What do you think?
Rate this book
Alex Quick #1
Quick and the Dead
Introducing outspoken female sleuth Alex Quick in the first of a brand-new mystery series
When her business partner, acclaimed art historian and university professor Dr Helena Drummond, disappears, Alexandra Quick is consumed by guilt. Shortly before she vanished, Helena had complained of being menaced by a stalker, and Alex had dismissed her fears as groundless. Now Alex, a former police detective, is determined to use her finely-honed investigative skills to find out what’s happened to her friend and colleague.
But the more she uncovers, the more Alex realizes how little she really knew Dr Helena Drummond. As it becomes increasingly clear that the woman she thought she knew so well has been keeping a great many secrets from her, Alex must decide: is Helena a victim … or is she a killer?
When her business partner, acclaimed art historian and university professor Dr Helena Drummond, disappears, Alexandra Quick is consumed by guilt. Shortly before she vanished, Helena had complained of being menaced by a stalker, and Alex had dismissed her fears as groundless. Now Alex, a former police detective, is determined to use her finely-honed investigative skills to find out what’s happened to her friend and colleague.
But the more she uncovers, the more Alex realizes how little she really knew Dr Helena Drummond. As it becomes increasingly clear that the woman she thought she knew so well has been keeping a great many secrets from her, Alex must decide: is Helena a victim … or is she a killer?
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2016
12 people are currently reading
110 people want to read
About the author
Susan Moody
61 books30 followersShe grew up in Oxford then moved to Tennessee for 10 years. She published two historical novels and the novelisation of the Nescafe Gold Blend advertisements under the pen name Susannah James. More recently she has also used the nom de plume, Susan Madison. She is a former Chairman of the Crime Writer's Association, served as World President of the International Association of Crime Writers, and was elected to the prestigious Detection Club. Susan Moody has given numerous courses on writing crime fiction and continues to teach creative writing in England, France, Australia, the USA and Denmark
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 27, 2016
Quick and the Dead is a perfectly adequate British murder mystery, but after just having finished a book that shook me to the core, Susan Moody failed to engage me with this offering.
This is a quick and easy read, not a particularly suspenseful one, and although I liked the character of Alex Quick, indeed liked most of the characters, I didn't become embroiled in the story and don't know that I would bother picking up any more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing a digital ARC of Quick and the Dead for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
This is a quick and easy read, not a particularly suspenseful one, and although I liked the character of Alex Quick, indeed liked most of the characters, I didn't become embroiled in the story and don't know that I would bother picking up any more books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for providing a digital ARC of Quick and the Dead for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
March 23, 2016
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Susan Moody, and Severn House Publishers for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
Moody opens a new mystery path with a highly energetic Alex Quick. A former member of the police, soured by a cheating husband and crippling miscarriage, Quick turns her interests elsewhere and finds herself in the world of writing. After a few minor pieces receive modest publication, she turns to the world of art, another of her passions. Eventually collaborating with Dr. Helena Drummond, they prepare to pitch an idea to a small publisher in rural England. When Drummond does not turn up, Quick is left to wonder what could have happened. Thinking back to the various off-hand comments Drummond made about a stalker, Quick is left to wonder if there is some truth to it. Upon arrival at Drummond's home, Quick discovers a body, brutally massacred, with a striking resemblance to her friend. Using former police contacts, Quick is able to learn that the victim is not Drummond, but one Amy Morrison. Quick begins piecing together a backstory on Morrison while she continues to look for Drummond, who has seemingly gone on the lam. The more Quick is able to learn, the greater the chances that Dr. Helena Drummond might be a suspect in the Morrison murder. A manhunt begins, as Quick can do nothing but wait. Further investigation into the life and times of Amy Morrison turns up a sordid past and many people who have motive to kill her. When another body turns up, Quick must come to terms with what might have happened to Drummond while remaining fixated on solving the Morrison murder. An intriguing way to introduce a new character in what is sure to be an interesting series, should Moody continue on with it from hereon in.
This is my first experience reading Moody and if this is a testament to her abilities, it will not be my last. While keeping the story simple, Moody is able to move it forward in an effective manner. She pulls the reader in with some backstory on Alex, but also leaves much unsaid. Alex's past does not flood the narrative, though there is also not a 'crime fighting heroine' that pervades the pages either. It is a wonderful mix of mystery, art history, and personal journey as one woman seeks to find the killer of a friend. Utilising a number of characters from many walks of life, the suspect list, though never formally large, is on offer and the reader can speculate alongside a sleuthing Alex Quick. When everything comes together in the end, it is no whodunit shocker, though there are some surprises along the way and the rationale is intriguing to the attentive reader. Moody effectively treats her readers to a great novel and potential series, with a raw writing style and an intriguing presentation style.
Kudos, Madam Moody for this introductory novel into the life of Alex Quick. I do not it is not your last, for I am eager to see what else you have in store for her.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Moody opens a new mystery path with a highly energetic Alex Quick. A former member of the police, soured by a cheating husband and crippling miscarriage, Quick turns her interests elsewhere and finds herself in the world of writing. After a few minor pieces receive modest publication, she turns to the world of art, another of her passions. Eventually collaborating with Dr. Helena Drummond, they prepare to pitch an idea to a small publisher in rural England. When Drummond does not turn up, Quick is left to wonder what could have happened. Thinking back to the various off-hand comments Drummond made about a stalker, Quick is left to wonder if there is some truth to it. Upon arrival at Drummond's home, Quick discovers a body, brutally massacred, with a striking resemblance to her friend. Using former police contacts, Quick is able to learn that the victim is not Drummond, but one Amy Morrison. Quick begins piecing together a backstory on Morrison while she continues to look for Drummond, who has seemingly gone on the lam. The more Quick is able to learn, the greater the chances that Dr. Helena Drummond might be a suspect in the Morrison murder. A manhunt begins, as Quick can do nothing but wait. Further investigation into the life and times of Amy Morrison turns up a sordid past and many people who have motive to kill her. When another body turns up, Quick must come to terms with what might have happened to Drummond while remaining fixated on solving the Morrison murder. An intriguing way to introduce a new character in what is sure to be an interesting series, should Moody continue on with it from hereon in.
This is my first experience reading Moody and if this is a testament to her abilities, it will not be my last. While keeping the story simple, Moody is able to move it forward in an effective manner. She pulls the reader in with some backstory on Alex, but also leaves much unsaid. Alex's past does not flood the narrative, though there is also not a 'crime fighting heroine' that pervades the pages either. It is a wonderful mix of mystery, art history, and personal journey as one woman seeks to find the killer of a friend. Utilising a number of characters from many walks of life, the suspect list, though never formally large, is on offer and the reader can speculate alongside a sleuthing Alex Quick. When everything comes together in the end, it is no whodunit shocker, though there are some surprises along the way and the rationale is intriguing to the attentive reader. Moody effectively treats her readers to a great novel and potential series, with a raw writing style and an intriguing presentation style.
Kudos, Madam Moody for this introductory novel into the life of Alex Quick. I do not it is not your last, for I am eager to see what else you have in store for her.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 12, 2016
This was a great mystery that is compelling and gripping. Alex Quick and Helena put together art books on themes giving the history and story of the paintings. Alex is an ex police officer with a broken marriage and miscarriage and Helena is an academic art historian. After Helena does not turn up for a crucial meeting with a prospective publisher, Alex goes to Helena's home only to discover a gruesomely mutilated body in the bedroom. It is not Helena although the police think that she is a suspect.
The body turns out to be Amy Morrison, an almost universally loathed person who was once a student of Helena's. It transpires that Amy has a history of stealing the work of other people usually by manipulating men sexually. Helena, however, has gone missing and Alex is determined to exonerate her as a suspect in Amy's killing. Delving into the background of both Amy and Helena, Alex finds surprises. She is also offered the possibility of an exceedingly lucrative book contract from a very rich American couple who are art collectors. On the path to discovering the murderer, Alex comes close to losing her life.
Susan Moody has plotted an atmospheric novel with great descriptions. It is set in the dark months of winter and the weather is cold and stormy. Alex is a determined and loyal friend with contacts in the police. She makes a great central character along with her eccentric family. She gets help from a local bookseller who may become a love interest. A smashing book which I recommend to others. Thanks to Severn House, the publishers for an ARC of the book via netgalley.
The body turns out to be Amy Morrison, an almost universally loathed person who was once a student of Helena's. It transpires that Amy has a history of stealing the work of other people usually by manipulating men sexually. Helena, however, has gone missing and Alex is determined to exonerate her as a suspect in Amy's killing. Delving into the background of both Amy and Helena, Alex finds surprises. She is also offered the possibility of an exceedingly lucrative book contract from a very rich American couple who are art collectors. On the path to discovering the murderer, Alex comes close to losing her life.
Susan Moody has plotted an atmospheric novel with great descriptions. It is set in the dark months of winter and the weather is cold and stormy. Alex is a determined and loyal friend with contacts in the police. She makes a great central character along with her eccentric family. She gets help from a local bookseller who may become a love interest. A smashing book which I recommend to others. Thanks to Severn House, the publishers for an ARC of the book via netgalley.
November 28, 2017
"Quick and the dead" is the first in a mystery series featuring art expert and ex-copper Alexandra Quick.
Alexandra is thirty-three years old, divorced, and on her second career. She, and her friend and business partner Helena Drummond, work jointly to produce high-quality art book anthologies with corresponding relevant stories. Helena is older than Alex, flamboyant, eccentric, and more than a bit of a 'cougar'. She is an art historian and works as a professor at the University of Kent at Canterbury.
When Helena fails to turn up at a very important meeting with a prospective publisher, Alex's ex-copper senses are immediately roused. After the meeting she goes to Helena's house, only to find that there is a dead, and very savagely mutilated, woman in Helena's bed. Of Helena, there is no trace...
As Alex begins her own investigation into the mysterious woman's death, she wonders where her friend Helena could possibly be. She knows in her heart that the police are wrong in their supposition that Helena is the murderer. She also carries guilt due to the fact that Helena had told Alex she was being stalked - and Alex had dismissed her concerns due to the fact that Helena was a bit of a drama queen.
The murder victim turns out to be someone from the art world. Amy Morrison had just released a highly successful book about an Italian painter. Due to the fact that she was universally disliked, was "cold and heartless", the list of possible suspects to her murder is rather a long one.
"By all accounts, the only person Amy had loved was Amy".
There were several parts of this story that I really enjoyed. I liked the scenes between Alex and her friend Sam who owns a nearby bookshop, also the scenes between Alex and her less than nurturing parents. I loved the scenes (though they were far too few), of Alex looking after her brother's rescue dog, the Airedale terrier, named Anton.
I found this book to be escapist mystery. By that I mean it was an easy read, but that the characters and the various threads of the plot just didn't mesh in the way I wanted them to. A woman as supposedly intelligent as Alex, who was one of the youngest ever police Detective Inspectors in the country, surely wouldn't resign from her career over a man??? She professes to have 'chronic sadness', after her miscarriage and divorce, but her actions do not bear this out. The plot, though interesting, was in my opinion, rather far-fetched. That being said, my attention was held throughout, with no significant lags in my interest. Though I quite enjoyed this novel, I cannot in all honesty see me pursuing the Alexandra Quick series. In short, this was an entertaining, though less than plausible mystery novel.
This review is my way of saying thank-you to Severn House publishing house for providing me with auto-approval for their titles offered on NetGalley.
Alexandra is thirty-three years old, divorced, and on her second career. She, and her friend and business partner Helena Drummond, work jointly to produce high-quality art book anthologies with corresponding relevant stories. Helena is older than Alex, flamboyant, eccentric, and more than a bit of a 'cougar'. She is an art historian and works as a professor at the University of Kent at Canterbury.
When Helena fails to turn up at a very important meeting with a prospective publisher, Alex's ex-copper senses are immediately roused. After the meeting she goes to Helena's house, only to find that there is a dead, and very savagely mutilated, woman in Helena's bed. Of Helena, there is no trace...
As Alex begins her own investigation into the mysterious woman's death, she wonders where her friend Helena could possibly be. She knows in her heart that the police are wrong in their supposition that Helena is the murderer. She also carries guilt due to the fact that Helena had told Alex she was being stalked - and Alex had dismissed her concerns due to the fact that Helena was a bit of a drama queen.
The murder victim turns out to be someone from the art world. Amy Morrison had just released a highly successful book about an Italian painter. Due to the fact that she was universally disliked, was "cold and heartless", the list of possible suspects to her murder is rather a long one.
"By all accounts, the only person Amy had loved was Amy".
There were several parts of this story that I really enjoyed. I liked the scenes between Alex and her friend Sam who owns a nearby bookshop, also the scenes between Alex and her less than nurturing parents. I loved the scenes (though they were far too few), of Alex looking after her brother's rescue dog, the Airedale terrier, named Anton.
I found this book to be escapist mystery. By that I mean it was an easy read, but that the characters and the various threads of the plot just didn't mesh in the way I wanted them to. A woman as supposedly intelligent as Alex, who was one of the youngest ever police Detective Inspectors in the country, surely wouldn't resign from her career over a man??? She professes to have 'chronic sadness', after her miscarriage and divorce, but her actions do not bear this out. The plot, though interesting, was in my opinion, rather far-fetched. That being said, my attention was held throughout, with no significant lags in my interest. Though I quite enjoyed this novel, I cannot in all honesty see me pursuing the Alexandra Quick series. In short, this was an entertaining, though less than plausible mystery novel.
This review is my way of saying thank-you to Severn House publishing house for providing me with auto-approval for their titles offered on NetGalley.
March 21, 2016
On the whole, Quick and the Dead is an entertaining mystery, but it is not without weaknesses. Alexandra Quick, the central character is supposedly a former DI. Yet for a former DI, Alex seems to have little knowledge of how to conduct an investigation. She behaves more like an amateur than a seasoned professional. It is almost as if her past as a DI was added at the last moment to explain her ability to get information about ongoing investigations. If you have no problem setting this minor irritation aside, the novel is easy to enjoy.
Alex Quick and her business partner, Dr Helena Drummond compose books that center around famous works of art. When Helena fails to show up for an important meeting, Alex goes to her home. There she discovers the mutilated body of an unknown woman. As Helena is missing, the police consider her a suspect. Alex doesn't believe Helena is capable of murder and begins her own investigation. The more she searches, the more she realizes how little she knows about her friend. A combination of sheer persistence and luck brings her closer to the truth, but will she be in time to save Helena?
Small inconsistencies and minor flaws mar an otherwise well written novel. As it is the first in a new series, my natural inclination is to be forgiving and wait to see how the second installment pans out.
3.5/5
Quick and The Dead is available for preorder and will be released May 1, 2016.
I received a copy of Quick and The Dead from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Alex Quick and her business partner, Dr Helena Drummond compose books that center around famous works of art. When Helena fails to show up for an important meeting, Alex goes to her home. There she discovers the mutilated body of an unknown woman. As Helena is missing, the police consider her a suspect. Alex doesn't believe Helena is capable of murder and begins her own investigation. The more she searches, the more she realizes how little she knows about her friend. A combination of sheer persistence and luck brings her closer to the truth, but will she be in time to save Helena?
Small inconsistencies and minor flaws mar an otherwise well written novel. As it is the first in a new series, my natural inclination is to be forgiving and wait to see how the second installment pans out.
3.5/5
Quick and The Dead is available for preorder and will be released May 1, 2016.
I received a copy of Quick and The Dead from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
May 14, 2016
Alexandra Quick was a police detective and is now in a partnership with her friend and professor Dr. Helena Drummond to write unique art history books. On the verge of signing a large contract, Helena disappears and now Alex feels guilty because she ignored her dramatic friend’s claim of being stalked. Alex fears the worst about what has happened to Helena, but then learns she is a main suspect in a brutal murder. Now it’s up to Alex to find Helena and learn the truth about her friend’s disappearance and the murder for which she is accused.
Although no longer on the force, Alex goes about the investigation like a professional, which makes it very interesting to read. Alex is a strong, independent character and she is likeable. I would have enjoyed the book even more if she had made some better decisions during her search for Helena. At one point, she has a promising lead, but delays in following up. In addition, I felt there were a few things that could have been more clearly explained when the case was resolved. This is an interesting book and those who enjoy British procedurals should enjoy this mystery. I would rate the book 3.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Severn House Publishers. The books was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Although no longer on the force, Alex goes about the investigation like a professional, which makes it very interesting to read. Alex is a strong, independent character and she is likeable. I would have enjoyed the book even more if she had made some better decisions during her search for Helena. At one point, she has a promising lead, but delays in following up. In addition, I felt there were a few things that could have been more clearly explained when the case was resolved. This is an interesting book and those who enjoy British procedurals should enjoy this mystery. I would rate the book 3.5 stars.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Severn House Publishers. The books was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
April 16, 2016
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Severn House Publishing.
Sometimes when I'm reading a book I get the feeling that the characters are starting out flat and basically uninteresting to me and it is a challenge to continue reading. In this case I kept hoping I would feel more sympathy and even empathy for Alex Quick in her search for clues as to the whereabouts of her friend and business partner and the identity of the dead woman found in that friends house. Alex doesn't recognize the dead woman, the police can't identify her terribly mutilated body, it looks like the case is going to stall until....ta da....bolt out of the blue - Alex comes up with a name. Hmm. Rather convenient, that.
This was, for me, basically an okay reading experience. Good enough to finish the book to find out what was going to happen but not sorry to see it ended. This appears to be the first in a new series for this author plus I see that she has at least seven other novels to her credit. If you've read any of those, you will already know her style and whether or not you want to begin a new series with her.
Sometimes when I'm reading a book I get the feeling that the characters are starting out flat and basically uninteresting to me and it is a challenge to continue reading. In this case I kept hoping I would feel more sympathy and even empathy for Alex Quick in her search for clues as to the whereabouts of her friend and business partner and the identity of the dead woman found in that friends house. Alex doesn't recognize the dead woman, the police can't identify her terribly mutilated body, it looks like the case is going to stall until....ta da....bolt out of the blue - Alex comes up with a name. Hmm. Rather convenient, that.
This was, for me, basically an okay reading experience. Good enough to finish the book to find out what was going to happen but not sorry to see it ended. This appears to be the first in a new series for this author plus I see that she has at least seven other novels to her credit. If you've read any of those, you will already know her style and whether or not you want to begin a new series with her.
February 3, 2016
Alex Quick is a former detective. After the breakdown of her marriage to a fellow officer, she set out on a new career compiling art anthologies in collaboration with her friend Dr Helena Drummond, an academic. When Helena disappears and Alex discovers a mutilated body in Helena's house she resurrects her own detective skills to try and find her friend as she is certain she hasn't committed the murder.
I found the graphic description of the corpse a bit too much for my taste but the rest of the book was well worth reading. I thought it was written, the plot was sufficiently complex to keep me guessing and I like Alex as a character.
This is the first book in a new series so I shall definitely be watching out for the next one. If you enjoy crime novels which feature amateur sleuths then this may be a book to add to your reading list. Overall I enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
I found the graphic description of the corpse a bit too much for my taste but the rest of the book was well worth reading. I thought it was written, the plot was sufficiently complex to keep me guessing and I like Alex as a character.
This is the first book in a new series so I shall definitely be watching out for the next one. If you enjoy crime novels which feature amateur sleuths then this may be a book to add to your reading list. Overall I enjoyed it. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
July 31, 2016
While A Quick is a retired police investigator she has a hard time following the clues as she tries to help a friend and then find her killer. Nice plotting. Good characters. But the story is slow and we are not that fond of Quick as she is not a great investigator.
November 20, 2017
I don't know how Alex Quick rose through the ranks as a police officer she seemed clueless throughout as to who the murderer was, even I had guessed halfway through and I am pathetic at these sirt of things
September 7, 2016
Room for improvement. Not sure I like the main character and the plot was kinda dull.
August 20, 2016
British crime but not that suspenseful.
.
.
June 23, 2023
Returned to this first title in Susan Moody's "Quick" series to get the back story and unfortunately I'm sorry I did.
Moody clearly is a skilled writer and the protagonist she has crafted is a strong and positive one with a great side line in smart-arse commentary: a genuinely independent character. However, she comes across as a bit clueless contrary to what her ex-Detective training would allow and Moody still reverts to (and relies upon?) the 'woman-as-victlm' trope often enough to belie her lead's believable strength or even her resourcefullness in the world. Her professional status change into the artbook world which the author has concocted is almost believable, but my greatest complaint would be the gruesome indulgence in the detailed murder execution.
Good God.
I have to wonder about the need for some authors to construct such detailed cruelty. Who wants to write this? Who enjoys writing this? Is this the only way Moody could establish the desperate sense of loss for the protagonist, to hint at the insanity of the killer and who that might have been? Really? Isn't there an editor who could step in and advise a bit of restraint? Surely there is enough awfulness in the real world we don't need to delve down to that level to 'entertain'...or is it that a certain cohort of readers is so dulled, damaged and thus immune now to violent acts that authors have to 'up' their game to be contemporary and competitive in detective mysteries these days?
Perhaps I'm just olde school enough to feel this sensitivity, always preferring the puzzle more than the variety of demise and so have missed the boat when it comes to the newest genre authors...I'll stay on shore thanks, and sacrifice the thrill of suspense over such gross ugliness.
So. I dropped the book only those few chapters in with an out-loud expression of that teenage "EEYWWWWWww!!" that I haven't said in decades and knew I'd just skip to the end only mildly curious to discover the rather stereotypical outcome in the last two chapters.
I won't bother with any of Moody's other work.
Moody clearly is a skilled writer and the protagonist she has crafted is a strong and positive one with a great side line in smart-arse commentary: a genuinely independent character. However, she comes across as a bit clueless contrary to what her ex-Detective training would allow and Moody still reverts to (and relies upon?) the 'woman-as-victlm' trope often enough to belie her lead's believable strength or even her resourcefullness in the world. Her professional status change into the artbook world which the author has concocted is almost believable, but my greatest complaint would be the gruesome indulgence in the detailed murder execution.
Good God.
I have to wonder about the need for some authors to construct such detailed cruelty. Who wants to write this? Who enjoys writing this? Is this the only way Moody could establish the desperate sense of loss for the protagonist, to hint at the insanity of the killer and who that might have been? Really? Isn't there an editor who could step in and advise a bit of restraint? Surely there is enough awfulness in the real world we don't need to delve down to that level to 'entertain'...or is it that a certain cohort of readers is so dulled, damaged and thus immune now to violent acts that authors have to 'up' their game to be contemporary and competitive in detective mysteries these days?
Perhaps I'm just olde school enough to feel this sensitivity, always preferring the puzzle more than the variety of demise and so have missed the boat when it comes to the newest genre authors...I'll stay on shore thanks, and sacrifice the thrill of suspense over such gross ugliness.
So. I dropped the book only those few chapters in with an out-loud expression of that teenage "EEYWWWWWww!!" that I haven't said in decades and knew I'd just skip to the end only mildly curious to discover the rather stereotypical outcome in the last two chapters.
I won't bother with any of Moody's other work.
May 12, 2017
Quick and the Dead
By Susan Moody
2017
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
In this first book of the Alex Quick Mystery Series, Alex, a former police detective, at the age of 33 ruminates of being “in danger of becoming a maiden aunt,” unlike her business partner, Dr. Helena Drummond, who at 50 as art historian and university professor, lives a vibrant life, albeit with somewhat of a mysterious past.
“My mobile buzzed. Quick here, I said.
‘Alex, darling.’ It was Dr. Helena Drummond, my collaborator. My friend. And, in several ways, my savior.
‘Hi, Helena!’ I couldn’t help smiling. It was the effect she always had on me.”
They spoke of their appointment with a publisher at 10:30 the next morning, as well as Helena’s evening social plans.
“’And don’t be late,’ Alex warned her.
‘I won’t be – unless I’m kidnapped or something,’ Helena said, going on to repeat once more that she was being stalked.
Since Helena tended to be dramatic my flippant reply was to ‘Tell him to come back the day after tomorrow.”
When on the next day Helena did not show at the appointment, nor answer her phone, Alex regretted not taking Helena more seriously.
Readers will find this mystery literate, witty, and intriguing, as it challenges them to decipher the events that uncover many of Helen’s past secrets in this complex plot.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
By Susan Moody
2017
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
In this first book of the Alex Quick Mystery Series, Alex, a former police detective, at the age of 33 ruminates of being “in danger of becoming a maiden aunt,” unlike her business partner, Dr. Helena Drummond, who at 50 as art historian and university professor, lives a vibrant life, albeit with somewhat of a mysterious past.
“My mobile buzzed. Quick here, I said.
‘Alex, darling.’ It was Dr. Helena Drummond, my collaborator. My friend. And, in several ways, my savior.
‘Hi, Helena!’ I couldn’t help smiling. It was the effect she always had on me.”
They spoke of their appointment with a publisher at 10:30 the next morning, as well as Helena’s evening social plans.
“’And don’t be late,’ Alex warned her.
‘I won’t be – unless I’m kidnapped or something,’ Helena said, going on to repeat once more that she was being stalked.
Since Helena tended to be dramatic my flippant reply was to ‘Tell him to come back the day after tomorrow.”
When on the next day Helena did not show at the appointment, nor answer her phone, Alex regretted not taking Helena more seriously.
Readers will find this mystery literate, witty, and intriguing, as it challenges them to decipher the events that uncover many of Helen’s past secrets in this complex plot.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
October 26, 2020
I'm not sure what it is about this book, but I truly enjoyed reading it. I ripped through, and immediately checked to see if the sequel was available at the library. I love Alex Quick's honesty and genuine zeal to solve the disappearance of her best friend and business partner, and Moody's characters are excellently drawn; I enjoyed the bookshop gentleman. I found I had to suspend a bit of disbelief about Quick's former life as a police officer - would she actually resign over a love gone wrong? And some situations moved a little bit too fast. But I enjoyed this the art history and literature angles of this easy and (quick :)) read that successfully distracted me from COVID madness.
October 7, 2024
I love a good murder mystery. Been watching the cop shows since my early teens. But the thing is, I want the investigators to show a lot of brains instead of asking a lot of questions. While there's good dialogue (for the most part) and some believable characters, the first half feels like Alex Quick is going around in circles and the second half slowly throws things together. On top of which, the resolution of everything didn't require Alex to be a genius. She was just at the right place at the right time, to put it shortly. Honestly, I was hoping for so much more.
May 11, 2017
I almost didn't get past the crime scene, it was that graphic. Once I did that, the rest of the book was better. I did suspect the true evildoer long before the end, which frustrated me. I felt the motive was fairly obvious, and, while it didn't point directly to the perpetrator, it should have led Alex Quick down different paths than where she initially went. Perhaps these issues will be resolved with future books in the series?
January 5, 2018
I didn't much like this book. I gave it two stars because I thought the underlying mystery was good, and there were some interesting characters. However, the writing felt very uneven. Characters were too plentiful so it was hard to care about or keep track of anyone, and the heroine ex-detective is sort of brainless.
May 14, 2017
This was an incredibly enjoyable book! Alex Quick is such a kick butt character who really owned this particular detective plot. Despite the heart-breaking ending I really enjoyed the mystery and had no clue who the ultimate culprit was until it was revealed. Really enjoyed this book!
December 17, 2018
I like this book even though the murder was pretty gruesome. I would probably read more in this series, the main character is pretty likable, doesn't take a lot of stupid chances - at least not on purpose, and I didn't guess the guilty party.
August 13, 2019
The storyline was going swimmingly until the last chapter when the main character acts like an idiot. First, suddenly jogging after dark in the winter in the woods. Then hopping a train to London while heavily medicated, knowing that someone is trying to kill her. C’mon...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2018
This was Blind Date book through my library.
Fast read. Nothing that blew me away. Not my general type of book, but ok, none the less.
Fast read. Nothing that blew me away. Not my general type of book, but ok, none the less.
July 9, 2018
I found this a very hard book to read.
Felt it was long winded, but the end was a surprise..
Felt it was long winded, but the end was a surprise..
October 26, 2020
Thrilling
November 22, 2022
Good little mystery but characters were very one dimensional.
November 25, 2016
Although an excellent mystery, a bit too graphic for my tastes.
April 20, 2016
Alex Quick, a new whodunit series
If we are honest with ourselves, we’d all like a friend with bluntness like Alex Quick. As a friend, she’d tell you what you need to hear; not necessarily what you want to hear. But, with her dear friend, Dr Helena Drummond, she called it wrong. For some time, Helena had been trying to tell Alex she felt as if someone was stalking her. Since Alex knew her friend’s flair for the dramatic, she’d not paid attention. Then, Helena had not shown up for an important meeting with a new client. She went to Helena’s home in Canterbury and let herself in as they’d exchanged keys. She found her mutilated body on the bed … No, wait … it wasn’t Helena. Alex experienced two thoughts simultaneously. Where was Helena? Who was this dead woman?
Alex and Helena were collaborators at Drummond & Quick Ltd, working to produce high-quality art book anthologies. Before that, Alex was a Detective Inspector. She had cop instincts. While the police were engaging the thought that Drummond may have been the killer, Alex knew her friend better than that. At least she thought she knew her. As she began answering questions for the police, she was finding just how little she really knew about her friend’s life.
The biggest complaint I have of this story is a feeling that Alex, as an ex-cop, should have called the police a little sooner. Instead, I felt she allowed herself to enter the room and contaminate what would become the scene of the crime. I really liked Alex’s personality, her rough exterior, and her unwavering faith in her friend. The story was told at a fast pace and held a nice twist. Some aspects of the story were not explained fully to my satisfaction. For the faint of heart, the crime was a bit graphic. Bottom line, though, is that I’d love to read more of Alex Quick.
Fictionzeal
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
If we are honest with ourselves, we’d all like a friend with bluntness like Alex Quick. As a friend, she’d tell you what you need to hear; not necessarily what you want to hear. But, with her dear friend, Dr Helena Drummond, she called it wrong. For some time, Helena had been trying to tell Alex she felt as if someone was stalking her. Since Alex knew her friend’s flair for the dramatic, she’d not paid attention. Then, Helena had not shown up for an important meeting with a new client. She went to Helena’s home in Canterbury and let herself in as they’d exchanged keys. She found her mutilated body on the bed … No, wait … it wasn’t Helena. Alex experienced two thoughts simultaneously. Where was Helena? Who was this dead woman?
Alex and Helena were collaborators at Drummond & Quick Ltd, working to produce high-quality art book anthologies. Before that, Alex was a Detective Inspector. She had cop instincts. While the police were engaging the thought that Drummond may have been the killer, Alex knew her friend better than that. At least she thought she knew her. As she began answering questions for the police, she was finding just how little she really knew about her friend’s life.
The biggest complaint I have of this story is a feeling that Alex, as an ex-cop, should have called the police a little sooner. Instead, I felt she allowed herself to enter the room and contaminate what would become the scene of the crime. I really liked Alex’s personality, her rough exterior, and her unwavering faith in her friend. The story was told at a fast pace and held a nice twist. Some aspects of the story were not explained fully to my satisfaction. For the faint of heart, the crime was a bit graphic. Bottom line, though, is that I’d love to read more of Alex Quick.
Fictionzeal
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
April 16, 2016
Alex Quick was once a Detective Inspector. Now after a failed marriage to another policeman and a miscarriage, she has turned her efforts to making art books with her partner Helena Drummond. When Helena fails to show up for an important meeting with a publisher, Alex goes to her house and finds a woman rather viciously murdered in Helena’s bed. Was Helena the killer or possibly the intended victim?
With Helena being a suspect, Alex sets out to prove her innocence, but instead finds that she knows less about her friend than she thought she did. Alex uses her contacts among the police to aid her. She also acquires a bookseller as a sort of sidekick for some of her investigations.
Susan Moody does a good job building suspense as the novel progresses. Still it is occasionally slow in parts. She kept me guessing as to the identity of the killer. Every time I thought I knew who it was, something would happen to disturb that notion. My only complaints with the mystery are that I felt there needed to be a little more foreshadowing concerning the identity of the killer and that the book ended sort of abruptly. As a result, I give this book 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars. It’s a good book, but it needed a little more towards the end. I would still recommend it for anyone who likes British mysteries. Bear in mind the initial crime scene is described rather brutally, but it is not dwelt upon in detail through the rest of the book
With Helena being a suspect, Alex sets out to prove her innocence, but instead finds that she knows less about her friend than she thought she did. Alex uses her contacts among the police to aid her. She also acquires a bookseller as a sort of sidekick for some of her investigations.
Susan Moody does a good job building suspense as the novel progresses. Still it is occasionally slow in parts. She kept me guessing as to the identity of the killer. Every time I thought I knew who it was, something would happen to disturb that notion. My only complaints with the mystery are that I felt there needed to be a little more foreshadowing concerning the identity of the killer and that the book ended sort of abruptly. As a result, I give this book 3.5 stars instead of 4 stars. It’s a good book, but it needed a little more towards the end. I would still recommend it for anyone who likes British mysteries. Bear in mind the initial crime scene is described rather brutally, but it is not dwelt upon in detail through the rest of the book
February 13, 2016
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy of Quick And The Dead which is the debut novel in a new series featuring ex DI Alex Quick who now writes art books in collaboration with Dr Helena Drummond. The novel opens with Alex and Helena scheduling an important meeting with a potential new publisher but Helena doesn't show up so Alex goes to her house and finds a dead body and Helena missing. Helena becomes prime suspect when the body is identified as Amy Morrison, an author she didn't like so Alex sets out on a desperate quest to find Helena and prove her innocence by finding Amy's killer.
I am new to Ms Moody's work so I have nothing to measure it against. Quick And The Dead is a fast paced novel with a few twists and it held my interest throughout. The plot is linear and well thought out but I was a bit disappointed that a good bit of the detail was not tied up at the end, for example how Amy got into Helena's house (a not insignificant point). I may have a false impression of the skills police officers have but Alex's thinking and extremely tenuous theories do not strike me as the way a trained officer would process facts and information, even given her emotional turmoil although it does make for good reading.
I enjoyed Quick And The Dead as it is a rattling good read and, despite my minor quibbles, I would read any follow up so I don't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of absorbing escapism.
I am new to Ms Moody's work so I have nothing to measure it against. Quick And The Dead is a fast paced novel with a few twists and it held my interest throughout. The plot is linear and well thought out but I was a bit disappointed that a good bit of the detail was not tied up at the end, for example how Amy got into Helena's house (a not insignificant point). I may have a false impression of the skills police officers have but Alex's thinking and extremely tenuous theories do not strike me as the way a trained officer would process facts and information, even given her emotional turmoil although it does make for good reading.
I enjoyed Quick And The Dead as it is a rattling good read and, despite my minor quibbles, I would read any follow up so I don't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a bit of absorbing escapism.
June 3, 2016
Princess Fuzzypants here;
Alex Quick used to be a copper on the fast track. Now she and a collaborator write art anthologies.. Her two worlds, past and present, collide when a despised author is found murdered in a grisly way in her friend and collaborator's bed.
Alex discovers the corpse when she goes to the home after her friend misses an important meeting. The fact that Alex does not believe her friend guilty is moot. Helena is nowhere to be found and therefore is the prime suspect in the eyes of the police.
Alex is determined to find both Helena and the murderer.. It takes her on a jaunt to find the truth. When Helena's body shows up in a river, she knows it was not suicide and she increases her efforts.
Needless to say, she finds the murderer, or rather, that murderer finds her. While the first part of the book is exciting, it truly ramps up for the final half. I was biting my paws as I was read quickly to the end. There were plenty of red herrings. While the culprit was not a total surprise, her reasons were.
If you enjoy a thriller with a heroine who understandably gets involved in the investigation and therefore is all the more plausible, you will like this one.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
Alex Quick used to be a copper on the fast track. Now she and a collaborator write art anthologies.. Her two worlds, past and present, collide when a despised author is found murdered in a grisly way in her friend and collaborator's bed.
Alex discovers the corpse when she goes to the home after her friend misses an important meeting. The fact that Alex does not believe her friend guilty is moot. Helena is nowhere to be found and therefore is the prime suspect in the eyes of the police.
Alex is determined to find both Helena and the murderer.. It takes her on a jaunt to find the truth. When Helena's body shows up in a river, she knows it was not suicide and she increases her efforts.
Needless to say, she finds the murderer, or rather, that murderer finds her. While the first part of the book is exciting, it truly ramps up for the final half. I was biting my paws as I was read quickly to the end. There were plenty of red herrings. While the culprit was not a total surprise, her reasons were.
If you enjoy a thriller with a heroine who understandably gets involved in the investigation and therefore is all the more plausible, you will like this one.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews