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Alistair Fitzjohn #5
Deadly Investment
It was an accepted fact that Beatrice Maybrick, owner and operator of the Maybrick Literary Agency, accidentally fell to her death. Or did she? Esme Timmons thought not, her suspicions fuelled by a letter she received from Beatrice following the tragic incident. Faced with this dilemma, Esme takes steps to find the killer.
Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn commences his investigation into the suspicious death of entrepreneur, Preston Alexander. With robbery ruled out as the motive, Fitzjohn is drawn to Preston’s investment portfolio and the Maybrick Literary Agency.
Finding an antiquated establishment where uncertainty prevails following the demise of its owner, Beatrice Maybrick, Fitzjohn asks himself two questions. Why did the high flying investor, Preston Alexander, invest in such a business, and did it lead to his death?
Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn commences his investigation into the suspicious death of entrepreneur, Preston Alexander. With robbery ruled out as the motive, Fitzjohn is drawn to Preston’s investment portfolio and the Maybrick Literary Agency.
Finding an antiquated establishment where uncertainty prevails following the demise of its owner, Beatrice Maybrick, Fitzjohn asks himself two questions. Why did the high flying investor, Preston Alexander, invest in such a business, and did it lead to his death?
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2015
315 people are currently reading
547 people want to read
About the author
Jill Paterson
17 books118 followersJill Paterson is best known for her popular Fitzjohn Mystery Series. Set in the city of Sydney, Australia, her richly drawn characters include Alistair Fitzjohn. Now a police consultant since his retirement from the force, his methods of investigation remain the same, methodical and painstaking.
While continuing the Fitzjohn series, Jill is also working on a new series, the Phoebe Chadwick Mysteries. Set along the east coast of Australia in a small township, Phoebe Chadwick heads the cast of characters as the female sleuth.
When not writing, Jill explores settings for her books and enjoys painting, photography and tai chi.
If you would like to get an automatic email when Jill’s next book is released, sign up on her blog at: https://theperfectplot.blogspot.com
Alternatively, join Jill’s mailing list on her website at: https://www.jillpatersonfitzjohnmyste...
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While continuing the Fitzjohn series, Jill is also working on a new series, the Phoebe Chadwick Mysteries. Set along the east coast of Australia in a small township, Phoebe Chadwick heads the cast of characters as the female sleuth.
When not writing, Jill explores settings for her books and enjoys painting, photography and tai chi.
If you would like to get an automatic email when Jill’s next book is released, sign up on her blog at: https://theperfectplot.blogspot.com
Alternatively, join Jill’s mailing list on her website at: https://www.jillpatersonfitzjohnmyste...
Your email address will never be shared and you can unsubscribe at any time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 25, 2020
Esme Timmons and her friend Mildred were shocked and saddened at their friend Beatrice’s death, but Esme was more than a little suspicious over the circumstances. Meanwhile, Detective Chief Inspector Alistair Fitzjohn was called in – with his offsider, Betts – to investigate the death of Preston Alexander, a wealthy highflyer who had invested in the Maybrick Literary Agency, owned by Beatrice Maybrick. Fitzjohn wasn’t sure of any connection until he spoke to Esme – his interest piqued, he decided to keep his mind open as he searched for the elusive answers he sought…
Deadly Investment is the 5th in the Alistair Fitzjohn series by Aussie author Jill Paterson and I quite enjoyed it. Fitzjohn is a great character who loves his orchids and finds peace in the greenhouse behind his house at the end of a hard day. I was a bit disconcerted to find a glaring error which an editor (or even the author) should have picked up – the series is set in Sydney, and in this one, one of the characters went to Port Stephens. Fitzjohn said to him “so you went to the Central Coast” to which the answer was yes. Port Stephens is in the Hunter Valley, north of Newcastle; the Central Coast is south, close to Sydney (a fact that non locals wouldn’t realise). But aside from that, I have no hesitation in recommending Deadly Investment.
Deadly Investment is the 5th in the Alistair Fitzjohn series by Aussie author Jill Paterson and I quite enjoyed it. Fitzjohn is a great character who loves his orchids and finds peace in the greenhouse behind his house at the end of a hard day. I was a bit disconcerted to find a glaring error which an editor (or even the author) should have picked up – the series is set in Sydney, and in this one, one of the characters went to Port Stephens. Fitzjohn said to him “so you went to the Central Coast” to which the answer was yes. Port Stephens is in the Hunter Valley, north of Newcastle; the Central Coast is south, close to Sydney (a fact that non locals wouldn’t realise). But aside from that, I have no hesitation in recommending Deadly Investment.
August 5, 2016
A pleasant read. Intrigue without messy things about violent death.
One note, windup clocks are usually good for seven days. So, a week after a murder, the apartment would be quiet.
The author was kind enough to answer my question about an acronym not used in the U.S.
One note, windup clocks are usually good for seven days. So, a week after a murder, the apartment would be quiet.
The author was kind enough to answer my question about an acronym not used in the U.S.
February 3, 2017
I am a totally addicted fan of Alistair Fitzjohn. Jill Patterson has created the epitome of the British detective, so completely in fact, that I can hear his accent as I read. If you want good and pleasing entertainment, read this series, starting with #1 and staying with them until Ms Patterson is done, which I hope is no time soon!
January 29, 2016
I just love this series and Deadly Investment is a great addition. DCI Fitzjohn is asked by Sydney North to help them out and cover the murder of Preston Alexander. Superintendent Grieg is not amused, especially when the cover turns into a full blown investigation of two deaths because wherever they turn in the investigation they come up against the death of Beatrice Maybrick a few days before which was treated as an accidental fall down a flight of stairs but looks more and more like murder as the case unfolds.
Deadly Investment is a plot driven cozy with plenty of suspects and red herrings which keep you turning the pages until an ingenious ending. The main characters, with the exception of the overblown and odious Superintendent Greig, are all very pleasant and "normal" - no hangups or troubled pasts, just dedicated detectives. It's all very refreshing and charming.
If you want a good, untaxing read with a clever plot to keep you entertained then Deadly Investment will suit nicely.
Deadly Investment is a plot driven cozy with plenty of suspects and red herrings which keep you turning the pages until an ingenious ending. The main characters, with the exception of the overblown and odious Superintendent Greig, are all very pleasant and "normal" - no hangups or troubled pasts, just dedicated detectives. It's all very refreshing and charming.
If you want a good, untaxing read with a clever plot to keep you entertained then Deadly Investment will suit nicely.
June 26, 2016
Jill Paterson has a delightful series going with the Fitzjohn mysteries. Fitzjohn isn't brilliant or terribly intuitive; he is methodical and thorough. In this outing, Paterson has constructed an intricate plot for Fitzjohn to unravel. There are some interesting twists and turns of both a professional and personal nature. And Paterson's eye for detail and descriptive ability add a further dimension.
March 22, 2019
"Deadly Investment" is another great entry in this delightful series about Australian DCI Fitzjohn. Author Jill Paterson has put together an interesting story with plausible, interesting characters. I love this series, all the characters and how they are all intertwined. Especially that some of the characters (Esme) from a previous book was brought back as well as his not so pleasant neighbor. As a few others have observed, there were some grammatical and spelling errors in this Kindle version that need better editing. Regardless, this is an enjoyable series, and if you like a good ‘British’ mystery, then I recommend this series to you.
In "Deadly Investment," DCI Fitzjohn is asked by Sydney North to help them out and to investigate the murder of Preston Alexander. Fitzjohn’s nemesis Superintendent Grieg is not amused. Also, Beatrice Maybrick, owner and operator of the Maybrick Literary Agency, accidentally fell to her death. Or did she? Esme Timmons thought not; her suspicions are fueled by a letter she received from Beatrice following the tragic incident.
Set in Sydney, Australia, Paterson's is a well-crafted mystery with a fast paced plot. Paterson's characterization has created well -rounded, engaging characters. This is especially true of Chief Inspector Fitzjohn and his side-kick Sergeant Betts. Chief Inspector Alastair Fitzjohn is a very realistic and likable character, a little reminiscent of Adam Dalgleish (for those who enjoy British mysteries). In fact, most the characters are nicely developed, with just enough detail of family life outside their work to give them a well-rounded personality. To enjoy them the best, do start with the first novel “The Celtic Dagger” in order to appreciate the change and development in characters. I will certainly read more of Patterson, and I invite you to give her a try!!
In "Deadly Investment," DCI Fitzjohn is asked by Sydney North to help them out and to investigate the murder of Preston Alexander. Fitzjohn’s nemesis Superintendent Grieg is not amused. Also, Beatrice Maybrick, owner and operator of the Maybrick Literary Agency, accidentally fell to her death. Or did she? Esme Timmons thought not; her suspicions are fueled by a letter she received from Beatrice following the tragic incident.
Set in Sydney, Australia, Paterson's is a well-crafted mystery with a fast paced plot. Paterson's characterization has created well -rounded, engaging characters. This is especially true of Chief Inspector Fitzjohn and his side-kick Sergeant Betts. Chief Inspector Alastair Fitzjohn is a very realistic and likable character, a little reminiscent of Adam Dalgleish (for those who enjoy British mysteries). In fact, most the characters are nicely developed, with just enough detail of family life outside their work to give them a well-rounded personality. To enjoy them the best, do start with the first novel “The Celtic Dagger” in order to appreciate the change and development in characters. I will certainly read more of Patterson, and I invite you to give her a try!!
July 15, 2018
Disappointed By This Mystery
The storyline is straightforward with a few twists and clever red herrings. That said, this mystery was not satisfying for several reasons. For one, Fitzjohn never followed up on crucial clues offered by Esme Timmons. Of course, had he done so, the book would’ve been shorter, and there would have been one less twist. There were other details that sharp-eyed Esme would have noticed and would not have forgotten to tell the Inspector.
I believe author Jill Paterson withheld that information (and another piece of information to do with one of the literary agents) until after the 90% mark. I correctly chose the culprit for several other reasons, but I docked a star.
The storyline is straightforward with a few twists and clever red herrings. That said, this mystery was not satisfying for several reasons. For one, Fitzjohn never followed up on crucial clues offered by Esme Timmons. Of course, had he done so, the book would’ve been shorter, and there would have been one less twist. There were other details that sharp-eyed Esme would have noticed and would not have forgotten to tell the Inspector.
I believe author Jill Paterson withheld that information (and another piece of information to do with one of the literary agents) until after the 90% mark. I correctly chose the culprit for several other reasons, but I docked a star.
January 1, 2026
DCI Fitzjohn and DS Betts investigate the death of Preston Alexander, who was murdered while taking a late-night walk in a Sydney suburb. When they look at the wealthy man's portfolio, they find one unusual investment. Why had Alexander rescued the struggling Maybrick Literary Agency, they wondered?
Cases come in pairs in this series. The detectives are alerted by their old friend Esme Timmons that the recent death of Beatrice Maybrick, head of the literary agency, may not have been the accident it appeared to be. Several people had the means and opportunity to commit the murders, and the detectives have to keep gathering evidence to piece together what happened. An interesting, complex case.
Cases come in pairs in this series. The detectives are alerted by their old friend Esme Timmons that the recent death of Beatrice Maybrick, head of the literary agency, may not have been the accident it appeared to be. Several people had the means and opportunity to commit the murders, and the detectives have to keep gathering evidence to piece together what happened. An interesting, complex case.
September 27, 2022
This was a solid murder mystery set in Australia. The main character is a Detective Fitzjohn and his capable assistant Betts. The story is fairly interesting, but not riveting. I liked the characters and the British flavor and I guess that's what kept me reading. It was a clean book and that's a plus for me as well.
October 11, 2024
The fifth book in the Fitzjohn mystery series. When a body turns up Fitzjohn and Betts are called in to investigate. There has been a second death which it’s believed is an accident, until Esme Timmons, someone involved in a previous case, suggests that the death may not have been an accident.
Meanwhile, the animosity towards Fitzjohn by his superior, reaches record levels.
Meanwhile, the animosity towards Fitzjohn by his superior, reaches record levels.
July 4, 2019
Got me
I have been enjoying Kill Peterson's Fitzjohn series. Chief inspector Fitzjohn always gets his criminal.Justice prevails. But surprisingly I didn't get killer before the chief inspector. Bravo!
I have been enjoying Kill Peterson's Fitzjohn series. Chief inspector Fitzjohn always gets his criminal.Justice prevails. But surprisingly I didn't get killer before the chief inspector. Bravo!
December 16, 2022
Fitzjohn is on the case
Solving the mystery of multiple deaths, two detectives investigate interviewing the characters surrounding the theater while dealing with some internal politics in the department.
Solving the mystery of multiple deaths, two detectives investigate interviewing the characters surrounding the theater while dealing with some internal politics in the department.
March 13, 2018
Another great story with Fitzjohn, Esme and Betts. It was a complicated crime but they figured it out. I enjoyed it very much
November 24, 2018
A light read when you don't want to get into complicated and meaningful stories.
January 14, 2019
Another wonderful book in the Alistair Fitzjohn series.
July 22, 2019
Another lovely little kinda' cozy mystery! Nothing deep - and I usually kinda suspect who did it a bit before the denouement - but very pleasant read in a very pleasant series.
January 8, 2020
Always enjoy reading Fitzjohn’s escapades. I enjoy the characters and his on-going story. Waiting for the next one.
January 23, 2021
Another good one of a good series.
February 23, 2017
Good book
W ell this is my first. Fitzjohn. Book. And l found it very good. You don't go on. about the scenery. And . Things. Just about the case. I am getting my next book now thanks
W ell this is my first. Fitzjohn. Book. And l found it very good. You don't go on. about the scenery. And . Things. Just about the case. I am getting my next book now thanks
July 29, 2016
Good plot, needs some editing
This book wasn't quite as riveting as the previous books in the series. The story seemed almost a place holder for whatever comes next in the professional life of Fitzjohn & his supervisor. As I mentioned in the title of this review, there were some grammatical & punctuation errors that need closer editing. I'm glad I read it & look forward to the next one.
This book wasn't quite as riveting as the previous books in the series. The story seemed almost a place holder for whatever comes next in the professional life of Fitzjohn & his supervisor. As I mentioned in the title of this review, there were some grammatical & punctuation errors that need closer editing. I'm glad I read it & look forward to the next one.
July 1, 2016
Excellent
This is the only book I have read in this series, and I would love to read them all. Inspector Fitzjohn is brilliant, patient, and very likable. Esme Timmons is also a very likable character that adds interest to the plot. I would love to read more of Jill Paterson's books!
This is the only book I have read in this series, and I would love to read them all. Inspector Fitzjohn is brilliant, patient, and very likable. Esme Timmons is also a very likable character that adds interest to the plot. I would love to read more of Jill Paterson's books!
July 7, 2016
Do we have one murder or two?
Inspector Fitzjohn and DS Betts are off on another investigation when an old friend tells them of her suspicions
That another death was murder. We start with too many suspects and too many motives but, Fitzjohn works through the tangles to find the villain.
Inspector Fitzjohn and DS Betts are off on another investigation when an old friend tells them of her suspicions
That another death was murder. We start with too many suspects and too many motives but, Fitzjohn works through the tangles to find the villain.
December 8, 2016
Fitzjohn has his hands full with a murder investigation and an accusation against him from chief superintendent Greig about a former case he can't recall. Then another possible murder comes to light. I love all the characters that Jill Paterson has developed through these five novels. There are some surprising twists in this one.
January 4, 2016
Enjoyable
I really liked the book. Especially that one of the characters (Esme) from a previous book was brought back. After reading all her books I think this one is little more refined.
I really liked the book. Especially that one of the characters (Esme) from a previous book was brought back. After reading all her books I think this one is little more refined.
July 6, 2016
Entertaining
I simply enjoy the adventures of a. Fitzjohn in these investigative mysteries. I get a very strong feeling to this character and look forward to more in the future. Keep writing please.
I simply enjoy the adventures of a. Fitzjohn in these investigative mysteries. I get a very strong feeling to this character and look forward to more in the future. Keep writing please.
August 9, 2016
Unresolved part
what a great storyline. I enjoyed the cast of characters. I didn't figure it out till the end. !left hanging though in regards to the Chief want to know what his problem is with our hero
what a great storyline. I enjoyed the cast of characters. I didn't figure it out till the end. !left hanging though in regards to the Chief want to know what his problem is with our hero
November 20, 2016
Great Reading?
Another great book. I love this series, all the characters and how they are all intertwined. Not a lot of boring this-n-that in the story-line, just right to the point. Fast and great reading. Thanks Jill
Another great book. I love this series, all the characters and how they are all intertwined. Not a lot of boring this-n-that in the story-line, just right to the point. Fast and great reading. Thanks Jill
February 10, 2017
I really like this series and would have rated it higher but for the editorial glitches. Jill Patterson needs a new editor.
Read
June 8, 2016I like this series. This is no5. Will read more. Well written. Not violent. Makes sense. What's not to like. I really can not read intense books without an easy read between. This fills the bill.
August 23, 2016
Enjoyed this. A light hearted mystery. Will read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews