Better Dead

Inspector Borges #5

by John Bonett

In one of the loveliest bays on the Costa Brava, Ferdy, the charismatic yet mightily unpopular host of Bar Xerxes is found dead. Out of the many foreigners who had settled in the bay, there were some who missed his light-hearted approach to life yet most were relieved. But Simon and Ronald who uncovered the body were anxious. Many of the bay’s residents had good reason to want Ferdy dead. Among the suspects are four men and a woman, each with a secret that was known only to austere historian, retired soldier, headmaster, north-country entrepreneur — and Vanessa, whose curious uncle Hubert begins to trace the murderer’s steps. Hubert knows that these suspects are holding back the full truth, but could the full truth actually be worse than the lies that have been concocted in the wake of Ferdy’s murder? Treading closely on Hubert’s heels comes Inspector Borges, relentlessly exhuming the past with a deceptively casual touch. When everyone has reason to want Ferdy dead, and everyone tells the odd white lie, how will anyone ever discover the truth? Better Dead is a gripping, international thriller and the fifth mystery of the Inspector Borges series. Writing under the name of John Bonett, husband and wife duo John and Emery Bonett have collaboratively written numerous successful murder mystery and detective novels including Dead Lion and The Sound Of Murder .

Genres: Mystery

166 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 31, 2011

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

As Simon and Ronald inspect Ronalds's new house in Costa Brava, they discover the body of Ferdy, the host of Bar Xerxes is found dead.
As Ferdy was a blackmailer there are quite a few suspects, and their secrets must be exposed to determine the killer.
Unfortunately I really didn't care much for the characters and so not that interested in the guilty party, but at least it was a quick read.
A NetGalley Book

[Barry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Another great novel by John Bonett and his character Inspector Borges. A number British people have moved to Spain to retire or start new lives, unfortunately they underestimate the friendly bar manager Ferdy who seems to be everyone’s friend but he is secretly blackmailing a number of them. One day Ferdy’s body is discovered drowned and Inspector Borges is sent to find the murderer.

[Emelle Gamble · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of classic mystery

I am bereft that this is the final book in this classic and masterfully executed mystery. The characterization is compelling and the story one any writer would be proud of. Buy all 5 and enjoy a week of satisfying reads and the delicious Spanish setting.

[Leyla Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An island full of suspects and a murdered unlikable victim, the hunt is on. I did like this book, it did lose me in a few places by way it flitted from scenes, but that was not a big concern as I soon picked up again. There is a mystery and a romance running through it, but mainly it lets you visit with the personality of the suspects. Originally published in 1964, it has a feeling of a '30s story and this is due to the setting and the people who populate this mystery. I enjoyed it. This book was provided to me in return for an honest and unbiased review.