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Miss Dimont #1
The Riviera Express
The murder of Gerald Hennessey throws the quaint Devonshire seaside town of Temple Regis into complete disarray. Not least Miss Judy Dimont – corkscrewed hair reporter for the local rag, The Riviera Express.
When a second body turns up, an apparent suicide on the clifftops above the town beach, Miss Dimont throws herself into the investigation. Why was a man like Gerald coming to Temple Regis anyway? What is the connection between the two deaths? And just how will she be able to investigate under the watchful eye of her infamously cantankerous editor, Rudyard Rhys?
The book is noted on the cover as 'Murder On ... The Riviera Express', with a comment by Wendy Holden of the 'Daily Mail', A Delicious Adventure'.
When a second body turns up, an apparent suicide on the clifftops above the town beach, Miss Dimont throws herself into the investigation. Why was a man like Gerald coming to Temple Regis anyway? What is the connection between the two deaths? And just how will she be able to investigate under the watchful eye of her infamously cantankerous editor, Rudyard Rhys?
The book is noted on the cover as 'Murder On ... The Riviera Express', with a comment by Wendy Holden of the 'Daily Mail', A Delicious Adventure'.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 115 reviews
February 11, 2017
The Riviera Express is the name of both a train, and a local newspaper, in the seaside town of Temple Regis. It is 1958 and Miss Judy Dimont is a reporter; working for the less than sympathetic editor, Rudyard Rhys. Miss Dimont has a huge number of calls to pay every day – including the local Court and meeting any important visitors to the town. Along with the newspaper photographer, Terry Eagleton, she is duly in place to meet the train, on the day the novel starts, as a famous actor is due to arrive. However, when the train pulls into the platform, he does not step down, and it appears that Gerald Hennessey has died of a heart attack.
Even as Miss Dimont is investigating the story though, news arrives that fellow journalist, Arthur Shrimsley, has fallen to his death from a cliff top. Arthur was an unlikeable man, who sold stories to the national papers; but he was a local celebrity, and so Miss Dimont, and Terry, set off to investigate. Of course, the two stories turn out to be linked and we follow Miss Dimont, as she attempts to uncover the truth.
This is obviously the first in a series and so there is a lot of setting the scene and introducing the characters. The seaside town is full of characters that are big fish in small ponds, and mainly happy to be that way. So there is the actor manager of the Pavilion Theatre, Raymond Cattermole, who knew Gerald Hennessey when they appeared on stage together, and, indeed, Rudyard Rhys, who is less than enthused about the possibility of murder and is happy for Miss Dimont to cover weddings, flower shows and local disputes.
Many of the characters seem a little clichéd. Inspector Topham is the local police investigator, but it is Miss Dimont who asks the difficult questions. Then there are characters such as the vague Athene Madrigale, who writes the astrology column, Prudence Aubrey, Gerald’s actress wife, and Betty Featherstone, who is Miss Dimont’s main rival at the paper. Somehow, you never quite feel that you are really reading a book written in the fifties (two female lead journalists would have been fantastic, but unlikely in those days), but as though you are reading a book meant to feel like the fifties. The setting is correct, but the feel is just too modern and not quite authentic. That said, this is an enjoyable story and I did really like the redoubtable Miss Dimont, so I would read on and I suspect this is a series which will find its feet in time. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Even as Miss Dimont is investigating the story though, news arrives that fellow journalist, Arthur Shrimsley, has fallen to his death from a cliff top. Arthur was an unlikeable man, who sold stories to the national papers; but he was a local celebrity, and so Miss Dimont, and Terry, set off to investigate. Of course, the two stories turn out to be linked and we follow Miss Dimont, as she attempts to uncover the truth.
This is obviously the first in a series and so there is a lot of setting the scene and introducing the characters. The seaside town is full of characters that are big fish in small ponds, and mainly happy to be that way. So there is the actor manager of the Pavilion Theatre, Raymond Cattermole, who knew Gerald Hennessey when they appeared on stage together, and, indeed, Rudyard Rhys, who is less than enthused about the possibility of murder and is happy for Miss Dimont to cover weddings, flower shows and local disputes.
Many of the characters seem a little clichéd. Inspector Topham is the local police investigator, but it is Miss Dimont who asks the difficult questions. Then there are characters such as the vague Athene Madrigale, who writes the astrology column, Prudence Aubrey, Gerald’s actress wife, and Betty Featherstone, who is Miss Dimont’s main rival at the paper. Somehow, you never quite feel that you are really reading a book written in the fifties (two female lead journalists would have been fantastic, but unlikely in those days), but as though you are reading a book meant to feel like the fifties. The setting is correct, but the feel is just too modern and not quite authentic. That said, this is an enjoyable story and I did really like the redoubtable Miss Dimont, so I would read on and I suspect this is a series which will find its feet in time. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
March 6, 2017
I received a copy of this book from Harper Collins in exchange for an honest review.
Nothing that exciting ever happens in Temple Regis so when a film star is found dead on a train and then a local man found dead at the bottom of a cliff, local reporter Miss Judy Dimont feels like something is up. What follows is a comedic investigation involving some starlets more interested in crying for the cameras, a bumbling policeman and a missing briefcase.
This story took me a while to really get into it, but once I did I found it a speedy read. It was quite funny at times and I loved all the quirky characters - definitely all the types you expect to find in a sleepy little town. I liked how a lot of hints were dropped about Miss Dimont's past, particularly during the war. It's clear she played some important, secret role but never bragged about it which is why she's always underestimated when it comes to her intuition as a reporter. I also liked how it's clear the town is still living in the shadow of the war from the reactions after the deaths and how people's fears are described when they see the boy with the telegrams.
However, unfortunately while I found the characters funny, I just didn't quite connect with them and so felt slightly disconnected from the story. I found I didn't overly care too much about the investigations into the deaths, which I did find seemed to go in circles at times and became a bit boring for me. I normally like to speculate about who did what in these kind of books and I didn't do it as much in this book as I don't think the reader was given enough information at times, rather than suspects who just seemed to obvious - we just had to follow along with Miss Dimont while she figured it out.
While this was mildly entertaining, I'm not sure if I would pick up more in this series.
Nothing that exciting ever happens in Temple Regis so when a film star is found dead on a train and then a local man found dead at the bottom of a cliff, local reporter Miss Judy Dimont feels like something is up. What follows is a comedic investigation involving some starlets more interested in crying for the cameras, a bumbling policeman and a missing briefcase.
This story took me a while to really get into it, but once I did I found it a speedy read. It was quite funny at times and I loved all the quirky characters - definitely all the types you expect to find in a sleepy little town. I liked how a lot of hints were dropped about Miss Dimont's past, particularly during the war. It's clear she played some important, secret role but never bragged about it which is why she's always underestimated when it comes to her intuition as a reporter. I also liked how it's clear the town is still living in the shadow of the war from the reactions after the deaths and how people's fears are described when they see the boy with the telegrams.
However, unfortunately while I found the characters funny, I just didn't quite connect with them and so felt slightly disconnected from the story. I found I didn't overly care too much about the investigations into the deaths, which I did find seemed to go in circles at times and became a bit boring for me. I normally like to speculate about who did what in these kind of books and I didn't do it as much in this book as I don't think the reader was given enough information at times, rather than suspects who just seemed to obvious - we just had to follow along with Miss Dimont while she figured it out.
While this was mildly entertaining, I'm not sure if I would pick up more in this series.
February 14, 2017
I struggled to stay focused on this book. I'm not sure what it is about the writer's style but I found it a bit disjointed. The change of perspective between some of the characters made it a little hard to track in the first part of the book - it felt like i either didn't spend enough time with any particular character to really get to know them or maybe they were just too similar in to tone to really make it easy to discriminate between them. I kept finding myself having to re-read sections in order to follow the story.
In the end I just skipped to the end to find out who-dun-it.
Overall a bit disappointed as I thought it sounded quite good. I liked the cover and the idea but I just didn't enjoy the execution.
In the end I just skipped to the end to find out who-dun-it.
Overall a bit disappointed as I thought it sounded quite good. I liked the cover and the idea but I just didn't enjoy the execution.
December 29, 2019
Not the most engaging book that I read in the cozy mystery genre. It had everything I assumed to be an interesting read, but instead the story ended up being quite distant and the characters were rather dull and boring. The protagonist is constantly referred to as being clever especially when it came to her mysterious wartime service in World War II, yet other characters refer to her as Miss Dim. And when those around her are nasty, she “rises above” it. This phrased is constantly repeated - but I’m not quite sure what it says about the protagonist’s character.
Though there were deaths, and the protagonist did try to look into those deaths, I can’t really say it’s a murder mystery. In fact the main premise of the story was how everyone kept missing the clues and walking around a sumptuously described scenic vista , and never actually getting together to solve the murders until all the clues miraculously fall together at the end.
Overall, the writing is good, but the characters and plot are a little cold.
Though there were deaths, and the protagonist did try to look into those deaths, I can’t really say it’s a murder mystery. In fact the main premise of the story was how everyone kept missing the clues and walking around a sumptuously described scenic vista , and never actually getting together to solve the murders until all the clues miraculously fall together at the end.
Overall, the writing is good, but the characters and plot are a little cold.
September 27, 2023
The 'Riviera Express' is two-pronged; firstly there is the local newspaper which bears that name and then there is the steam train that transports travellers along the Devon Coast. And the two come together when Miss Judy Dimont, the ace reporter for the newspaper, goes to meet the train that is transporting silver screen star and much-loved heart-throb Gerald Hennessy to the Devon seaside resort of Temple Regis.
Hennessy does arrive at the station but unfortunately he is discovered dead in his first-class railway carriage, apparently dying from a heart attack. But Miss Dimont is suspicious despite Inspector Topham of the local police being sure that the death is one from natural causes.
And then when a second death occurs, Arthur Shrimsley found dead at the foot of a crumbling cliff that towers over the Temple Regis beach, Miss Dimont is once more the reporter on the spot. She wonders if there is any connection between the two incidents and also wonders why a star such as Hennessy was coming to little Temple Regis. Thus she begins her investigations, for she fancies herself as an amateur sleuth, despite the warnings of her cantankerous editor Rudyard Rhys, who, not only tries to keep sending her on other innocent assignments, but who is convinced of death by natural causes and a suicide.
Miss Dimont has to contend with another Riviera Express reporter in Betty Featherstone, who has her own ideas on what has happened and is determined to hog the front page story regarding the incidents. But Miss Dimont has the advantage of having photographer Terry Eagleton on her side and his photographs of the scenes of crime help her along in her investigations.
The story is set in 1958 and the beauty of the book is that in its early pages the reader is immediately transported to an England of that time, in a charming seaside resort, and that ambience is maintained throughout the story. In addition the characters are all realistic and believable so the mystery continues to move along apace with entertainment all along the way until, finally, the most surprising denouement is revealed ... thanks, of course, to Miss Dimont!
'Riviera Express' proves to be a most promising start to what looks like being an enjoyable series.
Hennessy does arrive at the station but unfortunately he is discovered dead in his first-class railway carriage, apparently dying from a heart attack. But Miss Dimont is suspicious despite Inspector Topham of the local police being sure that the death is one from natural causes.
And then when a second death occurs, Arthur Shrimsley found dead at the foot of a crumbling cliff that towers over the Temple Regis beach, Miss Dimont is once more the reporter on the spot. She wonders if there is any connection between the two incidents and also wonders why a star such as Hennessy was coming to little Temple Regis. Thus she begins her investigations, for she fancies herself as an amateur sleuth, despite the warnings of her cantankerous editor Rudyard Rhys, who, not only tries to keep sending her on other innocent assignments, but who is convinced of death by natural causes and a suicide.
Miss Dimont has to contend with another Riviera Express reporter in Betty Featherstone, who has her own ideas on what has happened and is determined to hog the front page story regarding the incidents. But Miss Dimont has the advantage of having photographer Terry Eagleton on her side and his photographs of the scenes of crime help her along in her investigations.
The story is set in 1958 and the beauty of the book is that in its early pages the reader is immediately transported to an England of that time, in a charming seaside resort, and that ambience is maintained throughout the story. In addition the characters are all realistic and believable so the mystery continues to move along apace with entertainment all along the way until, finally, the most surprising denouement is revealed ... thanks, of course, to Miss Dimont!
'Riviera Express' proves to be a most promising start to what looks like being an enjoyable series.
December 13, 2020
If I could give this 0 stars, I would.
Completely dull it is only the 2nd book that I have never finished.
The author clearly enjoyed his Latin classes as a kid - and decided to use his knowledge to make a dull story even harder to stick with.
Another of the author’s likes is to repeat himself. Corkscrew hair, Remington quiet type and the reliable Herbert. In the first 70 pages there surely is no need to discuss these things more than once let alone 4 & 5 times.
Shame, it could have been a good story.
Completely dull it is only the 2nd book that I have never finished.
The author clearly enjoyed his Latin classes as a kid - and decided to use his knowledge to make a dull story even harder to stick with.
Another of the author’s likes is to repeat himself. Corkscrew hair, Remington quiet type and the reliable Herbert. In the first 70 pages there surely is no need to discuss these things more than once let alone 4 & 5 times.
Shame, it could have been a good story.
March 7, 2017
The Riviera Express by T.P. Fielden is the first in a series of Riviera Murder Mysteries, featuring Miss Judy Dimont.
Described by some reviewers as a “cosy” mystery novel, this has much more to offer than some books in this sub-genre. It is true that this murder mystery does not contain the blood and violence of many grittier novels, hence the “cosy” label, but “The Riviera Express” is full of intrigue.
When the train, known as the Riviera Express, arrives in Temple Regis, a beautiful seaside town in Devon, it is met by local journalist, Judy Dimont and news photographer, Terry Eagleton. They are there to meet the famous actor, Gerald Hennessy, who is due to arrive that afternoon. Against all expectations, there is to be no exclusive interview, as Mr Hennessy is found to be dead on arrival! Another death follows fast on the heels of this – that of Arthur Shrimsley, who is found dead at the bottom of the cliffs. It appears that these two deaths are not suspicious, but Judy Dimont soon comes to other conclusions after interviewing several people connected to the two deceased men. It also appears that there was a connection between the two men, which may cast doubt on the coroner’s verdicts of death from natural causes and accidental death.
As well as an intriguing plot, “The Riviera Express also has some well- drawn characters, particularly the feisty main character, journalist Miss Judy Dimont. This is a woman with a past. We don’t know a great deal about her role in the War, but the many hints are enough for us to know that it was important and secret. Apparently, it was during the War that she gained experience of looking for clues in people’s actions and words, all of which enhanced her post-war role as a journalist for a provincial newspaper, The Riviera Express. This is certainly no cardboard cut-out character and I look forward to reading more of her exploits.
Another aspect of this novel that I enjoyed was the style in which it is written. Set in the late 1950s, the author has written in a way which evokes the era. The novel is rich in vocabulary not in common use – Miss Dimont thinks of the actor-manager of the local theatre as “the old poodlefaker”; the view from a hotel window is described :”….the sea beyond and the still effulgent clouds suspended above, allowed eventide to enter the room and bestow upon its furniture a special glow.” Later, travelling journalists are described as “crumpled journeyman scriveners”. These little gems, plus touches of humour, enhanced the reading of the book.
All in all, “The Riviera Express” was a thoroughly enjoyable read for me; I hadn’t expected to like it as much as I did, if I’m honest.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 19, 2022
(first read)
4/10
It was so boring
For a murder mystery there was no mystery it wasn’t one you could try and figure out yourself
And the characters were just boring
Definitely won’t read the rest of the series
Was disappointing cause I really thought it was going to be a good book
4/10
It was so boring
For a murder mystery there was no mystery it wasn’t one you could try and figure out yourself
And the characters were just boring
Definitely won’t read the rest of the series
Was disappointing cause I really thought it was going to be a good book
December 13, 2017
Every now and then, I’m sure most of us do, I need a change of pace with my reading and select one of my “holiday” reads. Nearing the end of a very intensive online six week writing course, I spotted the very colourful cover of Murder on the Riviera Express and decided this would do nicely to start winding down.
Gerald Hennessey, silver screen idol is found dead on the 4.30 from Paddington no less and Miss Dimont, Temple Regis’s very competent lead reporter, investigates. This is a delightful novel set in 1958 in a beautiful seaside resort where everybody knows everyone and time has pretty much stood still. In short the perfect place to holiday from the 21st century.
Behind all the lightness and readability such as this below lies a sound knowledge of a reporter’s job.
“Her ride home on the redoubtable Herbert took her along the kind of route that film directors dream about and scour the world trying to locate. But here it was, the coast road out of Temple Regis back to her cottage three miles distant, where the road gently rose to where you could see right across Nelson’s Bay out into the English Channel.”
Here are aspects of her job, which I’m sure the author T.P. Fielden is very familiar with.
“The reporter took herself off to the council offices to see what crumbs of information might be gleaned from the forthcoming week’s proceedings, en route taking in the large public note-board outside the Corn Exchange. This unassuming block of wood had proved a goldmine of stories over the years, a virtual town crier of tales in fact - from lost cats to appeals for assistances; from the emergence of new religious gatherings (they never lasted long) to announcements of the arrival of the latest phenomenon, beat groups.”
This is a gentle novel and Temple Regis is a very pleasant place to be. The pace of life is slower, Miss Dimont has an interesting circle of friends, including one friend who runs the local cafe and Athene who does the horoscope coloumn. There are hints too at Miss Dimont’s life as a WREN during WWII and some sort of love affair with a man who died on a secret mission. More will probably be revealed in the next book Resort to Murder which I’ve marked as my Christmas holiday read.
Gerald Hennessey, silver screen idol is found dead on the 4.30 from Paddington no less and Miss Dimont, Temple Regis’s very competent lead reporter, investigates. This is a delightful novel set in 1958 in a beautiful seaside resort where everybody knows everyone and time has pretty much stood still. In short the perfect place to holiday from the 21st century.
Behind all the lightness and readability such as this below lies a sound knowledge of a reporter’s job.
“Her ride home on the redoubtable Herbert took her along the kind of route that film directors dream about and scour the world trying to locate. But here it was, the coast road out of Temple Regis back to her cottage three miles distant, where the road gently rose to where you could see right across Nelson’s Bay out into the English Channel.”
Here are aspects of her job, which I’m sure the author T.P. Fielden is very familiar with.
“The reporter took herself off to the council offices to see what crumbs of information might be gleaned from the forthcoming week’s proceedings, en route taking in the large public note-board outside the Corn Exchange. This unassuming block of wood had proved a goldmine of stories over the years, a virtual town crier of tales in fact - from lost cats to appeals for assistances; from the emergence of new religious gatherings (they never lasted long) to announcements of the arrival of the latest phenomenon, beat groups.”
This is a gentle novel and Temple Regis is a very pleasant place to be. The pace of life is slower, Miss Dimont has an interesting circle of friends, including one friend who runs the local cafe and Athene who does the horoscope coloumn. There are hints too at Miss Dimont’s life as a WREN during WWII and some sort of love affair with a man who died on a secret mission. More will probably be revealed in the next book Resort to Murder which I’ve marked as my Christmas holiday read.
February 4, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin UK for an advance copy of The Riviera Express, a cosy mystery set in 1958 Devon.
Miss Dimont, former something in the war, is now chief reporter at The Riviera Express in Temple Regis, Devon. Her life is a whirl of local reporting - court, council, shows and clubs - unless a celebrity comes to the picturesque seaside resort when she and Terry the photographer have a well honed routine for finessing an interview at the railway station. They are, therefore, in place to meet the celebrated film star Gerald Hennessy when he comes to town. Unfortunately he is dead of an apparent heart attack when the train pulls into the station. They do not have much time to investigate before they have to dash across town to report on the apparent suicide of Arthur Shrimsley, an unpleasant and unscrupulous fellow journalist. When both deaths are reported as accidents Miss Dimont begs to differ and launches an investigation.
The Riviera Express is a pleasant read with likeable characters. It seems well researched in terms of historical detail although 2 female reporters and no men on a weekly provincial paper does not seem realistic for the 50s.
I did not particularly like the writing style. Some phrases are clunky with odd syntax and punctuation and I had to read them a couple of times to get the sense of them. I also think the rather arch tone is more suited to an earlier era than the more modern late 50s although sometimes it is amusing.
The characterisation, especially the vignettes of lesser characters, is good if a little clichéd. Miss Dimont, Judy to her friends, Miss Dim to her colleagues is a typical amateur sleuth, non conformist and willing to disturb the status quo, and very well liked despite her pushiness when asking questions. Needless to say she is far smarter than the police.
I like to try new series so I am happy to have read The Riviera Express but I don't think I would bother with another.
Miss Dimont, former something in the war, is now chief reporter at The Riviera Express in Temple Regis, Devon. Her life is a whirl of local reporting - court, council, shows and clubs - unless a celebrity comes to the picturesque seaside resort when she and Terry the photographer have a well honed routine for finessing an interview at the railway station. They are, therefore, in place to meet the celebrated film star Gerald Hennessy when he comes to town. Unfortunately he is dead of an apparent heart attack when the train pulls into the station. They do not have much time to investigate before they have to dash across town to report on the apparent suicide of Arthur Shrimsley, an unpleasant and unscrupulous fellow journalist. When both deaths are reported as accidents Miss Dimont begs to differ and launches an investigation.
The Riviera Express is a pleasant read with likeable characters. It seems well researched in terms of historical detail although 2 female reporters and no men on a weekly provincial paper does not seem realistic for the 50s.
I did not particularly like the writing style. Some phrases are clunky with odd syntax and punctuation and I had to read them a couple of times to get the sense of them. I also think the rather arch tone is more suited to an earlier era than the more modern late 50s although sometimes it is amusing.
The characterisation, especially the vignettes of lesser characters, is good if a little clichéd. Miss Dimont, Judy to her friends, Miss Dim to her colleagues is a typical amateur sleuth, non conformist and willing to disturb the status quo, and very well liked despite her pushiness when asking questions. Needless to say she is far smarter than the police.
I like to try new series so I am happy to have read The Riviera Express but I don't think I would bother with another.
February 24, 2017
'Welcome to Temple Regis, Devon.
Where Miss Judy Dimont reports on church fetes, council arguments and murder in….
The Riviera Express.’
The Riviera Express is the first in a new series set in Devon, featuring Miss Judy Dimont, a welcome new addition to the world of sleuthing. Published on 23rd February 2017 by HQ Stories, an imprint of Harper Collins, I would recommend this book for all fans of Murder She Wrote or Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple…
Please read on for my full thoughts…
The Riviera Express is a novel that requires a nice cup of tea and a digestive biscuit in hand, as you settle into life, post-war in a small town in Devon.
Miss Judy Dimont, a journalist with The Riviera Express, is a character that the reader can visualise from the opening page
‘Her corkscrew hair fell out of it’s makeshift pinnings, her glasses slipped down the convex nose, those self-same lips pinched themselves into a tight little knot and a general air of mild chaos and discount emanated like puffs of smoke from her desk.’
For anyone who has seen Murder She wrote, the character Jessica Fletcher comes to mind immediately.
Temple Regis, a town where pretty much nothing happens, is awaiting the arrival of a film star. Adored by many, Gerald Hennessey, is due to arrive on the 4.30 train from London. For Miss Judy Dimont, this is a story worth getting excited about. Bored with the daily tribulations of small town politics, a movie star will make headline news.
But Miss Dimont is not prepared for what happens next. Gerald Hennessey never makes it alive to Temple Regis, as he is found dead in a carriage of the train.
Reeling from the shock, Temple Regis is again thrown into disarray, when a second body is found at the bottom of a cliff within hours. It is that of ‘the repulsive Arthur Shrimsley, an out-to-grass former Fleet street type.
Both deaths are treated separately by the local constabulary but Miss Dimont is not happy and suspects there is some connection.
The reader is taken on a wonderful journey with every sort of character you would expect from a book of this genre.
Rudyard Rhys, the editor of the paper, is always looking for fault with Miss Dimont and continuously questions her motives and actions. Betty Featherstone, journalist and rival to Miss Judy Dimont, is younger and constantly trying to get one up on her colleague, in a rather conniving, yet ditzy manner. Then there is Athene Madrigale, horoscopes writer/astrologist with the paper, who floats around diagnosing auras and is rarely seen in daylight…quite the character!!
And of course let’s not forget Prudence Aubrey, wife of a now dead film star. She herself an aging star of the screen who sees her career collapsing at her feet.
And the list goes on…
Quirky personalities drip off the pages as Miss Dimont searches for clues among the unsuspecting public for a murderer.
The Riviera Express is a comfortable read. It has many of the qualities one would expect from such a novel.
Having read this first book in the series, I can already see it being a success on the small screen. All these characters could so easily be brought alive with Miss Judy Dimont’s reliable ‘Herbert’ whizzing her around the streets of Temple Regis, as she continues to uncover the secrets hidden on this small part of the Devonshire coast.
Where Miss Judy Dimont reports on church fetes, council arguments and murder in….
The Riviera Express.’
The Riviera Express is the first in a new series set in Devon, featuring Miss Judy Dimont, a welcome new addition to the world of sleuthing. Published on 23rd February 2017 by HQ Stories, an imprint of Harper Collins, I would recommend this book for all fans of Murder She Wrote or Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple…
Please read on for my full thoughts…
The Riviera Express is a novel that requires a nice cup of tea and a digestive biscuit in hand, as you settle into life, post-war in a small town in Devon.
Miss Judy Dimont, a journalist with The Riviera Express, is a character that the reader can visualise from the opening page
‘Her corkscrew hair fell out of it’s makeshift pinnings, her glasses slipped down the convex nose, those self-same lips pinched themselves into a tight little knot and a general air of mild chaos and discount emanated like puffs of smoke from her desk.’
For anyone who has seen Murder She wrote, the character Jessica Fletcher comes to mind immediately.
Temple Regis, a town where pretty much nothing happens, is awaiting the arrival of a film star. Adored by many, Gerald Hennessey, is due to arrive on the 4.30 train from London. For Miss Judy Dimont, this is a story worth getting excited about. Bored with the daily tribulations of small town politics, a movie star will make headline news.
But Miss Dimont is not prepared for what happens next. Gerald Hennessey never makes it alive to Temple Regis, as he is found dead in a carriage of the train.
Reeling from the shock, Temple Regis is again thrown into disarray, when a second body is found at the bottom of a cliff within hours. It is that of ‘the repulsive Arthur Shrimsley, an out-to-grass former Fleet street type.
Both deaths are treated separately by the local constabulary but Miss Dimont is not happy and suspects there is some connection.
The reader is taken on a wonderful journey with every sort of character you would expect from a book of this genre.
Rudyard Rhys, the editor of the paper, is always looking for fault with Miss Dimont and continuously questions her motives and actions. Betty Featherstone, journalist and rival to Miss Judy Dimont, is younger and constantly trying to get one up on her colleague, in a rather conniving, yet ditzy manner. Then there is Athene Madrigale, horoscopes writer/astrologist with the paper, who floats around diagnosing auras and is rarely seen in daylight…quite the character!!
And of course let’s not forget Prudence Aubrey, wife of a now dead film star. She herself an aging star of the screen who sees her career collapsing at her feet.
And the list goes on…
Quirky personalities drip off the pages as Miss Dimont searches for clues among the unsuspecting public for a murderer.
The Riviera Express is a comfortable read. It has many of the qualities one would expect from such a novel.
Having read this first book in the series, I can already see it being a success on the small screen. All these characters could so easily be brought alive with Miss Judy Dimont’s reliable ‘Herbert’ whizzing her around the streets of Temple Regis, as she continues to uncover the secrets hidden on this small part of the Devonshire coast.
October 6, 2020
2020 bk 304. I've read a different series by T. P. Fielden and decided that I didn't like that one enough to keep it. I already had this on hand, so thought I would give it a try. It was so much more satisfying as a mystery. Set in the British version of the Riviera, it is a story of murder, actors, inheritance, and justice and thoroughly appropriate to time and place. I will look for others in this series.
September 1, 2018
New historical cosy crime series for me. Well written, interesting plot and I like the character Miss Dimnot. Important for me to feel invested in the main protagonist in cosy's
November 11, 2020
Not the sort if thing I usually read but do well written and the characterization was so good I really enjoyed it. Evocative of the 50s and small town press. Very enjoyable.
November 27, 2024
My Interest
I saw this one in a list of cheap Kindle books, liked the cover and the sound of it, bought it and read the first 65 pages in one sitting. Then life happened. Fast forward to this summer with all the storms. A 12- hour power outage and a fully charged Kindle let me escape back into late 1950’s Britain again! Another power outage a few weeks later and I finished it.
I don’t always review series fiction, but this is Book One, so I won’t be giving away any spoilers.
The Story
“To preserve the reputation of this place at the expense of justice, which is what these people seemed to want to do, seemed a dangerous step–for what other misdeeds would be covered up in the interests of Temple Regis’ future prosperity.”
Miss Judy Dimont, about 20 years before WKRP, digs up news in Temple Regis on what Les Nessman called “the mobile news unit”–i.e. her moped named “Herbert.” A little more than a decade after World War II ended, Judy has carved out a career for herself on the Riviera Express newspaper. Coincidentally, the Riviera Express is the name of the train that comes from London. On this arrival the dead body of a famous actor is found–was he with a much younger woman, a “bit of stuff,” (in the lingo of the day) on the train? What does his wife think of it all?
Like an Agatha Christie sleuth, Miss Dimont and, like any childless cat lady worth her furbaby’s kibble, often beats the police at their own game. When a another man is found dead outside town Temple Regis is left in what would politely have been termed a “state” back in that day. Miss Dimont uses her network or associates, her wits, her wartime training as a WRNS [Women’s Royal Naval Service aka “The Wrens”] and good investigative techniques to run circles around the local Bobby. As she untangles the web of stories, suppositions and just plain wrong guesses, Miss Dimont gets to know the late actor’s wife and the “younger woman.” But, just where do a cerise Rolls Royce and a fat-renderer come in?
My Thoughts
I’m not a big one for who-done-its, but this one was really pretty fun. I liked Judy and her friends. They mystery was just enough to keep me hooked. I liked the way her backstory was woven into the tale without the need for a prologue (which I don’t mind) or a long chapter explaining it all (which I can mind). Judy was a fun, quirky character but not so quirky as to be cartoonish. The residents of the town were just quirky enough as well. I loved the way we were given a sense of the era through the use of it’s jargon and slang. While Judy is an independent woman, supporting herself with an actual career, she does not spout 21st Century or even late 20th Century feminism or ideas–that is a huge relief. She holds to the manners and mores of her own era, as she should.
Lastly, I loved that Barbara Cartland and her daughter, Raine [Princess Diana’s step-mother] got a shout-out.
I will definitely read or listen to the next book in this series.
My Verdict
4.0
The Riviera Express by T.P. Fielden
I read the Kindle version of this book.
I saw this one in a list of cheap Kindle books, liked the cover and the sound of it, bought it and read the first 65 pages in one sitting. Then life happened. Fast forward to this summer with all the storms. A 12- hour power outage and a fully charged Kindle let me escape back into late 1950’s Britain again! Another power outage a few weeks later and I finished it.
I don’t always review series fiction, but this is Book One, so I won’t be giving away any spoilers.
The Story
“To preserve the reputation of this place at the expense of justice, which is what these people seemed to want to do, seemed a dangerous step–for what other misdeeds would be covered up in the interests of Temple Regis’ future prosperity.”
Miss Judy Dimont, about 20 years before WKRP, digs up news in Temple Regis on what Les Nessman called “the mobile news unit”–i.e. her moped named “Herbert.” A little more than a decade after World War II ended, Judy has carved out a career for herself on the Riviera Express newspaper. Coincidentally, the Riviera Express is the name of the train that comes from London. On this arrival the dead body of a famous actor is found–was he with a much younger woman, a “bit of stuff,” (in the lingo of the day) on the train? What does his wife think of it all?
Like an Agatha Christie sleuth, Miss Dimont and, like any childless cat lady worth her furbaby’s kibble, often beats the police at their own game. When a another man is found dead outside town Temple Regis is left in what would politely have been termed a “state” back in that day. Miss Dimont uses her network or associates, her wits, her wartime training as a WRNS [Women’s Royal Naval Service aka “The Wrens”] and good investigative techniques to run circles around the local Bobby. As she untangles the web of stories, suppositions and just plain wrong guesses, Miss Dimont gets to know the late actor’s wife and the “younger woman.” But, just where do a cerise Rolls Royce and a fat-renderer come in?
My Thoughts
I’m not a big one for who-done-its, but this one was really pretty fun. I liked Judy and her friends. They mystery was just enough to keep me hooked. I liked the way her backstory was woven into the tale without the need for a prologue (which I don’t mind) or a long chapter explaining it all (which I can mind). Judy was a fun, quirky character but not so quirky as to be cartoonish. The residents of the town were just quirky enough as well. I loved the way we were given a sense of the era through the use of it’s jargon and slang. While Judy is an independent woman, supporting herself with an actual career, she does not spout 21st Century or even late 20th Century feminism or ideas–that is a huge relief. She holds to the manners and mores of her own era, as she should.
Lastly, I loved that Barbara Cartland and her daughter, Raine [Princess Diana’s step-mother] got a shout-out.
I will definitely read or listen to the next book in this series.
My Verdict
4.0
The Riviera Express by T.P. Fielden
I read the Kindle version of this book.
August 25, 2020
There were so many engaging elements about this book that I was predisposed to like it---so, it was a huge disappointment to find myself plodding through it at a glacial pace.
The environment and period are fun;
The characters are varied and potentially engaging;
The newspaper as a principal element in the story should have been fun. . .
So, why was this such a plodding exercise in a cozy mystery ? For me, the challenge was that the protagonist, Miss Dimont, disclosed her background and skills too slowly and laboriously. There was a hint that she had an illustrious career before she became a reporter, so why not share what it was ?
We waited far too long to get a hint, and never received more than a broad sketch of her "history" during the War.
The author may be stretching out all this exposition because she plans a long career writing about Miss Dimont, but I will not return to another one of her adventures because this one could barely keep me awake.
Note: I am a great fan of light mysteries, so I am not inclined to be critical of the genre. We read for various reasons and most "cozy" mysteries entertain me. I just couldn't summon up any enthusiasm for this book.
The environment and period are fun;
The characters are varied and potentially engaging;
The newspaper as a principal element in the story should have been fun. . .
So, why was this such a plodding exercise in a cozy mystery ? For me, the challenge was that the protagonist, Miss Dimont, disclosed her background and skills too slowly and laboriously. There was a hint that she had an illustrious career before she became a reporter, so why not share what it was ?
We waited far too long to get a hint, and never received more than a broad sketch of her "history" during the War.
The author may be stretching out all this exposition because she plans a long career writing about Miss Dimont, but I will not return to another one of her adventures because this one could barely keep me awake.
Note: I am a great fan of light mysteries, so I am not inclined to be critical of the genre. We read for various reasons and most "cozy" mysteries entertain me. I just couldn't summon up any enthusiasm for this book.
August 2, 2020
I found the plotline interesting, however I found Miss Dimont as a character to be lackluster and a poor representation of a strong woman.
She was described at smart and experienced and yet in adrenaline packed moments, or interpersonal interactions she was dismissed by her male co-workers and portrayed as feeble-minded, inarticulate, unable to act, or socially unaware. It was frustrating to see her described as smart and with a good sense of intuition at the beginning and then for the rest of the book she was more described with stereotypical female characteristics, almost as if to remind the reader that she is "only" a woman before a journalist with a detective side.
I would have loved a book with a strong female character where I am not constantly reminded of the fact that she is a woman (rather than a man) and who is seemingly disregarded by the men around her (with very little complaint from her). This was not present in this book, and did not live up to its full female-empowering potential.
She was described at smart and experienced and yet in adrenaline packed moments, or interpersonal interactions she was dismissed by her male co-workers and portrayed as feeble-minded, inarticulate, unable to act, or socially unaware. It was frustrating to see her described as smart and with a good sense of intuition at the beginning and then for the rest of the book she was more described with stereotypical female characteristics, almost as if to remind the reader that she is "only" a woman before a journalist with a detective side.
I would have loved a book with a strong female character where I am not constantly reminded of the fact that she is a woman (rather than a man) and who is seemingly disregarded by the men around her (with very little complaint from her). This was not present in this book, and did not live up to its full female-empowering potential.
August 19, 2021
2.5 stars
Classic cosy mystery style book. The start in a series following journalist Miss Judy Dimont.
To be truthful I wasn't enamoured with the storyline or the writing. I found it repetitive (if I was playing a drinking game and had to drink on the word corkscrew[ed] I'd be drunk) and the whodunnit aspect went in circles at points. The plot doesn't allow for the reader to make their own suspicions about who killed the 2 victims because not enough is given away in the plot, you have to just go along with what Miss Dimont says. I didn't like the shortening of people's names, for example Miss Dimont would become Miss Dim at times and Mrs Marchbank became Mrs March etc but with no rhyme nor reason as Fielden flitted between the names throughout the book willy nilly in my opinion.
Although the audiobook was enjoyable enough to keep me occupied during a couple of long distance drives recently I don't think I'll be reaching for the sequel. I'll stick to Marple and Raisin!
Classic cosy mystery style book. The start in a series following journalist Miss Judy Dimont.
To be truthful I wasn't enamoured with the storyline or the writing. I found it repetitive (if I was playing a drinking game and had to drink on the word corkscrew[ed] I'd be drunk) and the whodunnit aspect went in circles at points. The plot doesn't allow for the reader to make their own suspicions about who killed the 2 victims because not enough is given away in the plot, you have to just go along with what Miss Dimont says. I didn't like the shortening of people's names, for example Miss Dimont would become Miss Dim at times and Mrs Marchbank became Mrs March etc but with no rhyme nor reason as Fielden flitted between the names throughout the book willy nilly in my opinion.
Although the audiobook was enjoyable enough to keep me occupied during a couple of long distance drives recently I don't think I'll be reaching for the sequel. I'll stick to Marple and Raisin!
August 17, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of the ebook.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale set in the late 50's.Normally I am not keen on pastiche but this was so well done that I have no hesitation in advising others to buy.It promises well for the rest of the series- I look forward to reading more about the mysterious Miss Dim.
The plot is well paced and I did not guess the murderer until quite late on.
The characterisation is good with many memorable characters one hopes to meet again.The tone is right and the 50's setting authentic.
Most enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale set in the late 50's.Normally I am not keen on pastiche but this was so well done that I have no hesitation in advising others to buy.It promises well for the rest of the series- I look forward to reading more about the mysterious Miss Dim.
The plot is well paced and I did not guess the murderer until quite late on.
The characterisation is good with many memorable characters one hopes to meet again.The tone is right and the 50's setting authentic.
Most enjoyable
February 6, 2020
Fifteen pages into this book and the fourth reference to the main character’s corkscrew hair. I can’t take any more....
March 6, 2017
February. Cold. Wet. Grey. I huddle beneath a blanket in an armchair by the fire as day slips murkily into night, but the book in my lap has transported me to glorious, dazzling summer. Turquoise sea and white sand, a fresh salty breeze on the promenade, the timeless rippling cries of seagulls riding the thermals above the bay. My book is The Riviera Express, and the town it has so joyously transported me to is Temple Regis. It might as well be a real place, so vividly has T. P. Fielden painted it; it is quintessential South Devon. If you already know and love this part of the world (and I'm biased: as far as I am concerned, to know it is to love it), The Riviera Express will take you straight back to the perpetual sunshine of childhood holidays, and your heart will skip at the familiar surroundings; if you do not already know it, this book will make you want to. Fielden captures everything, from the aquamarine seas to the proud prettiness of a town that is 'far too nice a place to be murdered', with a film-maker's fine eye for detail: this book (the first in a series of cases for amateur sleuth Miss Dimont) has TV adaptation written all over it, for want of a better expression.
Miss Dimont is a distinctive and charismatic new member of that elite club of brilliant lady detectives. A journalist first and foremost, she zips about town on her moped, Herbert, garnering the sort of small-town news that small towns generate. When a dashing film idol and, seemingly unconnectedly, a local man are both found dead, Miss Dimont's investigative instincts are roused. The year is 1958; women journalists are still something of a rarity. That Miss D has lost her beau in the war is hinted at, and she cuts a resilient if slightly lonely dash in her dogged efforts to unmask the perpetrator. If anything fails to ring true in this hugely enjoyable book, it is perhaps that Miss D and her female colleagues are treated with little overt sexism; this may be historically inaccurate, but it is quite refreshing to have a heroine whose gender is, broadly speaking, not an issue; she is intuitive and sensitive in her insights, but Fielden does not overtly highlight Dimont's gender in this regard.
Dimont's creator has clearly worked as a journalist too, and the reader feels the proxy thrill of entering the hallowed newsroom, evoked in powerfully authentic detail, from the clatter of typewriters to the fug of stale ashtrays and the gruff editor-in-chief, Rudyard Rhys. Miss D's photographer sidekick Terry is a fabulous character, down-to-earth, practical and smart ('He's incredibly irritating. He seems to know everything without ever having learned anything...!'), and one can't help but know that there is a real-life Terry on every newspaper. Similarly lifelike is the gorgeously exotic Athene Madrigale (astrologer), who wafts in and out of the newsroom in rainbow-clad glory. Fellow (but infinitely inferior) reporter Betty is also beautifully drawn, the showy froth on the cappuccino where Miss D is the real deal, the stronger and more subtly flavoured coffee beneath.
As for the Big Question, whodunnit, we are led a merry dance of likely culprits, each, like the main characters, fully rounded and interesting. Prudence Aubrey (wife of the murdered film star) is particularly memorable, with her 'haute couture smile' and her complicated 'layers of hostility and warmth': she might have liked to murder her husband; but then again...
The big reveal is exciting and melodramatic, and Miss D of course triumphs. Suspense is maintained to the end, in a finely crafted prose style whose buoyant tone is both genteel and jaunty – well fitted to the sunny demeanour of the setting. A delightful new detective is born, and she and her trusty Herbert have plenty of mileage in them.
Miss Dimont is a distinctive and charismatic new member of that elite club of brilliant lady detectives. A journalist first and foremost, she zips about town on her moped, Herbert, garnering the sort of small-town news that small towns generate. When a dashing film idol and, seemingly unconnectedly, a local man are both found dead, Miss Dimont's investigative instincts are roused. The year is 1958; women journalists are still something of a rarity. That Miss D has lost her beau in the war is hinted at, and she cuts a resilient if slightly lonely dash in her dogged efforts to unmask the perpetrator. If anything fails to ring true in this hugely enjoyable book, it is perhaps that Miss D and her female colleagues are treated with little overt sexism; this may be historically inaccurate, but it is quite refreshing to have a heroine whose gender is, broadly speaking, not an issue; she is intuitive and sensitive in her insights, but Fielden does not overtly highlight Dimont's gender in this regard.
Dimont's creator has clearly worked as a journalist too, and the reader feels the proxy thrill of entering the hallowed newsroom, evoked in powerfully authentic detail, from the clatter of typewriters to the fug of stale ashtrays and the gruff editor-in-chief, Rudyard Rhys. Miss D's photographer sidekick Terry is a fabulous character, down-to-earth, practical and smart ('He's incredibly irritating. He seems to know everything without ever having learned anything...!'), and one can't help but know that there is a real-life Terry on every newspaper. Similarly lifelike is the gorgeously exotic Athene Madrigale (astrologer), who wafts in and out of the newsroom in rainbow-clad glory. Fellow (but infinitely inferior) reporter Betty is also beautifully drawn, the showy froth on the cappuccino where Miss D is the real deal, the stronger and more subtly flavoured coffee beneath.
As for the Big Question, whodunnit, we are led a merry dance of likely culprits, each, like the main characters, fully rounded and interesting. Prudence Aubrey (wife of the murdered film star) is particularly memorable, with her 'haute couture smile' and her complicated 'layers of hostility and warmth': she might have liked to murder her husband; but then again...
The big reveal is exciting and melodramatic, and Miss D of course triumphs. Suspense is maintained to the end, in a finely crafted prose style whose buoyant tone is both genteel and jaunty – well fitted to the sunny demeanour of the setting. A delightful new detective is born, and she and her trusty Herbert have plenty of mileage in them.
February 28, 2021
So bad. First, very amateurish and bad writing. Many repetitions, everything is compared to everything else in an elaborate way for a writer to show off (abandoned like Mary Celeste), unnecessary detours to show how smart the author is when it comes to googling (who is was that killed the messenger? Or, that chap, Tigranes of Armenia). Lots of long and rare words used where shorter and more commonly used words would suffice, also, probably, to show the reader how smart the author was who knew all these long obscure words (and, of course, facts). Very long, awkwardly built sentences. Outlandish names that are very difficult to remember, reminiscent of bad fantasy fun fiction.
The writing is very uneven, jumping from topic to topic and from theme to theme, so often the meaning is ambiguous and intentions of the protagonists are unclear, for example, when miss Dimont calls the editor and tells him about the murder, the reply is "And he is not the only one who is dead", it sounds like a threat in the context, like her editor saying her "do this or that, or you are dead", when, in fact, really some other person is dead.
Second, the heroine herself is annoying and narcissistic. Also, very shallow. She goes around, interrogating people, often rudely, and, surprise surprise, when she barks her questions at them, they reply, why not tell her to go where the sun does not shine? She accuses people of all kind of things, and throws water in their faces, then she sincerely expect them to be "nice" to her and answer more of her questions. Moreover, when she asks a question, she never listens to the answer but starts answering instead of her interlocutors, and it's hard even to call "an answer", she is just talking about her fantasies and own agenda. So, it takes a long time for a person to answer a question and the dialogues are long rambling monologues of a "brilliant" Miss Dimont, interrupted from time to time by her own questions. She interferes with police investigation, destroys and tampers and withholds evidence from the police, then acts all superior. In fact, if she did not take evidence and tampered with it by carrying it around in her bare hands and giving it to other people to touch and carry, the case would not have lasted for longer than ten pages. In short, instead of a person who is smarter than the police, as the author intended, she rather looks like that classical busy body who does not have a clue and interferes to validate her own high opinion of herself. She interferes with other people's jobs, not just the police, probably an attempt to make her appear emphatic, but she always comes out of such interferences as a person who does not even know what she is talking about and who knows that she would not even change anything but rattles people to feel important. At the same time, she is so childish, for example, she is amazed that people in professional surroundings look and act differently than in private ones, it would have been acceptable in a child of ten, not in a mature, smart and sophisticated woman of a near retiring age.
Third, it's not even a mystery, there are no consequent cues pointing then to one person, then to another. It's a long rambling text consisting of random facts, narcissistic monologues of the main protagonist and somewhat cute descriptions of a seaside town.
The writing is very uneven, jumping from topic to topic and from theme to theme, so often the meaning is ambiguous and intentions of the protagonists are unclear, for example, when miss Dimont calls the editor and tells him about the murder, the reply is "And he is not the only one who is dead", it sounds like a threat in the context, like her editor saying her "do this or that, or you are dead", when, in fact, really some other person is dead.
Second, the heroine herself is annoying and narcissistic. Also, very shallow. She goes around, interrogating people, often rudely, and, surprise surprise, when she barks her questions at them, they reply, why not tell her to go where the sun does not shine? She accuses people of all kind of things, and throws water in their faces, then she sincerely expect them to be "nice" to her and answer more of her questions. Moreover, when she asks a question, she never listens to the answer but starts answering instead of her interlocutors, and it's hard even to call "an answer", she is just talking about her fantasies and own agenda. So, it takes a long time for a person to answer a question and the dialogues are long rambling monologues of a "brilliant" Miss Dimont, interrupted from time to time by her own questions. She interferes with police investigation, destroys and tampers and withholds evidence from the police, then acts all superior. In fact, if she did not take evidence and tampered with it by carrying it around in her bare hands and giving it to other people to touch and carry, the case would not have lasted for longer than ten pages. In short, instead of a person who is smarter than the police, as the author intended, she rather looks like that classical busy body who does not have a clue and interferes to validate her own high opinion of herself. She interferes with other people's jobs, not just the police, probably an attempt to make her appear emphatic, but she always comes out of such interferences as a person who does not even know what she is talking about and who knows that she would not even change anything but rattles people to feel important. At the same time, she is so childish, for example, she is amazed that people in professional surroundings look and act differently than in private ones, it would have been acceptable in a child of ten, not in a mature, smart and sophisticated woman of a near retiring age.
Third, it's not even a mystery, there are no consequent cues pointing then to one person, then to another. It's a long rambling text consisting of random facts, narcissistic monologues of the main protagonist and somewhat cute descriptions of a seaside town.
September 14, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyable and unputdownable! Fielden creates a beautiful image of the town and atmosphere in this Post War, cosy murder mystery.
POSITIVES:
Fielden's narrative voice was amazing. Acting as an omnipotent entity, he gives insights into the many characters that make up Temple Regis, fleshing out even the smallest of characters. Creating a vast array portfolio of individuals that make up this story simply from a couple of lines. Because he is omnipotent it allows us to get into the head of many characters especially Miss Dimont herself, showing the reader her tips and tricks into getting people to talk and sussing out someone's mood. This makes it a more exciting read because it's not just from her POV. This 3rd person narrative allows for better insights and also is highly enjoyable to read, 3rd person is my personal favourite over 2nd and 1st.
Fielden is amazing at crafting the town of Temple Regis making it visible on the page, overall his narration was amazing.
I loved the character of Miss Dimont, I loved how she was a single older woman dominating the front pages of the newspaper! I loved her attitude toward life and that nothing could stop her no matter what. But what I loved most was her awareness of herself and knowing her limitations she was an amazing and inspiring character to read and was a breath of fresh air!
All the female characters were fleshed out and none was like the other. I felt that Fielden balanced the sexism of the time with his own more modern views really well. You can see from certain lines and quotes that he did not agree with the treatment of women at the time and that all his female characters were strong, capable and unique.
The mystery itself was interesting, Fielden kept a lot of the question unanswered but managed to keep you wanting to read more, whether it was by adding extra information about a certain character or answering a minor question that opened up a lot more doors for questioning. I spent the whole book never sure on what happened or who did it?
NEGATIVE:
The reveal of who it was to me wasn't who I had hoped for and in my opinion wasn't juicy enough. It was pretty plain and simple to me but was still satisfying overall.
There were a couple of times where I felt that in order to show off how talented and amazing Miss Dimont was he would tear down other female characters which I didn't like because I felt he could have just stated that Miss Dimont was amazing without having to compare other women to her.
There was also a lot of focus on the women's bodies, for the actress' I understood because Prudence Aubrey with her slimmer, straight body was meant to represent the old times and Marion Lake's more curvaceous body was meant to represent the future of celebrity and stardom. But everyday characters he would mention their bodies and how they were prettier when they were younger. Which was amazing and I felt didn't need to be mentioned.
POSITIVES:
Fielden's narrative voice was amazing. Acting as an omnipotent entity, he gives insights into the many characters that make up Temple Regis, fleshing out even the smallest of characters. Creating a vast array portfolio of individuals that make up this story simply from a couple of lines. Because he is omnipotent it allows us to get into the head of many characters especially Miss Dimont herself, showing the reader her tips and tricks into getting people to talk and sussing out someone's mood. This makes it a more exciting read because it's not just from her POV. This 3rd person narrative allows for better insights and also is highly enjoyable to read, 3rd person is my personal favourite over 2nd and 1st.
Fielden is amazing at crafting the town of Temple Regis making it visible on the page, overall his narration was amazing.
I loved the character of Miss Dimont, I loved how she was a single older woman dominating the front pages of the newspaper! I loved her attitude toward life and that nothing could stop her no matter what. But what I loved most was her awareness of herself and knowing her limitations she was an amazing and inspiring character to read and was a breath of fresh air!
All the female characters were fleshed out and none was like the other. I felt that Fielden balanced the sexism of the time with his own more modern views really well. You can see from certain lines and quotes that he did not agree with the treatment of women at the time and that all his female characters were strong, capable and unique.
The mystery itself was interesting, Fielden kept a lot of the question unanswered but managed to keep you wanting to read more, whether it was by adding extra information about a certain character or answering a minor question that opened up a lot more doors for questioning. I spent the whole book never sure on what happened or who did it?
NEGATIVE:
The reveal of who it was to me wasn't who I had hoped for and in my opinion wasn't juicy enough. It was pretty plain and simple to me but was still satisfying overall.
There were a couple of times where I felt that in order to show off how talented and amazing Miss Dimont was he would tear down other female characters which I didn't like because I felt he could have just stated that Miss Dimont was amazing without having to compare other women to her.
There was also a lot of focus on the women's bodies, for the actress' I understood because Prudence Aubrey with her slimmer, straight body was meant to represent the old times and Marion Lake's more curvaceous body was meant to represent the future of celebrity and stardom. But everyday characters he would mention their bodies and how they were prettier when they were younger. Which was amazing and I felt didn't need to be mentioned.
August 4, 2025
The Riviera Express is best known as the train that travels from Paddington along the south coast to Cornwall, but in 1958 it’s also the name of the local newspaper in Temple Regis, a beach resort on the south coast squashed somewhere between Torquay and Newton Abbot. Judy Dimont is a long suffering reporter for the paper and on this particular day arrives at the railway station to meet the riviera Express train and report on the arrival of Gerald Hennessey the much revered hero of post World War II war films on the silver screen. However, Gerald never leaves the train because he is discovered, dead, in a first class carriage!
Bedlington on Sea is the more exclusive end of Temple Regis and at the same time as Geral Hennessey is being discovered in the train Arthur Shrimsley is found dead at the foot of a cliff having fallen from the coastal path. Judy and her photographer, Terry Eagleton, hastened to the scene to report. Apparently unrelated deaths, one accidental and one of natural causes, Judy feels there is more to this than meets the eye, and when Gerald Hennessey’s wife, actress Prudence Aubrey, arrives in Temple Regis the situation becomes inflamed as speculation around why Gerald was there and who he had spent the night with beforehand raise the temperature. One of Temple Regis main attractions is the theatre at the end of the pier managed and directed by Raymond Cattermole, a long standing rival of Hennessey’s in the acting fraternity, and when he goes missing the mystery deepens. The police Inspector Frank Topham is convinced that none of these occurrences are either suspicious or connected but using her reporting skills Judy persists in interviewing those she considers suspects in the case until ultimately the Riviera Express has its scoop.
This was a fun read. Judy is a scatty and generally lighthearted character (although there are indications that there is some hidden depths regarding her war service). The writing style of Fielden is engaging and humorous and despite its array of dysfunctional angst ridden characters Temple Regis in 1958 is a place I would like to visit, enjoy an ice cream on the prom, paddle in the sunshine warmed sea and even purchase a ticket for the end of the pier theatre show. There is just enough information about Judy as the main character to also make me want to read further novels in the series to see just how she develops and what her story is.
There were a few editing failings that niggled me as I was reading and had to stop and check back and while I felt that everything was ultimately tied together satisfactorily this did depend on a significant piece of the puzzle, previously not mentioned, being dropped in at the 11th hour which I find a frustrating device.
As a first novel in a series, though, this really did set the stage well for further fun escapades by the seaside.
Bedlington on Sea is the more exclusive end of Temple Regis and at the same time as Geral Hennessey is being discovered in the train Arthur Shrimsley is found dead at the foot of a cliff having fallen from the coastal path. Judy and her photographer, Terry Eagleton, hastened to the scene to report. Apparently unrelated deaths, one accidental and one of natural causes, Judy feels there is more to this than meets the eye, and when Gerald Hennessey’s wife, actress Prudence Aubrey, arrives in Temple Regis the situation becomes inflamed as speculation around why Gerald was there and who he had spent the night with beforehand raise the temperature. One of Temple Regis main attractions is the theatre at the end of the pier managed and directed by Raymond Cattermole, a long standing rival of Hennessey’s in the acting fraternity, and when he goes missing the mystery deepens. The police Inspector Frank Topham is convinced that none of these occurrences are either suspicious or connected but using her reporting skills Judy persists in interviewing those she considers suspects in the case until ultimately the Riviera Express has its scoop.
This was a fun read. Judy is a scatty and generally lighthearted character (although there are indications that there is some hidden depths regarding her war service). The writing style of Fielden is engaging and humorous and despite its array of dysfunctional angst ridden characters Temple Regis in 1958 is a place I would like to visit, enjoy an ice cream on the prom, paddle in the sunshine warmed sea and even purchase a ticket for the end of the pier theatre show. There is just enough information about Judy as the main character to also make me want to read further novels in the series to see just how she develops and what her story is.
There were a few editing failings that niggled me as I was reading and had to stop and check back and while I felt that everything was ultimately tied together satisfactorily this did depend on a significant piece of the puzzle, previously not mentioned, being dropped in at the 11th hour which I find a frustrating device.
As a first novel in a series, though, this really did set the stage well for further fun escapades by the seaside.
July 9, 2023
This book is the perfect illustration of the saying 'never judge a book by its cover'. Because I absolutely loved the cover but struggled to find anything enjoyable inside it!
The sleuth in this 1950s Devon murder mystery is Miss Judy Dimont, middle-aged spinster and chief reporter for the 'Riviera Express', Temple Regis' weekly paper. I was interested by the outline, but sadly, the book didn't live up to expectations.
The chief problem is that it is extremely repetitive. Miss Dimont has 'corkscrew hair', a 'convex nose' and glasses. You will be in no danger of forgetting this description, because it is repeated multiple times during the book. As are the descriptions of the sea around Temple Regis, the coast road, Miss Dimont's attitude toward unpleasantness, her moped Herbert... In fact, the best use for this book is probably to create a version of the 'I Spy' game. One point for every mention of 'corkscrew', two points for every mention of 'flapping notebook', 'ribbon' (of sand or tarmac) and 'rose above' and three points for every mention of 'aura' or 'aperçu'.
Miss Dimont herself was an inconsistent character. Throughout the book, mysterious hints are dropped as to her wartime past when she was involved with some kind of secret service/espionage work. I just could not square this with the slightly scatty, disorganised and silly heroine of our story. At the start of the book, she even removes paper from the floor of a murder scene because it makes the place look 'untidy'. Hardly the behaviour one would expect from an ex-spy!
It also seemed unlikely that in the 1950s even a provincial weekly paper would have employed women as the two main reporters. Although, apart from several comments about the number of years since the war ended, and a scattering of references to 'teddy boys', there wasn't much of a 1950s feel to this book anyway.
Such 'detection' as Miss Dimont does is very slipshod and patchy, and she completely ignores some very obvious clues. The ending felt rushed, but by that point, I was just longing for the book to be over anyway. I won't be reading any more in this series.
The sleuth in this 1950s Devon murder mystery is Miss Judy Dimont, middle-aged spinster and chief reporter for the 'Riviera Express', Temple Regis' weekly paper. I was interested by the outline, but sadly, the book didn't live up to expectations.
The chief problem is that it is extremely repetitive. Miss Dimont has 'corkscrew hair', a 'convex nose' and glasses. You will be in no danger of forgetting this description, because it is repeated multiple times during the book. As are the descriptions of the sea around Temple Regis, the coast road, Miss Dimont's attitude toward unpleasantness, her moped Herbert... In fact, the best use for this book is probably to create a version of the 'I Spy' game. One point for every mention of 'corkscrew', two points for every mention of 'flapping notebook', 'ribbon' (of sand or tarmac) and 'rose above' and three points for every mention of 'aura' or 'aperçu'.
Miss Dimont herself was an inconsistent character. Throughout the book, mysterious hints are dropped as to her wartime past when she was involved with some kind of secret service/espionage work. I just could not square this with the slightly scatty, disorganised and silly heroine of our story. At the start of the book, she even removes paper from the floor of a murder scene because it makes the place look 'untidy'. Hardly the behaviour one would expect from an ex-spy!
It also seemed unlikely that in the 1950s even a provincial weekly paper would have employed women as the two main reporters. Although, apart from several comments about the number of years since the war ended, and a scattering of references to 'teddy boys', there wasn't much of a 1950s feel to this book anyway.
Such 'detection' as Miss Dimont does is very slipshod and patchy, and she completely ignores some very obvious clues. The ending felt rushed, but by that point, I was just longing for the book to be over anyway. I won't be reading any more in this series.
February 12, 2017
I received a free E-Arc from Netgalley.
The Riviera Express is, quite simply, a very good read. The author does have a particular writing style which initially threw me and I worried that the novel would be a hard read, however, after only a few pages, I was used to the writing style, and while many might not appreciate the 'wordiness' the author choices to use, I found it fit very well with the novel.
The characters are nuanced and a little stereotypical, but then, that really is the point. It is Miss Dimont who is the star of the show and she receives the most back-story and is the least stereotyped, shortly followed by her fellow newspaper colleagues - the photographer, Terry, and her main rival/friend at the newspaper, Betty. The author also captures the essence of a 1950's seaside town - the busy-bodies, the small mindedness, the general nosyness of everyone knowing everyone else's business and the stresses and strains of keeping everyone happy within the small community that wants a localnewspaper but only if everyone is presented in their best light.
And yet into all this comes a little bit of glamour provided by one of the murder victims and his entourage. The author does a very good job of presenting the actors as actors - ensuring that their dramatic moments are always referenced to the film/play that they've stolen their lines from and juxtaposing the strange and magical world of actors to the more mundane events of life in a seaside town where the summer season has just ended.
The mystery that Miss Dimont finds herself unravelling, earns as much 'spread' as the development of the characters and the venue, which I'm sure will feature in more books in the future, and ends rather well with not so much a twist, as an unlooked for answer to all the questions.
Overall I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a historical novel with the added bonus of intrigue.
(I am a fan of historical who-dun-its be it Sherlock Holmes, Marple, Poirot, or my latest find - The Phryne Fisher books).
The Riviera Express is, quite simply, a very good read. The author does have a particular writing style which initially threw me and I worried that the novel would be a hard read, however, after only a few pages, I was used to the writing style, and while many might not appreciate the 'wordiness' the author choices to use, I found it fit very well with the novel.
The characters are nuanced and a little stereotypical, but then, that really is the point. It is Miss Dimont who is the star of the show and she receives the most back-story and is the least stereotyped, shortly followed by her fellow newspaper colleagues - the photographer, Terry, and her main rival/friend at the newspaper, Betty. The author also captures the essence of a 1950's seaside town - the busy-bodies, the small mindedness, the general nosyness of everyone knowing everyone else's business and the stresses and strains of keeping everyone happy within the small community that wants a localnewspaper but only if everyone is presented in their best light.
And yet into all this comes a little bit of glamour provided by one of the murder victims and his entourage. The author does a very good job of presenting the actors as actors - ensuring that their dramatic moments are always referenced to the film/play that they've stolen their lines from and juxtaposing the strange and magical world of actors to the more mundane events of life in a seaside town where the summer season has just ended.
The mystery that Miss Dimont finds herself unravelling, earns as much 'spread' as the development of the characters and the venue, which I'm sure will feature in more books in the future, and ends rather well with not so much a twist, as an unlooked for answer to all the questions.
Overall I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a historical novel with the added bonus of intrigue.
(I am a fan of historical who-dun-its be it Sherlock Holmes, Marple, Poirot, or my latest find - The Phryne Fisher books).
March 8, 2017
This was such a nice, gentle read. There is nothing I like more than a spot of cosy crime and 'The Riviera Express' fitted that bill. Set in 1950's this is perfect for lazy Sunday afternoons or sunny days in the garden. Settle down with a cup (or glass) of your favourite something and enjoy a trip to Temple Regis, Devon.
Meet Judy Dimont. Apple eating, spectacle wearing, scooter riding, inquisitive reporter for The Riviera Express. This amateur sleuth knows that something isn't quite right with the deaths of visiting actor Gerald Hennessey and local man Arthur Shrimsley and she is determined to get the bottom of "the double-death sensation at Temple Regis".
I loved TP Fielden's style of writing, it's reminiscent of the classic Golden Age of crime and and the descriptions of England's Riviera were beautiful. I wanted to gaze out over the blue, sparkling sea for hours! There were also more than just a few lines that made me chuckle
There are some great characters that appear in 'The Riviera Express' as mentioned before there's Miss Dimont, she has an inexplicable dislike for harsh court judge Mrs Marchbank who delivers the most outrageous sentences. There's mysterious and colourful horoscope writer Athene, photographer Terry who seems to simply stumble onto clues and blonde bombshell lead reporter Betty who envys Judy's journalistic talent. The characters just leap from the page and settle comfortably in your imagination.
The story is peppered with amusing tales from the magistrate court - Judy's day to day reporting. There's a woman claiming to be ten years younger than she is, public drunkenness, Teddy Boys rough housing on the beach and "insults to civic pride". Life in Temple Regis is certainly never dull!
This is the first in a series of books featuring Judy Dimont and Temple Regis and I am looking forward to the rest. Judy is an endearing and likeable character, and she makes a wonderful sleuth. And the mysterious references to what she did during the war make for her an intriguing lady. The perfect read for fans of Agatha Christie, M.C Beaton and The British Library Crime Classics.
Meet Judy Dimont. Apple eating, spectacle wearing, scooter riding, inquisitive reporter for The Riviera Express. This amateur sleuth knows that something isn't quite right with the deaths of visiting actor Gerald Hennessey and local man Arthur Shrimsley and she is determined to get the bottom of "the double-death sensation at Temple Regis".
I loved TP Fielden's style of writing, it's reminiscent of the classic Golden Age of crime and and the descriptions of England's Riviera were beautiful. I wanted to gaze out over the blue, sparkling sea for hours! There were also more than just a few lines that made me chuckle
There are some great characters that appear in 'The Riviera Express' as mentioned before there's Miss Dimont, she has an inexplicable dislike for harsh court judge Mrs Marchbank who delivers the most outrageous sentences. There's mysterious and colourful horoscope writer Athene, photographer Terry who seems to simply stumble onto clues and blonde bombshell lead reporter Betty who envys Judy's journalistic talent. The characters just leap from the page and settle comfortably in your imagination.
The story is peppered with amusing tales from the magistrate court - Judy's day to day reporting. There's a woman claiming to be ten years younger than she is, public drunkenness, Teddy Boys rough housing on the beach and "insults to civic pride". Life in Temple Regis is certainly never dull!
This is the first in a series of books featuring Judy Dimont and Temple Regis and I am looking forward to the rest. Judy is an endearing and likeable character, and she makes a wonderful sleuth. And the mysterious references to what she did during the war make for her an intriguing lady. The perfect read for fans of Agatha Christie, M.C Beaton and The British Library Crime Classics.
March 19, 2018
An enjoyable and comfortable read. I was drawn to the heroine, a reporter for the Riviera Express, a local paper in a small seaside location.
Judy Dimont (known affectionately as Dim) is a character, who becomes involved in investigating the murders she reports for the paper. In the process of interviewing the characters/suspects, she manages to uncover clues, much to the annoyance of the other female reporter and the local constabulary.
The story is engaging, with a local celebrity, Gerald Hennessey, on his return to his home turf, and dying on the train, initially thought to be a natural death, but Judy suspects foul play. Then another body is found, apparently a suicide throwing himself off a cliff. Judy wonders if there is a link between the two deaths.
The story unfolds slowly and easily, as various suspects are investigated. Each one could be the guilty party, was it Gerald's wife, or another rival actress who committed murder. Red herrings are thrown across the path of the reader. This makes an intriguing read, the characters are interesting, well rounded and believable.
It is set in a time when typewriters were still used in offices before the computer was king. Apart from the good background to the printing industry, the way staff were managed and the male/female divide, there are beautiful scenic descriptions of this seaside resort.
There is something to please every reader here, and not too many graphic details to upset the squeamish. I hope to see more books with Judy Dimont featuring. I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys detective fiction with comedy and drama.
Judy Dimont (known affectionately as Dim) is a character, who becomes involved in investigating the murders she reports for the paper. In the process of interviewing the characters/suspects, she manages to uncover clues, much to the annoyance of the other female reporter and the local constabulary.
The story is engaging, with a local celebrity, Gerald Hennessey, on his return to his home turf, and dying on the train, initially thought to be a natural death, but Judy suspects foul play. Then another body is found, apparently a suicide throwing himself off a cliff. Judy wonders if there is a link between the two deaths.
The story unfolds slowly and easily, as various suspects are investigated. Each one could be the guilty party, was it Gerald's wife, or another rival actress who committed murder. Red herrings are thrown across the path of the reader. This makes an intriguing read, the characters are interesting, well rounded and believable.
It is set in a time when typewriters were still used in offices before the computer was king. Apart from the good background to the printing industry, the way staff were managed and the male/female divide, there are beautiful scenic descriptions of this seaside resort.
There is something to please every reader here, and not too many graphic details to upset the squeamish. I hope to see more books with Judy Dimont featuring. I can recommend this to anyone who enjoys detective fiction with comedy and drama.
March 31, 2021
Life in the scenic, coastal town of Temple Regis is never dull. The arrival of famed actor, Gerald Hennessy has Riviera Express reporter, Miss Judy Dimont and her photographer sidekick, Terry Eagleton scrambling to the station for pictures and an exclusive. When the train arrives with its star cargo, the celebrity scoop takes a tragic turn into a quest to learn the cause of death and the reason behind his ill-fated journey.
As Miss Dimont and Terry begin inquiries on the famous thespian's demise, they're notified by the Express desk that another death has occurred across town in the exclusive area of Bedlington-On-Sea that they need to chase down, post-haste. This time the deceased is an opinionated local, Arthur Shrimsley, who has taken a fatal tumble off a steep cliff. As Miss Dimont and Terry race to the scene, the who-what-why questions begin to mount about the two fatalities. A pressing dilemma for reporter, Miss Dimont also includes which victim will lead the Express's front page headline.
Author Fielden weaves an entertaining tale of mystery that gives you an exclusive look into the back stories and conundrums uncovered in this charming, resort town, peppered with the humorous workings and scribing turmoil occurring at the news desks of the Riviera Express. A widowed actress and village locals provide Miss Dimont numerous leads--will her keen, reporting skills get to the bottom of the story? A witty whodunnit set on the shores known as England's Riviera, highly recommended!
As Miss Dimont and Terry begin inquiries on the famous thespian's demise, they're notified by the Express desk that another death has occurred across town in the exclusive area of Bedlington-On-Sea that they need to chase down, post-haste. This time the deceased is an opinionated local, Arthur Shrimsley, who has taken a fatal tumble off a steep cliff. As Miss Dimont and Terry race to the scene, the who-what-why questions begin to mount about the two fatalities. A pressing dilemma for reporter, Miss Dimont also includes which victim will lead the Express's front page headline.
Author Fielden weaves an entertaining tale of mystery that gives you an exclusive look into the back stories and conundrums uncovered in this charming, resort town, peppered with the humorous workings and scribing turmoil occurring at the news desks of the Riviera Express. A widowed actress and village locals provide Miss Dimont numerous leads--will her keen, reporting skills get to the bottom of the story? A witty whodunnit set on the shores known as England's Riviera, highly recommended!
November 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this new (to me) series with the redoubtable Judy Dimont, journalist and ex-spy, as the protagonist. Here we meet Judy and her assorted friends and colleagues on the English Riviera, the town of Temple Regis. Judy is the senior journalist for the Riviera Express newspaper (not to be confused with the Riviera Express train that conveys people from less fortunate places like London to the glories of Temple Regis). Judy is very thorough and checks everywhere and speaks to everyone daily to be sure she has all the details for the myriad stories that make up the content of small town newspapers. So when she nears that film and stage star, Gerald Hennessy, is coming to town on the aforementioned train, she and photographer, Terry, his themselves to the station for the requisite interview. But what do they find? Or rather, what do they not find but Gerald Hennessy alive and well. In fact, they find him dead as a door nail in his First Class compartment of an apparent heart attack. And the same day, just to detract for the terrible news of Gerry’s death, there is the apparent suicide of a really unpleasant local, Arthur Shrimsley. Are the deaths related? Trust Judy to be the one to suspect foul play while the police and coroner are happy to write them off as natural and suicide, respectively. But they’re not. We know they’re not because here we are reading a mystery story so that proves it, but who, what, when, where, how, and why (as Judy might ask)?
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