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Tiggy Jones Mystery #5
A Slip in the Dark
A nagging cold case
A cast of suspects
Will Tiggy and Raider get too involved?
When mystery author Tiggy Jones agrees to interview the locals to collect their anecdotes for a book about a once-grand house, she visits the derelict property early one evening and sees a light in an upstairs window. Then a woman’s face. Just an opportunistic intruder?
The interviews begin and are quickly overwhelmed by an avalanche of superstitions and rumours. Clues and secrets from past and present become more and more entangled.
Eighteen years ago, the last owner fell down the back stairs to her death. Or was she pushed? The inquest was postponed without a conclusive finding and the house has been abandoned and allowed to crumble.
Why was the inquest never re-opened and the cause of death left unresolved?
Who was the woman at the window and what had she put in her tote bags before she ran away?
Was the owner’s fall an unfortunate accident or do rumours about her mysterious business point to a motive for murder?
As Tiggy and her dog Raider are joined by their neurodiverse sidekick Baxter, they are drawn into investigating the cold case.
Will they finally solve an eighteen-year-old mystery and lay a ghost to rest?
Or is there a murderer at large who’ll do anything not to get caught?
Cancel a couple of night’s sleep and get it now.
A Slip in the Dark is the fifth book in the addictive Tiggy Jones Mystery Series which A Scrap of Silk, A Missing Signature, A Deadly Concoction and A Trace of DNA.
A cast of suspects
Will Tiggy and Raider get too involved?
When mystery author Tiggy Jones agrees to interview the locals to collect their anecdotes for a book about a once-grand house, she visits the derelict property early one evening and sees a light in an upstairs window. Then a woman’s face. Just an opportunistic intruder?
The interviews begin and are quickly overwhelmed by an avalanche of superstitions and rumours. Clues and secrets from past and present become more and more entangled.
Eighteen years ago, the last owner fell down the back stairs to her death. Or was she pushed? The inquest was postponed without a conclusive finding and the house has been abandoned and allowed to crumble.
Why was the inquest never re-opened and the cause of death left unresolved?
Who was the woman at the window and what had she put in her tote bags before she ran away?
Was the owner’s fall an unfortunate accident or do rumours about her mysterious business point to a motive for murder?
As Tiggy and her dog Raider are joined by their neurodiverse sidekick Baxter, they are drawn into investigating the cold case.
Will they finally solve an eighteen-year-old mystery and lay a ghost to rest?
Or is there a murderer at large who’ll do anything not to get caught?
Cancel a couple of night’s sleep and get it now.
A Slip in the Dark is the fifth book in the addictive Tiggy Jones Mystery Series which A Scrap of Silk, A Missing Signature, A Deadly Concoction and A Trace of DNA.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 23, 2025
About the author
Virginia King
15 books84 followersVIRGINIA KING has lived most of her life in Sydney, but has travelled to many places. Her books blend her love of mystery, travel, psychology and folklore in a fast-paced style.
In the past, Virginia has been a teacher, an unemployed ex-teacher, an audio-book producer, the author of over 50 childrenʼs books, a workshop presenter and an award-winning publisher. These days she’s a full-time writer who paints a bit, living in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney with her husband, three pet alpacas and four chickens.
In the past, Virginia has been a teacher, an unemployed ex-teacher, an audio-book producer, the author of over 50 childrenʼs books, a workshop presenter and an award-winning publisher. These days she’s a full-time writer who paints a bit, living in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney with her husband, three pet alpacas and four chickens.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 13, 2025
The fate of the old mansion - Thirteen Thimbles - was in the balance, as it was up for demolition. Eighteen years prior the owner, Imogen, had fallen to her death down a flight of stairs and the case was never solved. Was it a tragic accident or murder? Tiggy Jones decided to join with Baxter (newly qualified PI) - and Raider - to interview people who were around at the time of Imogen's death, in preparation for a book on Thirteen Thimbles. Tiggy was hoping for evidence which may come to light; something that would help lay Imogen's ghost to rest.
As Tiggy and Baxter were drawn deeply into the past, they had help from Rupert, and when Baxter decided to go solo, Rupert was able to talk to him. What was going on? Why had Baxter "dumped" Tiggy as his partner? Strange happenings which might just get Baxter into trouble...
A Slip in the Dark is the 5th in the Tiggy Jones Mystery series by Aussie author Virginia King and it was great to catch up with the characters again. I love Raider, the Dalmador, for his intelligence, love and loyalty; our MC, Tiggy as well as Baxter, and the usual side characters - all work well together to turn each story into a wonderful read. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
As Tiggy and Baxter were drawn deeply into the past, they had help from Rupert, and when Baxter decided to go solo, Rupert was able to talk to him. What was going on? Why had Baxter "dumped" Tiggy as his partner? Strange happenings which might just get Baxter into trouble...
A Slip in the Dark is the 5th in the Tiggy Jones Mystery series by Aussie author Virginia King and it was great to catch up with the characters again. I love Raider, the Dalmador, for his intelligence, love and loyalty; our MC, Tiggy as well as Baxter, and the usual side characters - all work well together to turn each story into a wonderful read. Recommended.
With thanks to the author for my digital ARC to read and review.
June 10, 2025
Another brilliantly twisty British mystery from Virginia King and the Tiggy Jones series! This is Book 5 and it stands alone perfectly well in terms of plot and character, but the whole series is great so I always recommend reading them in order.
Tiggy, Raider, Baxter and Rupert all return to investigate the past of an allegedly haunted house that is due to be demolished. And what a lot of history they find – from boggarts to bomb shelters, along with the fatal slip of the title. While Tiggy follows community stories about creepy spoons and late-night vans, Baxter strikes out independently – and rather abruptly – to follow a lead of his own. But is he being strictly professional in trying to build up his new business, or is there something more personal involved?
As always, this story is meticulously plotted and the characters are believable and thoroughly engaging. I was so thoroughly invested in Tiggy and Baxter’s partnership to date that I actually shed a tear with her when he shut her out, even while I felt proud of his growing independence and maturity in handling his neurodiverse-related challenges in his chosen career.
This book (and series!) is ideal for British mystery fans who want clever, clean suspense, with no gore or violence, just brain-teasing clue trails and a super cute dog!
Tiggy, Raider, Baxter and Rupert all return to investigate the past of an allegedly haunted house that is due to be demolished. And what a lot of history they find – from boggarts to bomb shelters, along with the fatal slip of the title. While Tiggy follows community stories about creepy spoons and late-night vans, Baxter strikes out independently – and rather abruptly – to follow a lead of his own. But is he being strictly professional in trying to build up his new business, or is there something more personal involved?
As always, this story is meticulously plotted and the characters are believable and thoroughly engaging. I was so thoroughly invested in Tiggy and Baxter’s partnership to date that I actually shed a tear with her when he shut her out, even while I felt proud of his growing independence and maturity in handling his neurodiverse-related challenges in his chosen career.
This book (and series!) is ideal for British mystery fans who want clever, clean suspense, with no gore or violence, just brain-teasing clue trails and a super cute dog!
August 31, 2025
This latest Tiggy Jones mystery is as compelling as the rest. The innovative layered narrative uses stories within the story to reveal the mysteries layered through many years in Exeter and Plymouth. People tell their stories to Tiggy and her friend PI Baxter Stone for a book about an old house with a complicated history. Some share private stories. Other stories in are found in newspaper archives. More are told at a coroner's inquest concerning the death of the old house’s owner, by some of the same people who were interviewed for the book about the house. Another story within the story is the horror movie that was filmed in the old house. Layered into all this are investigations, adventures and misadventures. The author doesn't wait for the end for something big to happen. The plot and tension keep building.
I love the originality of this series. While it is in many ways a traditional British mystery series, there’s a unique, unexpected quality to the way the books unfold.
The new characters are well-developed, and it’s always great to spend time with Tiggy and Baxter and Rupert. I appreciate not only the mystery plot, but the authentic and relatable subplots about friendships.
I love the originality of this series. While it is in many ways a traditional British mystery series, there’s a unique, unexpected quality to the way the books unfold.
The new characters are well-developed, and it’s always great to spend time with Tiggy and Baxter and Rupert. I appreciate not only the mystery plot, but the authentic and relatable subplots about friendships.
May 26, 2025
A Slip in the Dark is book #5 in the Tiggy Jones Mystery Series series by Virginia King.
Writing reviews for Virginia King‘s books is always a challenge for me. The things I love about her books are the things I can’t talk about it because I don’t want spoil it for anyone else. When I pick up one of her books, all I know is I’m going to spend time with wonderful characters and be involved in an intriguing mystery. I don’t know where it will take me, but I know I’ll enjoy every minute of it. There will be plenty of surprises and at least a few moments where I gasp out loud because something happens that I absolutely was not expecting. This was a little different than the other Tiggy Jones books because Baxter has more of a lead role in this story. I really like how Baxter is written and it is interesting seeing how the other characters are having to adjust to the fact that he is an adult. I really enjoyed learning about the house and the history of the occupants. I did not expect the ending but I loved how things turned out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Writing reviews for Virginia King‘s books is always a challenge for me. The things I love about her books are the things I can’t talk about it because I don’t want spoil it for anyone else. When I pick up one of her books, all I know is I’m going to spend time with wonderful characters and be involved in an intriguing mystery. I don’t know where it will take me, but I know I’ll enjoy every minute of it. There will be plenty of surprises and at least a few moments where I gasp out loud because something happens that I absolutely was not expecting. This was a little different than the other Tiggy Jones books because Baxter has more of a lead role in this story. I really like how Baxter is written and it is interesting seeing how the other characters are having to adjust to the fact that he is an adult. I really enjoyed learning about the house and the history of the occupants. I did not expect the ending but I loved how things turned out.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2025
A local, long-vacant mansion is slated for demolition. Eighteen years ago, the last owner had died in a fall down the back stairs – was that an accident or was she pushed? The investigation failed to resolve the issue. The house fell into disrepair, becoming a source of stories, superstitions and rumors of dark deeds. An historical record is proposed, with mystery author Tiggy performing the interviews to collect comments from the local residents. She also had to check out the house for herself; she observed a lit window and a woman inside, who ran away with a couple of tote bags!! BAM! Her interest was piqued! Super sleuth Tiggy was hot on the trail to learn what really transpired over the years, with the help of newly qualified P.I., Baxter, and her faithful (talented?) dog Raider. What follows is Ms. King’s forte: Strong characters, vivid descriptions, and a well-developed plot with many twists, turns and dangerous situations. Reading her books is like watching a movie which pulls me in and keeps me guessing right up to the satisfying finish. I highly recommend all her books.
May 24, 2025
Ms King has once again outdone herself!
I absolutely love this series! Each book is more twisty and full of red herrings than the last. Tiggy is tasked with interviewing people about a once grand but always somewhat mysterious house for a book. Years ago there was a death in the house. Was it an accident or was the owner pushed? Who had been roaming around the house recently? And just what is Baxter up to that he shouldn't be? Tiggy tries to keep him save but he is definitely coming into his own in this book. Old friends are back again, trying to help out TIggy. Can she get all the puzzle pieces put together before someone else becomes a victim? Be prepared to lose plenty of sleep staying up late reading this one! I can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
I absolutely love this series! Each book is more twisty and full of red herrings than the last. Tiggy is tasked with interviewing people about a once grand but always somewhat mysterious house for a book. Years ago there was a death in the house. Was it an accident or was the owner pushed? Who had been roaming around the house recently? And just what is Baxter up to that he shouldn't be? Tiggy tries to keep him save but he is definitely coming into his own in this book. Old friends are back again, trying to help out TIggy. Can she get all the puzzle pieces put together before someone else becomes a victim? Be prepared to lose plenty of sleep staying up late reading this one! I can't wait for the next book!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
May 27, 2025
This may be the best book yet in the Tiggy Jones series. It grabbed my attention on page one and held it until the end. Nothing better than a creepy delipidated house to set the mood. Tiggy and Baxter (newly graduated from P.I. training) are hired to conduct interviews with people who have a story about 13 Thimble Close as the area is scheduled for redevelopment. Of course the last owner of the house fell down the stairs and died many years ago under unusual circumstances. It is a closed case. Bring in Tiggy, mystery writer, and Baxter with his new P.I. skills and you have a case that is reopened. The story of the history of the house and the people who lived there is interesting and intertwined. So many surprises. I challenge you to figure out if and who dunnit.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
I received a free copy and voluntarily provided this review.
May 23, 2025
Virginia King never disappoints. I have read, and enjoyed, all of her 'adult' books. Virginia has also written children's books. This would have to be my favourite in the Tiggy Jones series.
I really liked the change in writing style. Tiggy and Baxter's relationship has undergone a subtle shift. Now eighteen, Baxter is flexing his 'independent' wings. He wants, and needs, to do things on his own, something Tiggy needs to come to terms with. Twists, turns and revelations abound. I cried. I laughed. I was angered, then relieved. I felt joy at a reunion and sorrow when the inevitable happened.
If you enjoy a "Who Dunnit" with teeth (pun intended), you will love this series.
I really liked the change in writing style. Tiggy and Baxter's relationship has undergone a subtle shift. Now eighteen, Baxter is flexing his 'independent' wings. He wants, and needs, to do things on his own, something Tiggy needs to come to terms with. Twists, turns and revelations abound. I cried. I laughed. I was angered, then relieved. I felt joy at a reunion and sorrow when the inevitable happened.
If you enjoy a "Who Dunnit" with teeth (pun intended), you will love this series.
May 20, 2025
Having read all the Tiggy books so far, my wife Carol had been looking forward to this one; the plots are incredibly carefully thought out, with many unexpected twists and turns. If you haven't yet read any of the series, do start with the first one because you will get to know the characters who turn up in most of the stories, either as an integral part of that particular story or perhaps somewhere within the action on that occasion. Plenty of laughs along the way, but always an intriguing and intricate storyline. Well done again, Virginia King!
May 20, 2025
Baxter is now 18 and all grown up, and a qualified P.I. to boot! Still the same old Baxter though, with his neurodiverse reasoning and focused ideas and like it is with Tiggy, somehow this adult Baxter pulls at your heart strings - parents will certainly empathize!
Another brilliant piece of fiction, with many threads to unravel in it. I can hardly wait for the next Tiggy book!
Another brilliant piece of fiction, with many threads to unravel in it. I can hardly wait for the next Tiggy book!
April 27, 2025
Tiggy and Baxter work together to get the history of a house about to be torn down when they discover a mystery that needs solved. I love these characters and this series. Another great book.
February 24, 2026
a good read
May 24, 2025
This is the fifth book in the series. The story can be read as stand-a-lone, but I do suggest that you read them in order if you have not done so. That will give you a better understanding of the various characters. How they got to be friends and are ready to help whenever the need arises.
Baxter shows a bit of independence which Tiggy has a challenging time accepting. As a newly qualified PI he is out to proof he does not need to have Tiggy or anybody else along with his investigations.
The fate of an old mansion up for demolition. Tiggy wants to record the history of the
house. What happened to the woman that felt to her dead on the stairs 18 years ago. Was it an accident or murder? 18 years later why is somebody in the house that is not safe? What is the story with the spoon doll? You will have fun trying to solve all the mysteries.
Baxter shows a bit of independence which Tiggy has a challenging time accepting. As a newly qualified PI he is out to proof he does not need to have Tiggy or anybody else along with his investigations.
The fate of an old mansion up for demolition. Tiggy wants to record the history of the
house. What happened to the woman that felt to her dead on the stairs 18 years ago. Was it an accident or murder? 18 years later why is somebody in the house that is not safe? What is the story with the spoon doll? You will have fun trying to solve all the mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews