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DI Munro & DS West #3
Enmity
A serial killer is covering their tracks by framing innocent people. Can DI Munro guess the motive and save the investigation?
When a young woman is found murdered in her flat, CCTV quickly points to a suspect. But when Andrew Stewart is brought in for questioning, his willingness to cooperate with Munro and West raises doubts about his guilt.
When another body turns up, book-lover Andrew falls under suspicion once more. It will take the sharp wits of Detective Munro to look past the obvious clues, and uncover an elaborate ruse. With Andrew off the radar, they must follow a new line of investigation and everything seems to point to one of their own.
If you like detective fiction with lots of twists and the challenge of working out the identity of the killer, ENMITY is for you.
Set in the western Scottish town of Ayr, ENMITY is full of deadpan wit and plenty of surprises. The developing relationship between the detectives makes this Scandinavian-style novel stand out with its beautiful atmospheric setting, quick-fire dialogue and the plot that keeps you guessing right until the end.
When a young woman is found murdered in her flat, CCTV quickly points to a suspect. But when Andrew Stewart is brought in for questioning, his willingness to cooperate with Munro and West raises doubts about his guilt.
When another body turns up, book-lover Andrew falls under suspicion once more. It will take the sharp wits of Detective Munro to look past the obvious clues, and uncover an elaborate ruse. With Andrew off the radar, they must follow a new line of investigation and everything seems to point to one of their own.
If you like detective fiction with lots of twists and the challenge of working out the identity of the killer, ENMITY is for you.
Set in the western Scottish town of Ayr, ENMITY is full of deadpan wit and plenty of surprises. The developing relationship between the detectives makes this Scandinavian-style novel stand out with its beautiful atmospheric setting, quick-fire dialogue and the plot that keeps you guessing right until the end.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2016
1455 people are currently reading
460 people want to read
About the author
Pete Brassett
33 books184 followersPete Brassett is the author of the best-selling series of detective novels based in and around his native Scotland featuring James Munro and Charlie West.
Following the publication of his debut novel, 'Clam Chowder at Lafayette and Spring', Pete ventured into the world of crime fiction tackling issues like PTSD, religious scandal, and manic depression with the novels 'Kiss the Girls', 'Prayer for the Dying' and 'The Girl From Kilkenny', before moving onto subject matter a little closer to home.
The forging of the Munro and West relationship begins with a fractious encounter in east London where a dissolute West, struggling with personal problems and misogynistic colleagues, is mentored by Munro who, recognising her potential, hoodwinks her into joining him back in Scotland where she flourishes as a first-class, yet ultimately flawed, detective.
Following the publication of his debut novel, 'Clam Chowder at Lafayette and Spring', Pete ventured into the world of crime fiction tackling issues like PTSD, religious scandal, and manic depression with the novels 'Kiss the Girls', 'Prayer for the Dying' and 'The Girl From Kilkenny', before moving onto subject matter a little closer to home.
The forging of the Munro and West relationship begins with a fractious encounter in east London where a dissolute West, struggling with personal problems and misogynistic colleagues, is mentored by Munro who, recognising her potential, hoodwinks her into joining him back in Scotland where she flourishes as a first-class, yet ultimately flawed, detective.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 6, 2016
3.5 stars
This is a short police procedural set in Ayr on the lovely west coast of Scotland. Retired DI James Munro & protege DS Charlotte “Charlie” West return for their third outing in this series.
Andrew “Max” Stewart is a likeable guy in a dead end job as an estate agent. During one of his nightly strolls he comes across a drunk young woman named Agnes who is weaving down a dark street. Max isn’t much of a ladies man but figures the least he can do is get her to her door upright.
Charlie West is currently on leave from her job in London & trying to figure out what to do next while visiting old friend & mentor James Munro. He’s recently retired & enjoying the quiet life when he hears Agnes Craig, the daughter of a deceased colleague, has been murdered.
Police in Ayr are suffering under budget cuts so when Munro & Charlie show up offering help, they’re quickly seconded to the investigation. Good thing, too, as Agnes is just the first on a killer’s very specific list of women who must die.
This is a well paced murder mystery full of colourful characters & plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. Despite the gruesome murders, there’s a cozy feel to the story due to the camaraderie in the small police station & dry humour provided by Munro. It’s a “clean” read with no sex or swearing & all violence occurs off the page.
Normally I go for grittier reads so this was a nice break & I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Munro & Charlie. It’s clear they have a mutual past covered in the previous 2 books but enough details are given that this can stand alone. By the end it’s clear there are some changes in store for the Ayr PD so I’ll keep an eye out for book #4 the next time I feel like a break from the usual.
This is a short police procedural set in Ayr on the lovely west coast of Scotland. Retired DI James Munro & protege DS Charlotte “Charlie” West return for their third outing in this series.
Andrew “Max” Stewart is a likeable guy in a dead end job as an estate agent. During one of his nightly strolls he comes across a drunk young woman named Agnes who is weaving down a dark street. Max isn’t much of a ladies man but figures the least he can do is get her to her door upright.
Charlie West is currently on leave from her job in London & trying to figure out what to do next while visiting old friend & mentor James Munro. He’s recently retired & enjoying the quiet life when he hears Agnes Craig, the daughter of a deceased colleague, has been murdered.
Police in Ayr are suffering under budget cuts so when Munro & Charlie show up offering help, they’re quickly seconded to the investigation. Good thing, too, as Agnes is just the first on a killer’s very specific list of women who must die.
This is a well paced murder mystery full of colourful characters & plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. Despite the gruesome murders, there’s a cozy feel to the story due to the camaraderie in the small police station & dry humour provided by Munro. It’s a “clean” read with no sex or swearing & all violence occurs off the page.
Normally I go for grittier reads so this was a nice break & I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Munro & Charlie. It’s clear they have a mutual past covered in the previous 2 books but enough details are given that this can stand alone. By the end it’s clear there are some changes in store for the Ayr PD so I’ll keep an eye out for book #4 the next time I feel like a break from the usual.
November 20, 2016
Another fascinating mystery. Pete Brassett is an expert at creating authentic characters and mysteries with plenty of plot twists. When a young woman is found murdered, it’s up to Munro and West to sift through the clues and find the killer. If you enjoy flawlessly written mysteries with a list of suspects and a myriad of clues, then Enmity is for you. It kept me guessing right to the end.
December 17, 2016
I did as promised...after reading Avarice I have now read the third Munro book having skipped the first (She). It depends on how hard a time I have in finding new reading material as to whether I go back to #1 in series as I only like the one character, Munro. This one had stupid police work again and inconsistent Scottish dialogue eccentricities, but the revelation of who the killer was as the bodies increased kept me reading though I felt fairly certain of the outcome. It managed to hold my interest due to the circumstantial evidence mounting against a rather strange man, a very irregular series of events. That was plotted well.
August 30, 2017
Not bad at all
Strangely enough, this was not my normal type of book as I like my thrillers to be of a darker hue. However, this tale was quite good and I found it enjoyable. It reminded me of a Scottish take on "Midsummer Murders".
Strangely enough, this was not my normal type of book as I like my thrillers to be of a darker hue. However, this tale was quite good and I found it enjoyable. It reminded me of a Scottish take on "Midsummer Murders".
November 11, 2018
4 stars
DS Charlotte “Charlie” West is going to resign from her position in the London police. She goes home to Scotland to visit old friend semi-retired DI James Munro in Scotland. DS Don Cameron is the local detective in Ayr and DCI George Elliott is his boss. DC Dougal McCrae also joins the team. They ask for James’ help with a case and he takes Charlie along with him on secondment.
A deceased young woman was found tied to a bed, but no sexual interference had taken place. The pathologist says that she was literally scared to death. Her face was mutilated and covered. Her name was Agnes Craig and she was twenty-two years old. Max. He is quickly ruled out by Munro as he didn’t have the time to do the act. An unknown man who the reader knows as Max is the prime suspect as he was seen on CCTV walking with Agnes. He is quickly ruled out by Munro as he didn’t have the time to do the act. Agnes was very drunk and ran into him – literally while walking down the sidewalk.
Andrew Maxwell Stewart goes to the police station to have a chat. Max has a remarkable memory and recounts nearly every detail about Agnes’ apartment and the cars on the street. Mary, Agnes’ friend is the next to be killed. She was left on the beach. Max is again picked up by CCTV and DS Cameron gets in trouble when he picks Max up. Cameron is now “on leave.”
Munro, Charlie and Dougal have two strong suspects, but for some reason Munro doesn’t really think that it is either one of them. Who could be doing these awful murders? Munro makes an interesting discovery in a book of poetry.
The identity of the killer comes as somewhat of a surprise, but I must admit that I had my eye on this person through most of the book.
Mr. Brassett is a little parsimonious with his clues. He drops bits of information along the way like they are precious pearls. Once the reader gets all the clues, however, the story picks up nicely and becomes a very enjoyable read. This short book is very well written and plotted, and I enjoyed it very much. I immediately went to Amazon to look for others of Mr. Brassett’s works.
DI Munro is a very astute and observant person. He carries authority like an old comfortable mantle. I like the friendly banter between Munro and Charlie. Dougal is turning out to be a very fine detective.
DS Charlotte “Charlie” West is going to resign from her position in the London police. She goes home to Scotland to visit old friend semi-retired DI James Munro in Scotland. DS Don Cameron is the local detective in Ayr and DCI George Elliott is his boss. DC Dougal McCrae also joins the team. They ask for James’ help with a case and he takes Charlie along with him on secondment.
A deceased young woman was found tied to a bed, but no sexual interference had taken place. The pathologist says that she was literally scared to death. Her face was mutilated and covered. Her name was Agnes Craig and she was twenty-two years old. Max. He is quickly ruled out by Munro as he didn’t have the time to do the act. An unknown man who the reader knows as Max is the prime suspect as he was seen on CCTV walking with Agnes. He is quickly ruled out by Munro as he didn’t have the time to do the act. Agnes was very drunk and ran into him – literally while walking down the sidewalk.
Andrew Maxwell Stewart goes to the police station to have a chat. Max has a remarkable memory and recounts nearly every detail about Agnes’ apartment and the cars on the street. Mary, Agnes’ friend is the next to be killed. She was left on the beach. Max is again picked up by CCTV and DS Cameron gets in trouble when he picks Max up. Cameron is now “on leave.”
Munro, Charlie and Dougal have two strong suspects, but for some reason Munro doesn’t really think that it is either one of them. Who could be doing these awful murders? Munro makes an interesting discovery in a book of poetry.
The identity of the killer comes as somewhat of a surprise, but I must admit that I had my eye on this person through most of the book.
Mr. Brassett is a little parsimonious with his clues. He drops bits of information along the way like they are precious pearls. Once the reader gets all the clues, however, the story picks up nicely and becomes a very enjoyable read. This short book is very well written and plotted, and I enjoyed it very much. I immediately went to Amazon to look for others of Mr. Brassett’s works.
DI Munro is a very astute and observant person. He carries authority like an old comfortable mantle. I like the friendly banter between Munro and Charlie. Dougal is turning out to be a very fine detective.
March 20, 2018
Number 3 in the series of D.I.Munro and Charlie (aka Charlotte ) his DS.
Let me say at the beginning that I like the story and the way that humour has crept in to office banter in the Police Station. This time there is a suspect from the start and even though Munro doesnt believe him guilty, ...is he? Then as the body count grows and so does the list of suspects and the story has more stings in the tail than your average scorpion.
Did I get the right person? Well for the first time for ages, yes I did.
However, to really enjoy and appreciate a book you cant have the feeling of "that wouldnt happen," and here there were just too many of those for me.
I may be totally wrong but I would imagine that once a Detective Inspector has retired he cant just take up an odd case here and there when he feels like it as happened in this and the previous book.
Charlie is another problem as I believe that she is on sick leave from the London police and yet can be seconded onto these Scottish forces as required. ( No problems with tight budgets North of the Border).
Something also seems wrong with her moving in with Munro . Surely, even in this 'enlightened age', the Powers-that-be wouldnt be happy with that.
There were a couple of things in the main story too. Firstly , towards the end of the book, the murderer was able to retrieve the hidden murder weapon from somewhere that must surely been searched and finally, it would have been a coincidence for a couple of the girls to have names that fitted the particular pattern, but how many where there?
However, in spite of all that, I already have the next one on my shelf.
Let me say at the beginning that I like the story and the way that humour has crept in to office banter in the Police Station. This time there is a suspect from the start and even though Munro doesnt believe him guilty, ...is he? Then as the body count grows and so does the list of suspects and the story has more stings in the tail than your average scorpion.
Did I get the right person? Well for the first time for ages, yes I did.
However, to really enjoy and appreciate a book you cant have the feeling of "that wouldnt happen," and here there were just too many of those for me.
I may be totally wrong but I would imagine that once a Detective Inspector has retired he cant just take up an odd case here and there when he feels like it as happened in this and the previous book.
Charlie is another problem as I believe that she is on sick leave from the London police and yet can be seconded onto these Scottish forces as required. ( No problems with tight budgets North of the Border).
Something also seems wrong with her moving in with Munro . Surely, even in this 'enlightened age', the Powers-that-be wouldnt be happy with that.
There were a couple of things in the main story too. Firstly , towards the end of the book, the murderer was able to retrieve the hidden murder weapon from somewhere that must surely been searched and finally, it would have been a coincidence for a couple of the girls to have names that fitted the particular pattern, but how many where there?
However, in spite of all that, I already have the next one on my shelf.
January 10, 2020
Another stonker of a murder mystery by Pete Brassett, following the success of AVARICE. Although featuring the same witty detectives and the humourous deadpan repartee between them, ENMITY has a couple more bodies turn up, and this time it looks like DI Munro is truly flummoxed.
There are plenty of red herrings in ENMITY that will keep the reader guessing, and a clever ending to look forward to.
There are plenty of red herrings in ENMITY that will keep the reader guessing, and a clever ending to look forward to.
June 11, 2018
The audiobook of Enmity was my first encounter with Pete Brassett’s work. I enjoyed the story, but I’ve deducted one star because I wasn’t convinced that one man could date so many women who had the same names as women in Robbie Burn’s life. Apart from this shaky aspect of the plot, I thoroughly enjoyed trying, and failing, to guess the identity of the serial killer, and appreciated the touches of humour throughout between DI Munro and his officers. Enmity wasn’t as gory as many thrillers I’ve come across, but that’s not a criticism, just an observation. James Gillies did a great job of narrating the audiobook, and the Scottish accents of the characters added flavour. I look forward to reading or listening to more of Pete Brassett’s books.
July 27, 2025
well, love a short book, 200 vs 400 pages makes for a quick read.
However, perhaps goes to show how much could be just descriptive filler in those longer books.
Our hero, Munro, is a wise ass, good guessing, great intuition, retired cop who is kinda hard to like.
His chosen 'genius' of a partner, is a young cop who isn't the brightest light in the whodunit solutions.
Some other interesting characters, lots of twists and turns, and good logic which often doesn't work.
Fun and different.
However, perhaps goes to show how much could be just descriptive filler in those longer books.
Our hero, Munro, is a wise ass, good guessing, great intuition, retired cop who is kinda hard to like.
His chosen 'genius' of a partner, is a young cop who isn't the brightest light in the whodunit solutions.
Some other interesting characters, lots of twists and turns, and good logic which often doesn't work.
Fun and different.
October 18, 2018
Just made 3 stars...no explanation for why the murders were committed they way they were and a plot line that was quite unbelievable...
July 31, 2018
Loving the characters..
January 14, 2020
I've read and enjoyed several of Pete Brassett's novels - both with and without DI Munro. Unfortunately the police detectives in Enmity behave a bit like Fred Karno's Army. With dead bodies piling high, the rotund senior police officer George Eliot is more interested in being absent while DI Munro along with his sidekick DS West can't stop stuffing themselves with greasy butties and gulping down constant mugs of hot tea. Perhaps this novel is a satire. I doubt it, though. Munro is too condescending in this novel and elicited little if any sympathy from me as he plodded his way thru the investigations. His entire approach to the actual murders and attempted murders (how many, five or six. I've lost count) was amateurish and unscientific. Time for DI Munro to take to the hills of Scotland and time for DS West to return to the Big Smoke.
Review written by Shawn Callon author of The Diplomatic Spy.
Review written by Shawn Callon author of The Diplomatic Spy.
March 28, 2018
Not a realistic plot. Not impressed
While I liked the characters, I did not care for the plot line. Too many coincidences for my taste. Real life doesn’t work that way. The names and connection to Burns is mainly what I’m referring to.
While I liked the characters, I did not care for the plot line. Too many coincidences for my taste. Real life doesn’t work that way. The names and connection to Burns is mainly what I’m referring to.
January 26, 2017
Really enjoy this author. We have read several of his books.
August 23, 2021
My first foray with this author was a lark that proved to be an enjoyable diversion. This, my second, was purposeful, having enjoyed Avarice (book #2 in this series), I was curious as to whether it had been a lucky stroke. Happy to report, Enmity (book 3) was also a very enjoyable brief encounter with Brassett's lovable Detective Inspector James Munro.
The town of Ayr, in western Scotland, hosts the inimitable Munro and his protege, DS Charlie West, as they arrive to help out the local police deal with what turns out to be a serial killer. Setting up a noir-ish murder mystery in Scotland always piques my interest, and the happy bantering between the Sottish coppers (accents and lingo included, no extra charge) just adds to this reader's enjoyment. Perhaps not for everyone, but I do enjoy the sense of place.
Munro is a mash-up of detectives you've encountered before-- a bit of Poirot, a bit of Morse, etc. He enjoys 12 year old Balvenie (can't be all bad, now can he?) and seems always in need of a decent meal (make that a steak) and a nice cuppa. It's all in good fun, and the mystery is decent enough. Red herrings are sufficiently added to the mix to keep things interesting, and for whatever reason, I don't mind the occasional stretches of credulity.
It is always fun to discover some lesser known author that happens to write in a manner that serves a nice little niche for you... nothing too deep nor complex here, just a brief foray into Scotland and some clever cat & mousing around for a couple of days while escaping the depressing news of the world. Three and a half stars, rounded up 'cause I like a fine single malt and enjoy the sense of place and the accents! Slainte!
The town of Ayr, in western Scotland, hosts the inimitable Munro and his protege, DS Charlie West, as they arrive to help out the local police deal with what turns out to be a serial killer. Setting up a noir-ish murder mystery in Scotland always piques my interest, and the happy bantering between the Sottish coppers (accents and lingo included, no extra charge) just adds to this reader's enjoyment. Perhaps not for everyone, but I do enjoy the sense of place.
Munro is a mash-up of detectives you've encountered before-- a bit of Poirot, a bit of Morse, etc. He enjoys 12 year old Balvenie (can't be all bad, now can he?) and seems always in need of a decent meal (make that a steak) and a nice cuppa. It's all in good fun, and the mystery is decent enough. Red herrings are sufficiently added to the mix to keep things interesting, and for whatever reason, I don't mind the occasional stretches of credulity.
It is always fun to discover some lesser known author that happens to write in a manner that serves a nice little niche for you... nothing too deep nor complex here, just a brief foray into Scotland and some clever cat & mousing around for a couple of days while escaping the depressing news of the world. Three and a half stars, rounded up 'cause I like a fine single malt and enjoy the sense of place and the accents! Slainte!
Read
September 7, 2020A serial killer is covering their tracks by framing innocent people. Can DI Munro guess the motive and save the investigation?
When a young woman is found murdered in her flat, CCTV quickly points to a suspect. But when Andrew Stewart is brought in for questioning, his willingness to cooperate with Munro and West raises doubts about his guilt.
When another body turns up, book-lover Andrew falls under suspicion once more. It will take the sharp wits of Detective Munro to look past the obvious clues, and uncover an elaborate ruse. With Andrew off the radar, they must follow a new line of investigation and everything seems to point to one of their own.
If you like detective fiction with lots of twists and the challenge of working out the identity of the killer, ENMITY is for you.
Set in the western Scottish town of Ayr, ENMITY is full of deadpan wit and plenty of surprises. The developing relationship between the detectives makes this Scandinavian-style novel stand out with its beautiful atmospheric setting, quick-fire dialogue and the plot that keeps you guessing right until the end.
ENMITY is the third book by Pete Brassett to feature DI Munro and DS West, the first being SHE, followed by AVARICE. They can be enjoyed on their own, or as a series.
Very good. Cameron's wife is the killer.
When a young woman is found murdered in her flat, CCTV quickly points to a suspect. But when Andrew Stewart is brought in for questioning, his willingness to cooperate with Munro and West raises doubts about his guilt.
When another body turns up, book-lover Andrew falls under suspicion once more. It will take the sharp wits of Detective Munro to look past the obvious clues, and uncover an elaborate ruse. With Andrew off the radar, they must follow a new line of investigation and everything seems to point to one of their own.
If you like detective fiction with lots of twists and the challenge of working out the identity of the killer, ENMITY is for you.
Set in the western Scottish town of Ayr, ENMITY is full of deadpan wit and plenty of surprises. The developing relationship between the detectives makes this Scandinavian-style novel stand out with its beautiful atmospheric setting, quick-fire dialogue and the plot that keeps you guessing right until the end.
ENMITY is the third book by Pete Brassett to feature DI Munro and DS West, the first being SHE, followed by AVARICE. They can be enjoyed on their own, or as a series.
Very good. Cameron's wife is the killer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2020
I read this book out of sequence so it was interesting to see the start of the relationship with the new territory.
It was a little surprising to see the smug condescending attitude already in full force.
The story has many twists and characters that seem to come and go.
Our pair of trustworthy detectives is on loan to a new community to help with the murder of a personnel friend of Munro. This leads to three more murders.
I enjoy the Scottish writing dialogue and the eating habits of the crew. Ones always hungry the other eats steak and fries or some kind of sausage , bacon biscuit with brown sauce.
Must admit their appetites are hopefully not because of the poor cuisine of Scotland.
Always amused at the killers non pulsed attitude in these books. Especially after being caught. Maybe it’s a British thing.
While Munro and his mentees comradeship is fun to read their smugness in dealing with others is at times nasty as well as condescending.
Don’t think I could put up with the sarcasm and demeaning style. But maybe thats just an American thing.
I’ve read five books in this series and will read the follow up to the one prior to this as it was left in a cliff hanger as someone finally got mad a Munro and ran him over.
It was a little surprising to see the smug condescending attitude already in full force.
The story has many twists and characters that seem to come and go.
Our pair of trustworthy detectives is on loan to a new community to help with the murder of a personnel friend of Munro. This leads to three more murders.
I enjoy the Scottish writing dialogue and the eating habits of the crew. Ones always hungry the other eats steak and fries or some kind of sausage , bacon biscuit with brown sauce.
Must admit their appetites are hopefully not because of the poor cuisine of Scotland.
Always amused at the killers non pulsed attitude in these books. Especially after being caught. Maybe it’s a British thing.
While Munro and his mentees comradeship is fun to read their smugness in dealing with others is at times nasty as well as condescending.
Don’t think I could put up with the sarcasm and demeaning style. But maybe thats just an American thing.
I’ve read five books in this series and will read the follow up to the one prior to this as it was left in a cliff hanger as someone finally got mad a Munro and ran him over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2021
This is the third in the Scottish detective Munro series and this author has a lot going for him. The Scottish setting is accessible to non-natives, without the physical barriers that sometimes force a reader to go back and read again to establish landmarks and long shots. The dialogue is easy to read and the dialect easy to follow. Detective Munro is likeable, with enough backstory questions in the narrative to leave a reader new to the series wanting to find out more.
For those who like to figure out a whodunit for themselves, the clues are all there. The author plays fair with foreshadowing and dropping the right details in at the right time. For those, like myself who prefer to be surprised, the author accomplished this as well. It was a page-turner.
The resolution was disappointing, however, with an insufficient motive and some serious coincidences that were never explained. Also, the shock-value violence against the first body was never accounted for. An incomplete delight.
For those who like to figure out a whodunit for themselves, the clues are all there. The author plays fair with foreshadowing and dropping the right details in at the right time. For those, like myself who prefer to be surprised, the author accomplished this as well. It was a page-turner.
The resolution was disappointing, however, with an insufficient motive and some serious coincidences that were never explained. Also, the shock-value violence against the first body was never accounted for. An incomplete delight.
January 18, 2020
Third Winner by Pete Brassett and Detective Munro
Why...first I love very well written Brittish crime mysteries such as by Bellaire. So these booksby Peter Brassett fit snuggly into my favorite book lists. Detective Muno ...I want to sit down and have a cuppa tea with and expect partner West to appear any minute. I love their reparte of intelligent bantering.
This third book...not my habit of spilling the beans. The author kept my mind running and suspecting..so many motives, herrings, ....you will have to read to find out.
Any spelling errors are all the fault of my kindle sick of it. Refuses to do any correct spelling and grammar.....this new one changes everything you write.
Why...first I love very well written Brittish crime mysteries such as by Bellaire. So these booksby Peter Brassett fit snuggly into my favorite book lists. Detective Muno ...I want to sit down and have a cuppa tea with and expect partner West to appear any minute. I love their reparte of intelligent bantering.
This third book...not my habit of spilling the beans. The author kept my mind running and suspecting..so many motives, herrings, ....you will have to read to find out.
Any spelling errors are all the fault of my kindle sick of it. Refuses to do any correct spelling and grammar.....this new one changes everything you write.
May 3, 2021
The first two books in the series were great, likeable characters and an excellent plot. However although the plot is as good, that is what the two stars are for, at least 20% of the book is concerned with what Charlie is stuffing her face with, what Charlie is thinking of stuffing her face with and what Charlie is planning on stuffing her face with. It totally ruined the plot, especially as she isn't too smart, puts her mouth in action before putting her brain in gear. Is abrasive to those she doesn't like or is a suspect and relies totally on the brains of James Munro. As I understand that Munro is not in all the books in the series I think I will stop here, It is very disappointing as I would happily read more in the series if the unpleasant Charlie was gone.
May 31, 2018
ENMITY by Peter Bassett
ENMITY (Book 3 of Detective Munro Mystery series) by Pete Bassett presents a series of murders in Scotland that defy solution. A number of leads seem to cancel each other out in this somewhat methodical investigation only to rear their heads again later on. The final third of the novel becomes quite compelling and hard to put down! In addition, the Scottish accents (attempted in print) and humor add atmosphere to the story! This is my first Pete Bassett novel! I intend to read the first book of the series next, etc. I really enjoyed the tricky ending in No 3, and I think others will, too!
ENMITY (Book 3 of Detective Munro Mystery series) by Pete Bassett presents a series of murders in Scotland that defy solution. A number of leads seem to cancel each other out in this somewhat methodical investigation only to rear their heads again later on. The final third of the novel becomes quite compelling and hard to put down! In addition, the Scottish accents (attempted in print) and humor add atmosphere to the story! This is my first Pete Bassett novel! I intend to read the first book of the series next, etc. I really enjoyed the tricky ending in No 3, and I think others will, too!
September 1, 2020
A good tale
I like this guy’s style, although half of his metaphors are strained, not natural. The other half are good enough for me to forgive him.
Writing isn’t easy and great writing is rare.
This tale kept me involved, and after two of his books I can now recognize a literary feint when I see one. The are one or two real stretches of credulity in this book, one of which is the principle hinge for the whole story. Some of his character themes are also redundant, like the hungry lady DS who can’t eat often enough throughout the day.
Despite those annoying gnats, I liked the book and wanted to read it through. It’s not perfectly conceived - or even realistic all the time - but as my dear old dad told me long ago, Eat the meat and spit out the bones.
I like this guy’s style, although half of his metaphors are strained, not natural. The other half are good enough for me to forgive him.
Writing isn’t easy and great writing is rare.
This tale kept me involved, and after two of his books I can now recognize a literary feint when I see one. The are one or two real stretches of credulity in this book, one of which is the principle hinge for the whole story. Some of his character themes are also redundant, like the hungry lady DS who can’t eat often enough throughout the day.
Despite those annoying gnats, I liked the book and wanted to read it through. It’s not perfectly conceived - or even realistic all the time - but as my dear old dad told me long ago, Eat the meat and spit out the bones.
May 2, 2021
A good well thought through and well written book. DI Munro is not my favorite character nor does his gluttonous sidekick DS West make it into my affections. I'm a little confused as to how they are working together, one having been retired sometime and the other officially working at the MET, but seemingly seconded to the retired DI. A very strange and in my opinion unrealistic setup.
The story just about makes up for my lack of empathy with the characters, although I have to say I spotted the murderer long before the end despite the twist and turns of the plot. I will continue to read the series but not the best -hence the 3 star rating.
The story just about makes up for my lack of empathy with the characters, although I have to say I spotted the murderer long before the end despite the twist and turns of the plot. I will continue to read the series but not the best -hence the 3 star rating.
June 30, 2019
A lesson of Robbie Burns life in a modern mystery
It's a well written who-dun-it, that also introduces the reader to the regular characters for the start of a book series. The language is consistent and may get in the way for some. Be ready to 'translate ' Scottish English.
There are enough characters to make the solution a challenge, but not so many that I couldn't keep track.
And of course, there were some fun Red Herring to sift through.
All in all, a fun diversion and a good read.
It's a well written who-dun-it, that also introduces the reader to the regular characters for the start of a book series. The language is consistent and may get in the way for some. Be ready to 'translate ' Scottish English.
There are enough characters to make the solution a challenge, but not so many that I couldn't keep track.
And of course, there were some fun Red Herring to sift through.
All in all, a fun diversion and a good read.
September 7, 2019
Solid mystery
A young woman DI Munro knew was found dead. After seeing her photo in the paper he gathered up DS West and headed off to investigate . The case had them baffled as they worked the clues they did have . Quite interesting . The Scottish inspector is absolutely delightful . The language is sometimes odd, but easy enough to figure out. Charlie has come a long ways in her skills and is a fun foil to Munro .
A young woman DI Munro knew was found dead. After seeing her photo in the paper he gathered up DS West and headed off to investigate . The case had them baffled as they worked the clues they did have . Quite interesting . The Scottish inspector is absolutely delightful . The language is sometimes odd, but easy enough to figure out. Charlie has come a long ways in her skills and is a fun foil to Munro .
February 28, 2020
The third in the series is better than the first two. Munro again comes out of retirement to investigate the death of a friend’s daughter. More victims appear and suspects abound. The dialogue is fun and mostly revolves around the eating habits of the two detectives. However, the solution to the killings does not make a lot of sense nor does the tie in to Robert Burns. I think I will give the rest of the series a pass for a while. I like the characters but the stories strain credulity.
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May 31, 2020Not Enthralling at all!
Book 3 and all I can say is they're great for a fast read and for light mystery lovers. Doesn't require a lot of thinking. I feel though all the eating is just fluff to fill up the pages rather than spending time to develop the main characters or story more. Also, in book 2, Avarice, and this one it was to easy to know who the perpetrator was early on. I felt like I was just waiting for the cops to catch up!
Book 3 and all I can say is they're great for a fast read and for light mystery lovers. Doesn't require a lot of thinking. I feel though all the eating is just fluff to fill up the pages rather than spending time to develop the main characters or story more. Also, in book 2, Avarice, and this one it was to easy to know who the perpetrator was early on. I felt like I was just waiting for the cops to catch up!
July 11, 2024
Not everyone cares if a mystery is clever or obvious, or holds water or not. And perhaps if I really enjoyed the characters or writing or *some* other aspect I could overlook the lack. But, events were just so contrived. And the level of ‘suspension of disbelief’ required for any of it to be buyable was entirely too steep. It reminded me of the old cop adage “I don’t believe in coincidence!” well hold onto your hat! lol I wanted to like this, but it’s just not my sort at all.
March 11, 2018
Peculiar English. People say "Want some tea?" and answer is "You're alright" instead of "I'm all right". This strange (to me) reversal of pronoun occurs every time. Maybe this is standard Scottish? but I don't think so.
The plot and characters were pretty good and proof reading other than noted above was fine.
The plot and characters were pretty good and proof reading other than noted above was fine.
March 14, 2018
I had a little trouble getting into this at first because it's written in dialect due to its setting in Scottland. That said, I soon got used to that issue and got caught up in the plot. Many twists and turns later, we have a very satisfactory ending.
I enjoyed the characters and the interplay between them.
I enjoyed the characters and the interplay between them.
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