text, the story whizzes along at an ever increasing pace as Williams and Hatherall attempt to tease out the truth from the lies and gossip. Febry shows herself to be a master of plot with a brilliant cast of characters and an unexpectedly high body count. Better still, I didn’t see the ending coming.
However, the best thing about this book is the relationship between the two detectives. The banter, the tension, the skilfully drawn back stories; Williams and Hatherall are complicated and interesting in their own right and I was glad the ending left the way open for more in the series.
Recommended for fans of Midsomer Murders.
With clues masterfully scattered throughout the text, the story whizzes along at an ever increasing pace as Williams and Hatherall attempt to tease out the truth from the lies and gossip. Febry shows herself to be a master of plot with a brilliant cast of characters and an unexpectedly high body count. Better still, I didn’t see the ending coming.
However, the best thing about this book is the relationship between the two detectives. The banter, the tension, the skilfully drawn back stories; Williams and Hatherall are complicated and interesting in their own right and I was glad the ending left the way open for more in the series.
Recommended for fans of Midsomer Murders.
June 22, 2015
I love this genre so expected the author to deliver good results and I wasn't disappointed. From the beginning we are introduced to the main police investigation team. We get insights into their lives, Detective Fiona Williams and DCI Peter Hatherall have a lot going on in their personal lives and it is worked well into the story. They are well drawn characters, ideal for many books to come from Diana J. Febry.
Her other characters are varied, from the commoners to the elite upstarts in the upper classes. Although the characters were great, maybe less is more. It did get a little confusing because there was a lot to concentrate on.
Febry uses sub plots to the best, they are not misleading but they do add to the mystery and the investigation in an ideal way to keep the reader guessing. The plot is well thought out and the pace is steady, which is needed for this great story.
Bells on Her Toes is well written, the narrative and dialogue can not be faulted. Set in a small village Febry has a knack of delivering the descriptive in a clear way that the reader becomes famliar with it.
Her other characters are varied, from the commoners to the elite upstarts in the upper classes. Although the characters were great, maybe less is more. It did get a little confusing because there was a lot to concentrate on.
Febry uses sub plots to the best, they are not misleading but they do add to the mystery and the investigation in an ideal way to keep the reader guessing. The plot is well thought out and the pace is steady, which is needed for this great story.
Bells on Her Toes is well written, the narrative and dialogue can not be faulted. Set in a small village Febry has a knack of delivering the descriptive in a clear way that the reader becomes famliar with it.
September 22, 2019
A really well done novel. The author obviously knows a lot about horses and horse racing. The characters are interesting, written with great attention to detail. I really would never suspected the killer among all of the characters. I never saw it coming. A great read.
August 10, 2015
Set against the murky backdrop of the world of race horse training, Diana J Febry has produced a real murder mystery and detective whodunit (and why), filled with twists and turns and lots of deliciously deceptive red herrings to keep the reader guessing and trying to fathom who the murderer is. Given the setting, it inevitably gives rise to comparison with Dick Francis, but having read both I would say this book owes more to the influence of say a modern day Agatha Christie – I could easily picture this book as one of those very English murder mysteries dramas although this is definitely more Morse than Frost. With her background and knowledge, Diana J Febry has used the horse racing and training world to give the story a character and feel all of its own but without immersing the reader too deeply in it; likewise with the investigative and police procedural elements, she has concentrated on telling a story rather than trying to impress the reader with her knowledge of the former.
The story starts off predictably enough with the discovery of dead body (with a gunshot wound) in the barn of a country estate, but others are soon to follow. As the Detective duo DCI Peter Hatherall and DC Fiona Williams start their investigations we are introduced to a wide and esoteric cast of characters. With each new character new theories arise regarding the initial murder, some more probable than others and some wildly speculative, though if I had but one small criticism in this area it would be that I think some of the theories and speculation alluded to by the locals was just a tad too off the mark and slightly out of sync with the overall feel of the story, taking it slightly into the realms of a thriller at times.
Due to the plot driven nature of murder mystery stories, I don’t want to allude to too many specific elements of the plot for fear of spoiling it any way, but what I can say is that this is a well-crafted literary jigsaw encompassing lost and past love, possibe offiicial shady goings on involving the environment, and official cover ups to name but a few, all inviting the reader to reach premature conclusions as the author sends the reader in several different directions with the different lines of enquiry.
Given the number of characters I was impressed with how well they were developed and how that development was incorporated into the overall story. The subplots were cleverly weaved into the wider story to give them relevance rather than being used simply to add extra pages. The dialogue between the two lead detectives and the rest of the characters was realistic, driving the story forward when necessary while at other times giving the reader time to pause and speculate as to which way the story is going, which for me is one of the enjoyments of reading this type of book. I also liked the fact that the relationship between the two detectives wasn’t without its problems, and I enjoyed watching how it developed with just the merest hint at a possible romance. Although this is the first of this author’s books I’ve read, I know from reading the blurbs of her other novels that this isn’t the last we’re destined to see of DCI Peter Hatherall and DI Fiona Williams I’m pleased to say. I would rate this in the region of 4.5 to 4.7, and since that’s way closer to 5 than 4, it gets a five star rating from me.
The story starts off predictably enough with the discovery of dead body (with a gunshot wound) in the barn of a country estate, but others are soon to follow. As the Detective duo DCI Peter Hatherall and DC Fiona Williams start their investigations we are introduced to a wide and esoteric cast of characters. With each new character new theories arise regarding the initial murder, some more probable than others and some wildly speculative, though if I had but one small criticism in this area it would be that I think some of the theories and speculation alluded to by the locals was just a tad too off the mark and slightly out of sync with the overall feel of the story, taking it slightly into the realms of a thriller at times.
Due to the plot driven nature of murder mystery stories, I don’t want to allude to too many specific elements of the plot for fear of spoiling it any way, but what I can say is that this is a well-crafted literary jigsaw encompassing lost and past love, possibe offiicial shady goings on involving the environment, and official cover ups to name but a few, all inviting the reader to reach premature conclusions as the author sends the reader in several different directions with the different lines of enquiry.
Given the number of characters I was impressed with how well they were developed and how that development was incorporated into the overall story. The subplots were cleverly weaved into the wider story to give them relevance rather than being used simply to add extra pages. The dialogue between the two lead detectives and the rest of the characters was realistic, driving the story forward when necessary while at other times giving the reader time to pause and speculate as to which way the story is going, which for me is one of the enjoyments of reading this type of book. I also liked the fact that the relationship between the two detectives wasn’t without its problems, and I enjoyed watching how it developed with just the merest hint at a possible romance. Although this is the first of this author’s books I’ve read, I know from reading the blurbs of her other novels that this isn’t the last we’re destined to see of DCI Peter Hatherall and DI Fiona Williams I’m pleased to say. I would rate this in the region of 4.5 to 4.7, and since that’s way closer to 5 than 4, it gets a five star rating from me.
August 5, 2015
This novel, set in rural Britain (Cotswold stone abounds) among horses and farmers, held my attention despite its sprawl. A barn fire in a horse training facility starts the police off; an insurance scam? Then a body is found in the remains of the barn. The man had been shot in the head before being left in the barn; a drug dealer's fate? A few days later the owner or manager of the facility, is found dead, drowned in a water fountain with a head injury; an untimely accident? Next, a forth-coming groom on temporary duty, gives testimony that said owner/manager was a "class one prick" and winds up on the run. She worries for good reason, chewing her nails down to the cuticles [!], and is dispatched with a pitch-fork. One or two more fatalities ensue; are these (all) related?
There are plot twists to satisfy the most demanding mystery readers although some might, as I did, feel that there is misdirection as well by the author. Neither the plot nor the language appear to be fully under control; perhaps these instances were intended to present reality as "inconsistent." Near the beginning, one finds "Five live-size bronze horses frolicked and pranced in the constant spray of water inside a massive stone base. On closer inspection, the horses appeared terrified rather than joyful [,] with ears flat back, mouths wide open [,] and wild panicky eyes..." This passage seems to foreshadow the author's perspective--reality as cognitive dissonance.
Then the reader is treated to changes of point of view or voice such as the following passage with Gladys, a major character, "Her eyes glazed over as her mind start to wander" [new para] "Now there goes an unhappy man with some serious issues weighing heavily on his soul." This reader would have appreciated a signpost or cue of some sort when the novel cuts from a narrator to the inner thoughts of a character.
None of the characters is particularly endearing. Fiona, the junior detective on this set of cases is given to doubt over her live-in boyfriend. Is he THE ONE? Is it not more honest to tell him "I don't want to spend my life without you right now, but I don't know about it in the future"? Peter, her senior colleague, is a walking wreck, consuming several double whiskeys before lunch one day and sticking to orange and lemonade the next. [Is this possible?] He is guilt-ridden over his first wife's suicide (caused by post-natal depression), his uncertain relationship with a disturbed daughter, and "the mess" he has made of his second marriage.
No doubt there is a readership for such mid-life angst.
There are plot twists to satisfy the most demanding mystery readers although some might, as I did, feel that there is misdirection as well by the author. Neither the plot nor the language appear to be fully under control; perhaps these instances were intended to present reality as "inconsistent." Near the beginning, one finds "Five live-size bronze horses frolicked and pranced in the constant spray of water inside a massive stone base. On closer inspection, the horses appeared terrified rather than joyful [,] with ears flat back, mouths wide open [,] and wild panicky eyes..." This passage seems to foreshadow the author's perspective--reality as cognitive dissonance.
Then the reader is treated to changes of point of view or voice such as the following passage with Gladys, a major character, "Her eyes glazed over as her mind start to wander" [new para] "Now there goes an unhappy man with some serious issues weighing heavily on his soul." This reader would have appreciated a signpost or cue of some sort when the novel cuts from a narrator to the inner thoughts of a character.
None of the characters is particularly endearing. Fiona, the junior detective on this set of cases is given to doubt over her live-in boyfriend. Is he THE ONE? Is it not more honest to tell him "I don't want to spend my life without you right now, but I don't know about it in the future"? Peter, her senior colleague, is a walking wreck, consuming several double whiskeys before lunch one day and sticking to orange and lemonade the next. [Is this possible?] He is guilt-ridden over his first wife's suicide (caused by post-natal depression), his uncertain relationship with a disturbed daughter, and "the mess" he has made of his second marriage.
No doubt there is a readership for such mid-life angst.
November 6, 2014
The story starts with Detective Fiona Williams in her office waiting for her partner Peter Hatterall to arrive, when her boss, Rogers, informs her there’s a case, a sensitive case they need to tend to at the Earl’s estate. A body has been found, in the burned down barn. Subplots are alluded to: “people believe they’re releasing poisonous chemicals and preparing for fracking”; animal welfare issues; corruption with licensure related to the horse industry; and a time constraint that demands pressure in resolving the case in time for the Earl hosting the international televised Horse Trials. As the various seeds of plot come to view, characters are introduced: Ben and Gladys (who likes her booze) Halloway who reside on the Earl’s estate and are in charge of the horses; mention of Peter’s daughter Amelia with an eating disorder, the staff that tends to the horses, particularly blond Sue who clandestinely meets Peter and Fiona in a pub to discuss her own subterfuge at having a job to uncover information about Ben to help a friend who has been wronged by him. By the seventh chapter the question of who is the victim looms overhead as the investigation continues. Once the victim is discovered the plot tightens up into one twist and turn, leading the reader to question everyone involved, other than the police; Fiona & Peter.
Who is Matt, violently killed years earlier but continued to factor into the story and Gladys’ reverie. His death still a cold case. Who is Jake and what’s his connection to Gladys? And to Matt? And what is Rob Liddle’s involvement with them? Who is Bert? Two dead bodies in one week and a virus spread on the same property left me unable to put the book down. And when another dead body showed up in a gruesome murder, I was left glued to the page. Mysterious planes spraying toxic chemicals, childhood connections, a mother in a nursing home, a pretty blond interfering with a marriage on the rocks, old Hollywood and stars of the past, English royalty, a suspect in custody, a missing person, a firearm found in a raised garden bed, are but a few of the hints that present around the twists and turns in this tightly written story. The intrigue continues to the last page that doesn’t disappoint. Well written, well told, this is a page-turner that will leave you wanting for more from author Diana J. Febry.
June 17, 2015
I was kindly gifted a copy of the book for review. Mysteries aren’t my usual genre so I wasn’t sure what to expect but the story was great. It has twists and turns that make you doubt your own theories and the author kept me engaged throughout the book
The story starts with a body being found in a barn fire. DCI Hatherall and DI Williams are assigned the case.
They have to put a lot of pieces together to solve this mystery and the pressure is amplified when another body turns up.
Now with the genre in question it would be quite hard to talk about the plot without spoiling it so I’d like to concentrate on a few things that stood out about the book instead
The characters, the plot and the setting come together to make a very good rural detective mystery and the development of the characters was plentiful but also subtle.
When I finished the book I couldn’t help feel that the author must have spent quite a while working on the plot in order to make the discoveries/clues/twists happen at the most appropriate time.
The other thing I liked was the relationships within the book. It made the story a bit more believable for me.. I like characters and events that aren’t perfect.. life just isn’t like that.
I really would love to see DCI Hatherall and DI Williams return. I can imagine this being a very good series of detective books.
If I could say more about the story line without giving anything away I would but honestly I really enjoyed it. The twists near the end were prefect. Nothing felt out of place or rushed.
Again I’d like to point out this is not my usual genre what so ever… I’ve definitely got the taste for mysteries now.
I’ll be adding Diana to my author alerts so I don’t miss any new books and I’m already looking into her back catalogue of books looking for my next book to review
I’m trying to think if I would change anything about this book.. and I can’t think of anything that I didn’t enjoy or that I didn’t think worked. I guess my only real comment to the author would be to please write more..
The story starts with a body being found in a barn fire. DCI Hatherall and DI Williams are assigned the case.
They have to put a lot of pieces together to solve this mystery and the pressure is amplified when another body turns up.
Now with the genre in question it would be quite hard to talk about the plot without spoiling it so I’d like to concentrate on a few things that stood out about the book instead
The characters, the plot and the setting come together to make a very good rural detective mystery and the development of the characters was plentiful but also subtle.
When I finished the book I couldn’t help feel that the author must have spent quite a while working on the plot in order to make the discoveries/clues/twists happen at the most appropriate time.
The other thing I liked was the relationships within the book. It made the story a bit more believable for me.. I like characters and events that aren’t perfect.. life just isn’t like that.
I really would love to see DCI Hatherall and DI Williams return. I can imagine this being a very good series of detective books.
If I could say more about the story line without giving anything away I would but honestly I really enjoyed it. The twists near the end were prefect. Nothing felt out of place or rushed.
Again I’d like to point out this is not my usual genre what so ever… I’ve definitely got the taste for mysteries now.
I’ll be adding Diana to my author alerts so I don’t miss any new books and I’m already looking into her back catalogue of books looking for my next book to review
I’m trying to think if I would change anything about this book.. and I can’t think of anything that I didn’t enjoy or that I didn’t think worked. I guess my only real comment to the author would be to please write more..
July 26, 2015
This cosy murder mystery from Diana Febry is set within the English countryside and has a strong horse riding theme throughout. The reader is led through an investigation by two well-drawn characters, detectives Fiona Williams and Peter Hatherall, and there are plenty of twists and turns in the complicated plot to keep you guessing. I have very little knowledge of the horse riding fraternity and, apart from one or two references to illegal fixing of races, unfortunately I did not discover much more about it through this novel.
There is a large list of other characters, with plenty of colourful descriptions from a talented writer, such that it was a simple task to believe in each of them with ease. Without spoiling the plot I found the description of the final scenes around the dénouement of the story most realistic, tempting me to reach for a glass of water to soothe my dusty dry throat!
There was a curious twist towards the end just when you thought it was all over, but for me it was somewhat confusing and I’m still not sure of the motive for the murder(s). This could have been because we do not see enough of the innermost thoughts and reasoning of the characters, particularly the detectives and the suspects. However, the author had me guessing then doubting my own theories and kept me engaged throughout the book. There is an undercurrent of a relationship between Fiona and Peter against the background of their own troubled personal lives, which was interesting enough to retain one’s attention.
The story had pace and the tempo was definitely increased appropriately in the last few scenes to an exciting pitch. If I have a negative criticism at all it is merely one which I think would improve the practicalities of reading an e-novel of well over 60 chapters: there should be a digitally working Table of Contents in the front matter of the book as it is an expected feature nowadays.
There is a large list of other characters, with plenty of colourful descriptions from a talented writer, such that it was a simple task to believe in each of them with ease. Without spoiling the plot I found the description of the final scenes around the dénouement of the story most realistic, tempting me to reach for a glass of water to soothe my dusty dry throat!
There was a curious twist towards the end just when you thought it was all over, but for me it was somewhat confusing and I’m still not sure of the motive for the murder(s). This could have been because we do not see enough of the innermost thoughts and reasoning of the characters, particularly the detectives and the suspects. However, the author had me guessing then doubting my own theories and kept me engaged throughout the book. There is an undercurrent of a relationship between Fiona and Peter against the background of their own troubled personal lives, which was interesting enough to retain one’s attention.
The story had pace and the tempo was definitely increased appropriately in the last few scenes to an exciting pitch. If I have a negative criticism at all it is merely one which I think would improve the practicalities of reading an e-novel of well over 60 chapters: there should be a digitally working Table of Contents in the front matter of the book as it is an expected feature nowadays.
February 25, 2016
This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely be back for more. I found that I really enjoyed this book which is what I consider a good, old-fashioned English murder mystery. The story is well written and has a plot that progresses at a steady pace picking up toward the end of the book. The plot, characters and mystery had me engaged throughout the entire book. The setting, horse training in England, added to my enjoyment of the story. The mystery itself was strong and the author did a wonderful job of carefully providing clues as to the killer's identity throughout the story. The story unfolds in a realistic manner and has plenty of suspects along with twists and turns. The characters are a great part of this story. The author does a great job of writing characters that have depth and layers. There is also a great relationship between the two main characters with plenty of tension and great dialogue. There is also a great variety of characters that range from the working class (the trainers) to the upper elite of society.
All in all, I really enjoyed this mystery. I found it to be well written, with a strong mystery and good pace that picked as the book came to a satisfying conclusion. The characters are well written with depth and layers. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in now way affected my review and the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
All in all, I really enjoyed this mystery. I found it to be well written, with a strong mystery and good pace that picked as the book came to a satisfying conclusion. The characters are well written with depth and layers. I will be looking forward to reading more from this author.
I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This in now way affected my review and the thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 4, 2016
Oh, the things that go on in the rural English countryside. When an unidentified body turns up in the smoking ruins of a local earl’s barn, it sets in motion an investigation that is sure to leave even the most experienced literary sleuth groping for answers. Detective Chief Inspector Peter Hatherall and his subordinate Detective Inspector Fiona Williams are hot on the case tracking down leads and trying to solve the mystery as the bodies start to pile up.
The reader is presented with a dizzying array of twists and turns and a cast of eccentric characters who frustrate the investigators. Both detectives are also dealing with personal problems which adds an additional layer of tension to the story.
The author does a masterful job with plot, characters and setting. The plot is intricate, the characters well developed and the descriptions of the rural English countryside put you right there. The characters were varied and interesting. There are aristocrats, horsey types, loonies and village bumpkins all of whom add texture to the story. And, man, do they drink a lot of tea! The plot twist at the end is completely unexpected. It was a little long for a police procedural. I felt there were some red herrings that could have been eliminated without detracting from the story, but that is more a matter of personal taste than a valid criticism.
Bells on her Toes is a well-crafted mystery that is sure to hold your attention while baffling you with its ingenuity.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, nonreciprocal review.
The reader is presented with a dizzying array of twists and turns and a cast of eccentric characters who frustrate the investigators. Both detectives are also dealing with personal problems which adds an additional layer of tension to the story.
The author does a masterful job with plot, characters and setting. The plot is intricate, the characters well developed and the descriptions of the rural English countryside put you right there. The characters were varied and interesting. There are aristocrats, horsey types, loonies and village bumpkins all of whom add texture to the story. And, man, do they drink a lot of tea! The plot twist at the end is completely unexpected. It was a little long for a police procedural. I felt there were some red herrings that could have been eliminated without detracting from the story, but that is more a matter of personal taste than a valid criticism.
Bells on her Toes is a well-crafted mystery that is sure to hold your attention while baffling you with its ingenuity.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest, nonreciprocal review.
July 21, 2015
Bells on her Toes is a well-written British mystery with a credible story of murder and mayhem. There are plenty of suspects as the bodies begin to drop. Not all of the suspects are too tightly wrapped, by the way. There's no shortage of possible motives and plenty of animosity among those who reside in the idyllic countryside setting where a body is found in a burned out barn. Class, politics, dirty dealings in the horse racing business, as well as more personal axes to grind--some old, some new--all emerge as motives. What a challenge to sort it all out!
The police work is solid, although the detectives have issues of their own that dog them throughout the investigation. Their angst weighs heavily on them as they slog through the backstory of potential culprits and the victim. "We do see the worst of humanity at times," DCI Peter Hatherall acknowledges to his stressed-out partner, DI Fiona Williams. Of course, there's more trouble yet to come as these two try to do their jobs without putting themselves or others in harms way. The twists and turns continue to the very end when they finally figure out whodunit and bring the guilty party to justice. Some of the mysteries in their personal lives seem headed toward resolution, too. What does that mean for the relationship between Hatherall and Williams? I'm going to read the next book in the series to find out!
The police work is solid, although the detectives have issues of their own that dog them throughout the investigation. Their angst weighs heavily on them as they slog through the backstory of potential culprits and the victim. "We do see the worst of humanity at times," DCI Peter Hatherall acknowledges to his stressed-out partner, DI Fiona Williams. Of course, there's more trouble yet to come as these two try to do their jobs without putting themselves or others in harms way. The twists and turns continue to the very end when they finally figure out whodunit and bring the guilty party to justice. Some of the mysteries in their personal lives seem headed toward resolution, too. What does that mean for the relationship between Hatherall and Williams? I'm going to read the next book in the series to find out!
September 8, 2014
Bells On Her Toes by Diana J. Febry is the second book that I have read and enjoyed by this author. I love the way she tells a tale. As a reader you start to feel a part of the scenery. There is just a natural flow that happens with her story telling. You can see it all play out in front of you and the dialog is realistic and smooth.
Bells On Her Toes is a wonderful escape to the unpredictable. It was hard to walk away from this once I started reading. Nothing better than a good book that keeps you guessing all the way through. I had no idea where this would lead but I enjoyed every intriguing page of it!
Quote ~
Turning in his seat to reverse out of the space, Peter said over his shoulder, “That’s why I’m suggesting being the village idiot, may only be an act.”
Fiona stared at the grey building they passed as they joined the traffic heading out of town. The worst thing about the job was always looking for the worst in people and sadly often finding it. “Or it could be he is vulnerable, following his breakdown. Maybe Gladys thinks a reunion with their mother might harm him in some way.”
“Maybe,” Peter replied, without conviction.
Bells On Her Toes is a wonderful escape to the unpredictable. It was hard to walk away from this once I started reading. Nothing better than a good book that keeps you guessing all the way through. I had no idea where this would lead but I enjoyed every intriguing page of it!
Quote ~
Turning in his seat to reverse out of the space, Peter said over his shoulder, “That’s why I’m suggesting being the village idiot, may only be an act.”
Fiona stared at the grey building they passed as they joined the traffic heading out of town. The worst thing about the job was always looking for the worst in people and sadly often finding it. “Or it could be he is vulnerable, following his breakdown. Maybe Gladys thinks a reunion with their mother might harm him in some way.”
“Maybe,” Peter replied, without conviction.
September 21, 2014
"Bells On Her Toes" by Diana J. Febry is an excellent murder mystery set in the British country side. It starts with a scene in the police station that establishes the complex background between the investigating team. Only then do we learn about the fire and a dead body at a country Estate.
The focus then switches on the Earl and his wife, who are both fantastic characters. We get to see into her mind with some internal dialogue, but hands down, Gladys, so her name, is my favourite character in a book for a long time. An odd, excentric with a mixture of anger and bitterness, direct honesty and occasional warmth, she is absolutely fascinating and show stealing.
The plot involves village politics, secrets from the past, twists and unexpected turns. The cast and their backgrounds are rich and because of it the book never gets boring. This is Febry's most entertaining and compelling book in my opinion. Her writing is sharp and the story is very well plotted.
Highly recommended.
The focus then switches on the Earl and his wife, who are both fantastic characters. We get to see into her mind with some internal dialogue, but hands down, Gladys, so her name, is my favourite character in a book for a long time. An odd, excentric with a mixture of anger and bitterness, direct honesty and occasional warmth, she is absolutely fascinating and show stealing.
The plot involves village politics, secrets from the past, twists and unexpected turns. The cast and their backgrounds are rich and because of it the book never gets boring. This is Febry's most entertaining and compelling book in my opinion. Her writing is sharp and the story is very well plotted.
Highly recommended.
August 12, 2016
Bells on her Toes is a classic whodunit. A mysterious murder at Elmsgrove farm horse racing stables sets in motion a police investigation which reveals a multitude of interesting characters and suspect events. Who’s telling the truth, what are they hiding, where is the motive? The job of solving the crime falls on the shoulders of DI Fiona Williams and her boss, DCI Peter Hatherall, both of whom are dealing with their own personal demons.
I loved this book, I would rate it one of the best books I have read in quite some time. The plot is intriguing with numerous twists and turns. You are never quite sure where the story will take you next. The characters are diverse and believable, plus the writing is humorous and well researched and sweeps up the reader holding them captive until the last page.
The horse racing theme is reminiscent of a Dick Francis novel, but it is much more than that. If you like a good murder mystery then Bells on her Toes is the book for you.
I loved this book, I would rate it one of the best books I have read in quite some time. The plot is intriguing with numerous twists and turns. You are never quite sure where the story will take you next. The characters are diverse and believable, plus the writing is humorous and well researched and sweeps up the reader holding them captive until the last page.
The horse racing theme is reminiscent of a Dick Francis novel, but it is much more than that. If you like a good murder mystery then Bells on her Toes is the book for you.
September 6, 2014
Having read Ms Febry's other book, The skeletons of Birkbury, I was expecting good things. I am glad to say I got them. DCI Peter Hatherall is a good solid character. The story of murder set within the aristocratic society was superb. The suspenseful plot and twists, well developed cast of characters, and overall atmosphere kept me on my toes, just as they should.
Febry is a classy writer. She manages to weave her way effortlessly through a story, always keeping the pace at an even keel. She describes her backdrops, so wonderfully, one can't help but be engrossed with the what, where, and how.
She is developing into a bit of a modern day Agatha Christie. She has all the tools to write great book after great book. Congratulations on another superb story.
Febry is a classy writer. She manages to weave her way effortlessly through a story, always keeping the pace at an even keel. She describes her backdrops, so wonderfully, one can't help but be engrossed with the what, where, and how.
She is developing into a bit of a modern day Agatha Christie. She has all the tools to write great book after great book. Congratulations on another superb story.
September 7, 2014
Wonderful British Mystery!
I am a voracious reader of mysteries and am always on the lookout for a new writer in this genre. The elements of a well-written mystery for me: an intriguing plot, an interesting setting, and most importantly, a fully fleshed out main character/detective. This book hits all three marks.
The setting is the Earl of Ditchburn’s estate. The plot involves a timely issue, animal and environmental activists. The main character, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Hatherall. These three elements together make for a compelling, page-turner of a mystery. Now that I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed this, I plan to read the first novel in this series, “The Skeletons of Birkbury”.
I am a voracious reader of mysteries and am always on the lookout for a new writer in this genre. The elements of a well-written mystery for me: an intriguing plot, an interesting setting, and most importantly, a fully fleshed out main character/detective. This book hits all three marks.
The setting is the Earl of Ditchburn’s estate. The plot involves a timely issue, animal and environmental activists. The main character, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Hatherall. These three elements together make for a compelling, page-turner of a mystery. Now that I’ve read and thoroughly enjoyed this, I plan to read the first novel in this series, “The Skeletons of Birkbury”.
September 17, 2014
Two dead bodies in a week, a horse virus spreading through a racing yard and a missing groom. With plenty of suspects, DCI Peter Hatherall and DI Fiona Williams have their hands full trying to solve the murders and find the person responsible for all the mayhem while dealing with the problems in their personal lives. I've always loved reading British mysteries, and this one was well worth the read. Diana Febry had me guessing until the very end. This story had quirky characters, an intriguing plot with "as many twists and turns as a county lane," and a great twist at the end. I highly recommend Bells On Her Toes.
September 16, 2014
By Robert
This review is from: Bells On Her Toes (Kindle Edition)
I have read all of Ms. Febry's mysteries. When one reads the works of an author the person can always tell when the author has extra feeling or connection with a book they have written. I felt this in the mystery BELLS ON HER TOES. The writing is fluid. the characters are so alive one could hold a conversation with them. The clues are subtle and well though out. I will not give away any of the story line or aspects of the characters. I will say it is set on an English estate and for those of you who are animal lovers this book is definitely for you. Great read...enjoyable. If I could give this book
This review is from: Bells On Her Toes (Kindle Edition)
I have read all of Ms. Febry's mysteries. When one reads the works of an author the person can always tell when the author has extra feeling or connection with a book they have written. I felt this in the mystery BELLS ON HER TOES. The writing is fluid. the characters are so alive one could hold a conversation with them. The clues are subtle and well though out. I will not give away any of the story line or aspects of the characters. I will say it is set on an English estate and for those of you who are animal lovers this book is definitely for you. Great read...enjoyable. If I could give this book
September 20, 2014
A very good novel with twists around every corner. Murder, suspense, mayhem, and lots of enticing intrigue. It seems the aristocracy doesn't seem to have it all like we imagine they do with juicy plots and many skeletons in their closets. A compelling read that sucks you right in to their world of upper class estates and their dysfunctional chaotic lives. Well written for a modern day 'Poirot' environment that certainly lives up to unexpected and unpredictable delight. The pace throughout the story was smooth and inventive, although I certainly could see a realistic tone to it. What a great read, I will definitely be on the look out for more from this talented author.
September 5, 2014
DCI Peter Hatherall is on a mission to discover who is causing mayhem at Earl of Ditchburn’s country estate. The story sucked me in. It was murder, mystery and suspenseful. It was such a good book and the ending left me speechless. I don't want to leave any spoilers, but the culprit was not who I expected. I highly recommend this book to everyone!!!
September 8, 2014
Since the publication of my first book, The Skeletons of Birkbury in January 2012 I have been on a steep learning curve. I have learnt the most from feedback from readers, both positive and negative. I am really pleased to announce the release of my new book and I hope people enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
September 11, 2014
This one will keep you on your toes. I don’t do spoilers, which makes it difficult to say anything other than great characterization and great writing. The action keep right on going. This is an excellent mystery and I throughly enjoyed it. Now, is there a planned sequel? Let me know so I can sign up for it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews