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Inspector Proby #1
Inspector Proby's Christmas
Alternate cover edition of B018IOM64W
Snow is falling in Hampton and the city's inhabitants are busy with festive preparations when a young woman is savagely murdered in the city's picturesque cathedral.
Then another young woman is murdered…and another…
Inspector Proby is assigned to the case.
As a seasoned detective, it’s not difficult for him to figure out who did it, but proving it is another matter altogether.
It will take all of his wit and courage to catch this killer before he strikes again.
But his quest takes a dramatic turn when he finds out his own wife is sleeping with the killer.
Was she involved with the slaughter?
The chilling killer watches Proby…taunts him…thinking he’s got away with his crimes…
With the superintendent away on holiday, and the Chief Constable threatening suspension, Proby is not sure he can rely on his own police department.
Everyone doubts Proby’s ability to solve this case, but his instincts point him in the direction of one vital clue…
The inspector must use the only person he can rely on as bait but is Proby willing to pay the ultimate price?
Snow is falling in Hampton and the city's inhabitants are busy with festive preparations when a young woman is savagely murdered in the city's picturesque cathedral.
Then another young woman is murdered…and another…
Inspector Proby is assigned to the case.
As a seasoned detective, it’s not difficult for him to figure out who did it, but proving it is another matter altogether.
It will take all of his wit and courage to catch this killer before he strikes again.
But his quest takes a dramatic turn when he finds out his own wife is sleeping with the killer.
Was she involved with the slaughter?
The chilling killer watches Proby…taunts him…thinking he’s got away with his crimes…
With the superintendent away on holiday, and the Chief Constable threatening suspension, Proby is not sure he can rely on his own police department.
Everyone doubts Proby’s ability to solve this case, but his instincts point him in the direction of one vital clue…
The inspector must use the only person he can rely on as bait but is Proby willing to pay the ultimate price?
192 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 1994
550 people are currently reading
331 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
December 27, 2020
I had never heard of either this book or its author, John Gano, but I don’t understand how I hadn’t; it was that good.
Inspector Proby, generous and meticulous, has a complicated personal life but a steadfast sense of justice. Equal parts Golden Age mystery moved to 1993 and Colombo, Gano reveals the murderer right before the halfway point; by then, readers will be so engaged that they’ll read nonstop to discover how Proby gets his killer. Will definitely be reading the sequels.
Inspector Proby, generous and meticulous, has a complicated personal life but a steadfast sense of justice. Equal parts Golden Age mystery moved to 1993 and Colombo, Gano reveals the murderer right before the halfway point; by then, readers will be so engaged that they’ll read nonstop to discover how Proby gets his killer. Will definitely be reading the sequels.
January 28, 2025
The first in a series, and it did not immediately grab my attention.
Several women have been murdered...sound familiar?
I have read more police procedurals and thrillers than I care to remember, and this was okay, but I cannot see me rushing to read the next in this series, unfortunately.
Several women have been murdered...sound familiar?
I have read more police procedurals and thrillers than I care to remember, and this was okay, but I cannot see me rushing to read the next in this series, unfortunately.
January 2, 2018
A good thriller with plenty of twists to engage anyone. The killer is identified quite early but the motive and reasoning behind his crimes are what makes this worth reading.
December 14, 2008
This one was a bit too cold for me. Despite the terrible killings, I didn't get the sense of urgency from the characters. It totally fits with the British police procedural format, distant and more about how the killer is captured rather than the emotional impact on the characters.
This was listed as a holiday book, even has Christmas in the title, but that has nothing to do with anything that happens, so it didn't get listed as a holiday story on my list.
This was listed as a holiday book, even has Christmas in the title, but that has nothing to do with anything that happens, so it didn't get listed as a holiday story on my list.
November 10, 2020
"Different from the average"
A strong story line, quirky characters, and although this is twenty years old now it still holds up as being better than the average fare I read and review. I wish I'd found this author earlier.
A strong story line, quirky characters, and although this is twenty years old now it still holds up as being better than the average fare I read and review. I wish I'd found this author earlier.
January 31, 2021
This was an enjoyable story. I liked how the focus was more on the chase rather than uncovering who was being chased. And while you knew that much sooner than most books of this genre, there were still a few twists and turns to be revealed along the way.
January 13, 2016
It was interesting to be told half way through the book who the killer was and to watch him pitting his wits against Proby and his team. Using the inspector's wife to gain an edge of the man himself showed just how arrogant the killer actually was. Speaking of the wife, I felt Proby handled her affairs badly. He knew she was unfaithful and turned a blind eye. Made him look a bit pathetic. But still, it was a good, old fashioned English whodunit and the frustration of the forces of law and order when up against a man of influence was well described.
December 18, 2015
Sometimes what seems dull quickly becomes very sharp.
Such was my experience with this book. I had a hard time getting into it, but all at once I realized it was quite good and I couldn't put it down. Quite a few surprises really grabbed my attention and then I was a goner. This is the first time I've read this author and I can't wait for more of Inspector Proby. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries with a twist.
Such was my experience with this book. I had a hard time getting into it, but all at once I realized it was quite good and I couldn't put it down. Quite a few surprises really grabbed my attention and then I was a goner. This is the first time I've read this author and I can't wait for more of Inspector Proby. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys mysteries with a twist.
July 18, 2021
The beginning of a "must read" series? Possibly.
I was probably being generous with my score but, I did enjoy the story. It was unusual to be given the name of the perpetrator half way through the book but, that oddity didn't detract from the story. Inspector Proby may have been a bit of an oddball but, his dogged determination to get his man drove this story towards its satisfactory conclusion.
I was probably being generous with my score but, I did enjoy the story. It was unusual to be given the name of the perpetrator half way through the book but, that oddity didn't detract from the story. Inspector Proby may have been a bit of an oddball but, his dogged determination to get his man drove this story towards its satisfactory conclusion.
November 27, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed Inspector Proby, but sadly can't seem to find any more books written by John Gano in e-reader form. There was only one other Inspector Proby and that was in hardback. Since I see it was released for the first time in 1994 I am afraid that is all we are going to see of the Inspector. Too bad. :(
April 17, 2020
December in Hampton, but a young woman's body is discovered and Inspector Jim Proby is assigned the case. Then another murder occurs.
The story was okay but half way through we get told who the killer is and that is when I lost my interest. I also didn't find the characters that convincing.
The story was okay but half way through we get told who the killer is and that is when I lost my interest. I also didn't find the characters that convincing.
January 5, 2018
i found inspector proby's book entertaining as i found the twist interesting even though i kind of had an idea who the killer was. definitely recommend it if your locking for a crime novel.
January 3, 2017
Moved too slow for my taste.
May 16, 2017
The plot is a bit weak and neither Proby nor the bad guy were all that convincing in their assigned roles. Then there are all those coincidences.
Read
March 1, 2018Interesting characters, but left to many questions unanswered, a bit too unrealistic
November 4, 2020
When the body of a young woman is found dead by the canal, DI Jim Proby and his partner DS Rootham with the Hampton Police are called in to investigate.
According to the report by Dr. Milligan the police surgeon, the woman was shot twice and three months pregnant. She’s been recently married to a man named Percy Doyle who’s had a criminal record in the past.
Just then another young girl is shot dead on her way back from her grandmother’s house. Is there a link between the two victims?
Meanwhile, when Jim and his wife Sheila learned Sheila could not conceive, Sheila resorts to indulging in food cravings and sex wherever she can find to punish. Sheila has had a string of affairs in the past and funny enough her husband is aware of her indiscretions.
While out on Christmas shopping, Sheila runs into Henry Bryant, their church-warden who happens to be married. After having drinks at a bar, they both end up together in a secret shack Henry owns.
Then another body is found in the woods and it turns out the victim is Henry's wife, Anne. Which makes Henry is a suspect.
But how does Henry plan on giving his alibi without revealing to the police that he was with Sheila the morning his wife was killed?
Meanwhile, DC Hickock is selling out information to the press: George Pratt, the crime reporter for the Hampton Gazette offers him a hundred and fifty pounds for material regarding the first case.
When DI Jim Proby finds out he calls him out on it as well his drinking habits. When Hickhock won’t show remorse, DI Jim Proby threatens to have him transferred and then takes him off the case but eventually put him back on when Hickock starts making himself useful.
Then the police are alerted to another failed shooting attempt—the killer almost got his mark but his intended target slipped and dodged the bullet. Thankfully some drunks nearby chased him off.
By now DI Jim Proby has a strong hunch about the identity of the killer and has to stop him before he strikes again.
A good detective story. Definitely recommend
According to the report by Dr. Milligan the police surgeon, the woman was shot twice and three months pregnant. She’s been recently married to a man named Percy Doyle who’s had a criminal record in the past.
Just then another young girl is shot dead on her way back from her grandmother’s house. Is there a link between the two victims?
Meanwhile, when Jim and his wife Sheila learned Sheila could not conceive, Sheila resorts to indulging in food cravings and sex wherever she can find to punish. Sheila has had a string of affairs in the past and funny enough her husband is aware of her indiscretions.
While out on Christmas shopping, Sheila runs into Henry Bryant, their church-warden who happens to be married. After having drinks at a bar, they both end up together in a secret shack Henry owns.
Then another body is found in the woods and it turns out the victim is Henry's wife, Anne. Which makes Henry is a suspect.
But how does Henry plan on giving his alibi without revealing to the police that he was with Sheila the morning his wife was killed?
Meanwhile, DC Hickock is selling out information to the press: George Pratt, the crime reporter for the Hampton Gazette offers him a hundred and fifty pounds for material regarding the first case.
When DI Jim Proby finds out he calls him out on it as well his drinking habits. When Hickhock won’t show remorse, DI Jim Proby threatens to have him transferred and then takes him off the case but eventually put him back on when Hickock starts making himself useful.
Then the police are alerted to another failed shooting attempt—the killer almost got his mark but his intended target slipped and dodged the bullet. Thankfully some drunks nearby chased him off.
By now DI Jim Proby has a strong hunch about the identity of the killer and has to stop him before he strikes again.
A good detective story. Definitely recommend
December 8, 2017
Inspector Proby's Christmas
by John Gano
This was a very nice English mystery, set at Christmas time. The gist of the story is a series of seemingly random killings of young women, always shot in the head by a shotgun. The sub-story is the story of Inspector Proby and his relationships, with his wife, with his co-workers, and with his friends.
I found the writing to be very smooth, well plotted and paced. The characters were interesting, and the main characters were well-fleshed out. The novel was excellently edited and proofed. There were plenty of clues and a lot of investigative action, and when the climax finally came, it contained enough thrills and chills for any reader. Kudos on all points.
Because it is written using English colloquialisms, it took me a while to get used to the language, but most anything I ran across that I didn't know off the top of my head was easily sussed out by how it was used in context. I didn't like the main character at first, but he did grow on me, although I never did develop an affinity for his wife. I found it interesting that one of the character's wife was named Beryl, which was my uncle's name, although he pronounced it Burl, rather than like the gemstone.
So, all in all, it was a satisfying holiday read.
by John Gano
This was a very nice English mystery, set at Christmas time. The gist of the story is a series of seemingly random killings of young women, always shot in the head by a shotgun. The sub-story is the story of Inspector Proby and his relationships, with his wife, with his co-workers, and with his friends.
I found the writing to be very smooth, well plotted and paced. The characters were interesting, and the main characters were well-fleshed out. The novel was excellently edited and proofed. There were plenty of clues and a lot of investigative action, and when the climax finally came, it contained enough thrills and chills for any reader. Kudos on all points.
Because it is written using English colloquialisms, it took me a while to get used to the language, but most anything I ran across that I didn't know off the top of my head was easily sussed out by how it was used in context. I didn't like the main character at first, but he did grow on me, although I never did develop an affinity for his wife. I found it interesting that one of the character's wife was named Beryl, which was my uncle's name, although he pronounced it Burl, rather than like the gemstone.
So, all in all, it was a satisfying holiday read.
Read
November 7, 2020Snow is falling in Hampton and the city's inhabitants are busy with festive preparations when a young woman is savagely murdered in the city's picturesque cathedral.
Then another young woman is murdered…and another…
Inspector Proby is assigned to the case.
As a seasoned detective, it’s not difficult for him to figure out who did it, but proving it is another matter altogether.
It will take all of his wit and courage to catch this killer before he strikes again.
But his quest takes a dramatic turn when he finds out his own wife is sleeping with the killer.
Was she involved with the slaughter?
The chilling killer watches Proby…taunts him…thinking he’s got away with his crimes…
With the superintendent away on holiday, and the Chief Constable threatening suspension, Proby is not sure he can rely on his own police department.
Everyone doubts Proby’s ability to solve this case, but his instincts point him in the direction of one vital clue…
The inspector must use the only person he can rely on as bait but is Proby willing to pay the ultimate price?
Didn't really read it. Not worth it.
Then another young woman is murdered…and another…
Inspector Proby is assigned to the case.
As a seasoned detective, it’s not difficult for him to figure out who did it, but proving it is another matter altogether.
It will take all of his wit and courage to catch this killer before he strikes again.
But his quest takes a dramatic turn when he finds out his own wife is sleeping with the killer.
Was she involved with the slaughter?
The chilling killer watches Proby…taunts him…thinking he’s got away with his crimes…
With the superintendent away on holiday, and the Chief Constable threatening suspension, Proby is not sure he can rely on his own police department.
Everyone doubts Proby’s ability to solve this case, but his instincts point him in the direction of one vital clue…
The inspector must use the only person he can rely on as bait but is Proby willing to pay the ultimate price?
Didn't really read it. Not worth it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2021
Love and Loyalty
There were so many times when I was tempted to close this book because I did not like how I thought the story would continue and then, surprise, surprise I was proven wrong. Who would have thought that a book with the killer named in the middle of it would have held my interest so much that I could not put it down.
Inspector Proby is such a gentleman and such a strong and realistic character,very he is definitely at the heart of the book. The fact that sainthood is almost painted on him does not detract from his ability as a police officer.
Welcome to my reading world, Inspector Proby.
There were so many times when I was tempted to close this book because I did not like how I thought the story would continue and then, surprise, surprise I was proven wrong. Who would have thought that a book with the killer named in the middle of it would have held my interest so much that I could not put it down.
Inspector Proby is such a gentleman and such a strong and realistic character,very he is definitely at the heart of the book. The fact that sainthood is almost painted on him does not detract from his ability as a police officer.
Welcome to my reading world, Inspector Proby.
March 10, 2025
The hunt for the shotgun killer in this novel kept me engaged, but I found Inspector Proby a somewhat frustrating protagonist. While his obsessive nature drives the investigation, it also blinds him to the damage it inflicts on his marriage and professional life. This internal conflict adds complexity to his character, but his flaws ultimately undermine the story's climax, which felt underwhelming. The author crafts a compelling cat-and-mouse game between Proby and the killer, Henry, who proves a formidable adversary for the Hampton Constables. However, Proby's shortcomings prevent the resolution from reaching its full potential
November 30, 2020
I loved the character of Inspector Proby. I didn't care for his wife at all. She redeemed herself somewhat at the end, but really couldn't relate to her at all. The story of the women being shot in cold blood for no reason was interesting. I liked the way the inspector went about discovering who did it. I wasn't that impressed with the "why" of it. Some information was thrown at the reader at the end to justify the investigation, but not sure it was needed. I am currently reading the others in the series.
November 17, 2020
This was quite a good story, quite a quick read overall too.
Inspector Proby is looking forward to a quiet Christmas with his wife.
But then late into the festive season a maniac is roaming the area shooting young girls, with the body count rising and their suspect turning out to be a dead end, their real culprit might be nearer than he thinks...
A lovely, wintry and "festive" modern murder mystery.
Was just a random download but really got into the story and the hunt for the killer.
Inspector Proby is looking forward to a quiet Christmas with his wife.
But then late into the festive season a maniac is roaming the area shooting young girls, with the body count rising and their suspect turning out to be a dead end, their real culprit might be nearer than he thinks...
A lovely, wintry and "festive" modern murder mystery.
Was just a random download but really got into the story and the hunt for the killer.
February 16, 2021
I was very pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Inspector Proby’s Christmas. Somehow it combined the best of Agatha Christie and Peter Grainger, the best of yesterday and today. It had characters that at first sounded like old fashioned mysteries, but aha!, the police are using computers. There were age-old troubles and modern ones. I liked the subtle twists in the plot. I just plain LIKED this book.
October 30, 2020
Surprising
The book held my interest, but I lost respect for Inspector Proby. I can not relate to an intelligent man accepting his wife’s unfaithful behavior. This relationship was off putting for me. Perhaps future books pick up where is ended, I don’t know if I want to pursue the issue.
The book held my interest, but I lost respect for Inspector Proby. I can not relate to an intelligent man accepting his wife’s unfaithful behavior. This relationship was off putting for me. Perhaps future books pick up where is ended, I don’t know if I want to pursue the issue.
November 3, 2020
A professional murder plot
A very well organized murder planned by a trained officer of the law. The plan was almost too perfect for the local police to catch him. Excellent intrigue. A fresh mystery of the Sherlock Holmes level of tricks. The language and sex adventures were present but the plot helped to smooth the rough edges. Still the situations were combersum.
A very well organized murder planned by a trained officer of the law. The plan was almost too perfect for the local police to catch him. Excellent intrigue. A fresh mystery of the Sherlock Holmes level of tricks. The language and sex adventures were present but the plot helped to smooth the rough edges. Still the situations were combersum.
November 6, 2020
Riveting
A young woman is shot to.death and then another. Is it the makings of a serial.killer? The plot.thickens. another murder. No clues. A fortuitous trip to London for Inspector Proby as he puts the pieces for this puzzle together. You're going to love the action & the mystery. Couldn't put it down!
A young woman is shot to.death and then another. Is it the makings of a serial.killer? The plot.thickens. another murder. No clues. A fortuitous trip to London for Inspector Proby as he puts the pieces for this puzzle together. You're going to love the action & the mystery. Couldn't put it down!
November 17, 2020
Intriguing
A rather good murder/mystery. It is highly entertaining in so much that whilst Proby seems to be sure in himself it always seems that he may be barking up the wrong tree. He seems unfazed by each situation but shows great and knowledgeable fortitude as his suspect keeps eluding him.
A rather good murder/mystery. It is highly entertaining in so much that whilst Proby seems to be sure in himself it always seems that he may be barking up the wrong tree. He seems unfazed by each situation but shows great and knowledgeable fortitude as his suspect keeps eluding him.
December 20, 2020
A cosy murder mystery which incidentally happens around Christmas time. It follows the local police force on their journey to catch a killer. It is a short novel so can be read over a few sessions. Whilst this book is not the holly, jolly Christmas read it occupies a few hours of non complicated reading.
March 9, 2022
Well written
Not patronizing or lacking in complex motivation like most mystery books these days, and doesn't fall into the trap of over-explaining every little facet of the evidence trail. The villain also has a plausible reason for why he's hard to catch, beyond his being the bad guy. Gano did these things right.
Not patronizing or lacking in complex motivation like most mystery books these days, and doesn't fall into the trap of over-explaining every little facet of the evidence trail. The villain also has a plausible reason for why he's hard to catch, beyond his being the bad guy. Gano did these things right.
March 26, 2025
In this 1994 novel, three women are murdered in Hampton during the Christmas season. Inspector Jim Proby, leading the investigation, soon becomes convinced that he knows who the murderer is. The suspect is intelligent and powerful, so catching him will be quite a challenge. Is Proby up to the challenge?
I found this to be an absorbing mystery with an appealing protagonist.
I found this to be an absorbing mystery with an appealing protagonist.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews