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Slater & Norman Mystery #3
Florence
When a little old man is found dead in his own home it seems to DS Dave Slater he’s simply been the victim of a tragic accident. Perhaps it’s just a sign of the times with so many older people now living alone. There don’t even seem to be any living relatives around to arrange his funeral.
But then one or two strange things happen at the old man’s now empty house, and Slater has to reconsider his original conclusion and ask some fresh questions. It soon becomes obvious that someone seems to be looking for something, but what could a lonely little old man be hiding, and why are they so desperate to find it?
And then there’s Florence. A ghost-like figure who’s occasionally seen around town in the early hours, she seems to be living rough somewhere near town, but no-one actually knows where she lives or what she does. Then it becomes clear she's the key to this whole mystery... .
But then one or two strange things happen at the old man’s now empty house, and Slater has to reconsider his original conclusion and ask some fresh questions. It soon becomes obvious that someone seems to be looking for something, but what could a lonely little old man be hiding, and why are they so desperate to find it?
And then there’s Florence. A ghost-like figure who’s occasionally seen around town in the early hours, she seems to be living rough somewhere near town, but no-one actually knows where she lives or what she does. Then it becomes clear she's the key to this whole mystery... .
252 pages, Paperback
First published March 6, 2015
1058 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
54 books236 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
June 23, 2018
Starting a series in the middle is always a bit iffy, but the author did a decent job of introducing the characters without overtone - you got a good feel for them and their history from the dialogue and story. The book is a nice, fast read, not too graphic. It didn't immerse me, but it didn't drag, and there were some funny bits and realistic dialogue.
The story's timing, however, is way off. I got the impression that the author had decided to use the Magic Roundabout, but discovered too late that it aired too late to work with the story. It was sort of clumsily pinned back in, but not in a way that made any sense, and some rather gaping plot holes open up. I also thought the detectives should have suspected the guilty party much sooner (the signs are flashing quite early on). A few items were dropped and left unfinished - the ending is rather rushed. Nonetheless, I think I will read another book in the series, if only because the characters are likeable.
The story's timing, however, is way off. I got the impression that the author had decided to use the Magic Roundabout, but discovered too late that it aired too late to work with the story. It was sort of clumsily pinned back in, but not in a way that made any sense, and some rather gaping plot holes open up. I also thought the detectives should have suspected the guilty party much sooner (the signs are flashing quite early on). A few items were dropped and left unfinished - the ending is rather rushed. Nonetheless, I think I will read another book in the series, if only because the characters are likeable.
April 7, 2022
Amazing!
I absolutely loved this book! I think its the best so far in my reading! But I have a way to go yet! This had me laughing out loud, scratching my head to figure out "who done it", and totally captivated. The twists were tricky, and every time I thought I figured it out, a turn would change the whole direction! I'm so glad I found this series! This book was amazing!
I absolutely loved this book! I think its the best so far in my reading! But I have a way to go yet! This had me laughing out loud, scratching my head to figure out "who done it", and totally captivated. The twists were tricky, and every time I thought I figured it out, a turn would change the whole direction! I'm so glad I found this series! This book was amazing!
June 17, 2019
Third of the DS Slater & Norman books and one I throughly enjoyed. What seems an innocent “Bag Lady” and an innocuous death of an old man soon turns into a in depth case for our two unlikely hero’s. When the sharp mind of PC Jane Jolly begins to question if the “innocuous “ death of Mr Winter is more than she first though she confides in Dave Slater who is convinced there is more to the case than they currently see. What follows is an investigation that opens up Child abuse, murder and a philandering high ranked policeman. Slater, Norman and Jolly push on with their investigations despite coming under political pressure. What follows is an intriguing case right to the very end. Very enjoyable read
April 9, 2016
Edge of your seat investigation
I love the way the author keeps his foot on the pedal. There is no wasted filler angles. Everything Is aimed at the conclusion.
I love the way the author keeps his foot on the pedal. There is no wasted filler angles. Everything Is aimed at the conclusion.
December 18, 2021
a borrowed plot line and an abrupt ending...
May 10, 2022
Didn't work for me
Mystery wasn't bad, but there was a lot of unnecessary repetition, and the back and forth between characters was annoying.
Mystery wasn't bad, but there was a lot of unnecessary repetition, and the back and forth between characters was annoying.
March 4, 2022
Florence was a old lady in a white coat who came to town only after it get darker. The lady at the bakery always gave her day old breads and pie ever 3 days. The old lady always asks her if she seen a man but everyone says no we dont know this man and havent seen him. Story evolves into . A burglar who leaves a calling card at the homes he steals from. Turns into a murder and the cops are hunting for any known relatives. They think it may be this old woman with the dirty white coat. She seems to be terrified of men. Why is she scared and hides out in the woods. Then she turns up dead. What is the secret behind her. Then the police think it has something to do with her past. Was she in a childrens home when she was little and thats why she hated men .Thru lots and lots of files and searchs they find get some good lead about this foster home and the old lady in the dirty coat. Was she afraid to tell about the abuse she suffered way back then and is she hiding this to say her life ?
November 8, 2022
Florence is a well crafted mystery by P. F. Ford that has not so many twists or surprises. It ends with a very satisfying resolution. We were disappointed a bit at what happens to one of the characters. Jolly gets a good share of the story from the beginning and is key to resolving the mystery. She brings compassion to the story. Slater is better and not so whiny or we're getting used to him? Norman has a long way to go shaping up his appearance and shedding his creepy ways with his female co-workers but we do like this "dirty old man" ploy he plays. Slater is a wimp in relationships and does a bad job of being a boyfriend. Ford again stays just this side of slime when he tries to inject sexual activity. His girlfriend needs to go.
February 10, 2020
Milk Man seen his bottles out on the porch, and couldn’t get any answers so called the police. Seemed like he was elderly, falling and hitting his head.
They attended his funeral thinking no one else would be there. A mysterious bag lady comes and huddles in the background. Then his home is ramshackle, then the solicitors office. Jolly befriends the bag lady and now the case has taken another turn. Was thIs really a murder and living a quiet life, they soon found from his bank statesman’s there was more than what they had uncovered so far, a sensitive subject and well done. The two detective and how they handle each case is priceless.
They attended his funeral thinking no one else would be there. A mysterious bag lady comes and huddles in the background. Then his home is ramshackle, then the solicitors office. Jolly befriends the bag lady and now the case has taken another turn. Was thIs really a murder and living a quiet life, they soon found from his bank statesman’s there was more than what they had uncovered so far, a sensitive subject and well done. The two detective and how they handle each case is priceless.
March 14, 2022
The third in this series begins with a local milkman worried about one of her customers and asking the police to take a look. PC Jolly is in the area with DS Slater and they find what appears at first sight to be a natural death. Meantime DS Norman is investigating another jewel theft by a mystery nightime caller but something feels wrong. It's only when other occurrences come to light that DS's Slater and Norman, plus the invaluable DC Jolly, discover they are, once again, on the brink of a huge criminal investigation.
Another excellent book in this series and book four is just waiting for me to read it.
Another excellent book in this series and book four is just waiting for me to read it.
December 5, 2022
If you like books that have the bad guys getting caught and paying for what they’ve done, then you will find this book as frustrating as I did. Not that it isn’t a good book because it is!! It was really interesting to read the unfoldment of the clues, leading to one more piece of evidence, even if it was circumstantial. A lot of what was written is true today, as much as it has always been true; some people get away with stuff, for whatever reason. I really like this author a lot and I really like this series!!! I will be reading the next book!
May 26, 2023
One star is automatically lost, in my reviews, for the use of blasphemy - even if, in this case, there were only two such instances. However, I would have removed a star because of what I consider to have been a very unsatisfactory ending. I have read the final chapter again, and am still left with a double murderer who appears top have been anonymous! Perhaps that was what the author intended, but I didn't like it.
The main characters were not my cup of tea, although WPC Jolly definitely passed muster!
The main characters were not my cup of tea, although WPC Jolly definitely passed muster!
June 19, 2025
When the body of Dylan Winter is found at his home on Canal Street in Tinton, it appears that his death was accidental. Several days later, it becomes clear that the old man was murdered. He apparently had been gathering evidence about crimes committed over 50 years before, and someone does not want those crimes to be exposed. Learning the full story requires quite a lot of digging by DS Dave Slater, DS Norman Norman, and DC Jane Jolly of the Tinton police. I found this to be an absorbing mystery.
July 4, 2020
Florence is the third book in the Dave Slater Mystery series. It has a well-constructed plot with several serious crimes. Although it contains a number of the characters from the earlier books, this book has a far more serious tone (I only laughed out loud once). The tone seems to fit the seriousness of what the DS Slater and DS Norman uncover. Ford is to be commended for all the complexities in these books. I am looking forward to the next book.
February 19, 2022
Slater, Norman and Jolly make a great team in this book investigating a modern crime that began years ago and bringing the culprit to justice whilst upsetting a few apple carts along the way. Their long suffering boss really should learn to trust them and give them a bit more leeway though. Enjoyable read and really good characters make the book. Credit to Becks and the forensic team as well for their part in the story.
November 12, 2022
Another Great One
Slater and Norman make a great team. Sometimes they struggle to get thir ideas expressed, especially Slater but their point is made. They are a great team and with the technical knowledge of PC Jolly the team is unstoppable.
There are other great characters in the police force that bui,d a wonderful set of supporting characters. I believe you will enjoy yhis crime mystery.
Slater and Norman make a great team. Sometimes they struggle to get thir ideas expressed, especially Slater but their point is made. They are a great team and with the technical knowledge of PC Jolly the team is unstoppable.
There are other great characters in the police force that bui,d a wonderful set of supporting characters. I believe you will enjoy yhis crime mystery.
February 15, 2025
I have read and enjoyed the first three books in this series by P. F. Ford. The third book, Florence, begins when a man, Mr. Winter, is found dead in his house. PC Jane Jolly discovers that it may be a murder. Once again Jolly along with Detective Sergeant Dave Slater and Detective Sergeant Norman Norman, dig deep to solve a crime. This book, like the previous two, is well written, well paced, and thoroughly entertaining. I can't wait to read book four.
December 30, 2017
This is the third book in this series ,I have happily enjoyed. Well written stories with credible plot lines , without too much drinking and swearing . Slater and Norman are likeable characters and there is a lot if humour in P.F. Ford's tales. I have to ration my self to one book per .week .
Any advice to Mr. Ford is along the lines of keep the pot boiling.
Any advice to Mr. Ford is along the lines of keep the pot boiling.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2019
DS Slater and DS Norman, Norman are both policemen in a small town not
to far from London. The story starts with the murder of an elderly gentlemen.
It leads to a disbanded Orphanage that uncovered abuse and murder. Jane
Jolly another policewoman helps in the research. The outcome is really
shocking. I am new to P.F. Fords books but I won't be for long.
to far from London. The story starts with the murder of an elderly gentlemen.
It leads to a disbanded Orphanage that uncovered abuse and murder. Jane
Jolly another policewoman helps in the research. The outcome is really
shocking. I am new to P.F. Fords books but I won't be for long.
September 6, 2021
Pretty good.
One of the few modern crime stories I’ve been eager to finish. I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and I knew who the bad guy was before I was halfway finished. No book review but if you like a good whodunnit without all the sex and violence of most of the current selections. Good job, sir. I’ll look for more of your stories. Thanks.
One of the few modern crime stories I’ve been eager to finish. I enjoyed this book. I liked the characters and I knew who the bad guy was before I was halfway finished. No book review but if you like a good whodunnit without all the sex and violence of most of the current selections. Good job, sir. I’ll look for more of your stories. Thanks.
February 19, 2022
Passed my test
Really liked this book. I am a USA citizen, so didn't understand some of the British slang, but I read it in one setting and will read more .com this author. No blatant errors, although I am not a stickler about them. If the book keeps me engaged and is a good mystery it passes my test. This book did that and more.
Really liked this book. I am a USA citizen, so didn't understand some of the British slang, but I read it in one setting and will read more .com this author. No blatant errors, although I am not a stickler about them. If the book keeps me engaged and is a good mystery it passes my test. This book did that and more.
March 16, 2022
the ugly side
Ford has again shared the up’s and downs of life with Norman and Slater, this time an investigation into a cover up ongoing for decades. His characters are out of reality—some lovable, some despicable. It’s hard to row against the tide, but the two detectives do an admirable job.
Ford has again shared the up’s and downs of life with Norman and Slater, this time an investigation into a cover up ongoing for decades. His characters are out of reality—some lovable, some despicable. It’s hard to row against the tide, but the two detectives do an admirable job.
June 3, 2022
what a pleasant surprise this book turned out to be. I look forward to reading more by P.F. Ford. I was a bit surprised when the detectives who showed up to investigate a little old man's death dismissed it as died of natural causes. This always intrigues me when I hear something like that. Of course it wasn't, or it wouldn't turn into such a good who-dunnit. First rate read.
June 4, 2022
SLATER IS RIGHT THE BADDIES ARE OUTNUMBERING THE GOODIES ALREADY. THE WORLD WE LIVE IN TODAY REALLY SUCKS. WHAT AN INTERESTING CASE THIS WAS, I DID FIGURE OUT PART OF THE MYSTERY AT ABOUT 21%. YAY ME. IT WAS A VERY GOOD READ I LOVED THE TEAM OF THREE, THEY WORK WELL TOGETHER. THE ONLY THING I WAS WONDERING IS WHO WAS CALLING NORMAN, MAAYBE I WAS READING SO FAST I MISSED THAT PART. SMILE. ;D
September 23, 2024
Death by Night
Death by Night is an intriguing story about murder, family and deceit. Slater and Norman are again the main characters who are comical and entertaining as well as crime solvers. If you are looking for a book filled with twists and turns but written in easy to read and understand style, this series is for yoy.
Death by Night is an intriguing story about murder, family and deceit. Slater and Norman are again the main characters who are comical and entertaining as well as crime solvers. If you are looking for a book filled with twists and turns but written in easy to read and understand style, this series is for yoy.
September 8, 2018
When a Mr Winter is found dead in her home it is first presumed to be an accident due to old age. But events lead DS Slater to ask more questions and dig deeper. And what is the connection to Florence, an old lady tramp.
A good mystery and good characterisations.
A good mystery and good characterisations.
February 23, 2022
What a find! A good old police investigation with real people and no shock horror! No tortured characters struggling with secret addiction, just a scruffy but positive nice guy trying to get on terms with life. Want to read all of them!
March 1, 2022
A great page turner
My first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect but this one definitely had me turning the pages. I love the banter between Norman and Slater. There was mystery and suspense and a great ending.
My first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect but this one definitely had me turning the pages. I love the banter between Norman and Slater. There was mystery and suspense and a great ending.
March 16, 2022
Mystery from Ford
I have read this book out of order as it is early in the series. The mystery is interesting and
somewhat sad. The characters are defined and I did not resolve until the end which I think is good for a mystery
I have read this book out of order as it is early in the series. The mystery is interesting and
somewhat sad. The characters are defined and I did not resolve until the end which I think is good for a mystery
March 17, 2022
Excellent mystery!
I have read hundreds and hundreds of mystery books. Many of them have been English, as am I. This is one of the best. Peter (P F) Ford is a great writer of this type of book, certainly one of the best. Highly recommended!
I have read hundreds and hundreds of mystery books. Many of them have been English, as am I. This is one of the best. Peter (P F) Ford is a great writer of this type of book, certainly one of the best. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews