The Private Face of Murder

Inspector Borges #1

by John Bonett

People have many faces…

And one that is seen by no one except themselves.

In the Spanish town of Caltrava, a group of ex-pats have created their own close-knit community.

In moving to a hotter country, the Brits are hoping to find a more relaxing way of living.

But then – disaster strikes when the beautiful Linda Huntingdon is killed in a fatal car crash.

Nothing appears too suspicious until retired actor Aubrey de Lamplugh meets the same fate, being crushed by a falling cliff.

Two complete accidents, or a double homicide?

That’s what Inspector Borges intends to discover.

At first, the two appear unrelated – how is the death of a young, bored housewife connected with that of an alcoholic egotist?

Slowly, a picture starts to unfurl before the Inspector’s eyes...

The Private Face of Murder is an intriguing murder mystery that will keep you gripped until the very end.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Thriller

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Kerrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel took off fairly slowly, acquainting the reader with details about the residents of the British ex-pat community in the Spanish town of Caltrava. There are a number of small side plots which tease out the links between the various residents.

After the two deaths Inspector Borges arrives to stay at the hotel, almost unobtrusively, not telling anyone at first that he is a police inspector looking for connection the two events.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. There are some lovely descriptive parts, as well as explanation of the Spanish criminal justice system. I'm certainly going to be looking for the second in the series.

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK read. Quite slow to get going.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

A group of English expatriates have settled into what is meant to be a pleasant life in the sun in the small Spanish town of Calatrava. They all gather at the Langosta Hotel run by Aubrey de Lemplew and his wife Hope. Or, rather, mostly by Hope. Aubrey was once a great serious stage actor, but two bouts of alcoholism have pretty much put paid to his career. Now, he's resting--and giving bad investment and real estate advice to anybody who's naïve enough to listen. Rupert Huntingdon is a playwright who has made his money through farce and his lovely young wife, Linda, is bored to tears in the small town with no night life to keep her busy. He's too busy to notice that she's looking for someone to liven up her nights. Phoebe and Kenneth Blacksall (and son Kit) are fairly new additions. Ken is a handsome man who catches Linda's attention and who has a hard time resisting temptation--even if it is only just once. Flo and George Seaton are the longest inhabitants of the area--George sees and understands more about Aubrey (and everyone) than he thinks. Martin Vennison and his sister Harriet are the most recent arrivals. If Martin's not careful, Aubrey will talk him into a very unsuitable real estate deal.

Life goes along very placidly on the surface until the day Linda has a deadly car accident. Aubrey makes some insinuating remarks about Kenneth and Linda and then winds up dead himself from a landslide of dirt and rocks. Surely these are both freak accidents--after all, complaints had been made about the instability of the props keeping the the cliffside from tumbling down. But the Spanish police are not completely convinced and Inspector Borges arrives to make sure the accidents really were accidents. He spends his time primarily in conversation with the expatriates and picks up a couple of definite clues. It isn't long before he realizes that behind the polite and friendly public faces there is one private face of murder. But once he knows who the murderer is will he be able to prove it?

Inspector Borges is a quiet, thinking man's detective. While he does find clues that the other police missed (footprints, for instance), most of his detective work is cerebral. He is definitely in the Poirot school--using his own little grey cells to sift through conversations and decide what matters from what he's been told. He thoughtfully considers everything and wants to make certain that he doesn't pin the murders on the most likely suspect just because there are obvious motives.

This is an interesting mystery with a compelling backdrop. There are few suspects, but the Bonetts spread enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I did spot the killer, but I didn't figure out how the first murder was managed. The clues were there...I just didn't spot them. Overall, a good weekend read. ★★★ and 1/2.

First posted on my blog My Reader's Block. Please request permission before reposting portions of review. Thanks.

[Crittermom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Linda Huntingdon is beautiful, vapid and extremely  bored - but she isn’t smart enough to target someone other than her neighbor’s husband.  Her death appears to be an accident, but aspects are suspicious, and alcoholic former actor Aubrey de Lamplugh sees an opportunity to profit.  He dies not long after, crushed in a landslide which definitely looks like murder.  Suspicion natural falls on Kenneth, a man who once fell for Linda’s charms.  The case is given to Inspector Borges, who reminds me of Christie’s Poirot, clever, nattily dressed, well mannered and focused on the psychology of the suspects.  His self effacing manner and easy, open charm make him a likable inspector.  Although I guessed early on who the killer was, I enjoyed reading about the various British expats living in the small Spanish village.  One passage I found particularly amazing was the description of the bull fights in Barcelona.  John Bonett’s vivid depiction of both the display and the range of human reaction brought the event to life.  

While I enjoyed the story, it was the human element that pleased me the most.  John Bonett skillfully paints the Spanish landscape, giving the reader an understanding of a world and people very different in nature from the Britain the various expats left behind.  The characters are unique individuals whose actions and motivations are easily understood.  

As a mystery, I can best compare it to a dish that while apparently simple is made of the very best quality ingredients by a skillful chef.  The Private Face of Murder is an excellent mystery which makes good use of its beautiful and unique setting.

4/5

I received a copy of The Private Face of Murder from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.

—Crittermom

[Ursa Minor · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t a bad story, not exactly gripping or compelling but well written and with engaging enough characters for tge most part and a decent plot. Considering this is the first in a series, which often indicates in other books, characters, methods and atmosphere that are still inchoate and rough indicates, this is not bad at all. My reasons for not warming to the detective and therefore the series (because it’s hard to follow through with a series if you’re not that into the protagonist!) are individual and probably indicative of prejudice on my part: I find bull-fighting, much like blood sports, noxious, repulsive and ludicrous and while the detective doesn’t strongly defend it he does not condemn it. This is not solely a cultural matter, though it is partially one, but also about modernity, and a more diverse, Europeanised and intellectually egalitarian engagement with modernity versus an inward looking parochialism bulwarked by entrenched structures of violence, hierarchy and machismo. This is not to say the book embraces one and denies the other and it certainly presents critical voices against bullfighting but these belong to the foreigners while the detective himself remains complicit in silence, so I’m not sure I trust him to understand about justice or reason or compassion…this is obviously a very narrow take on a book based on a single and fairly non central incident but it stuck in my throat.

[Dan A. Foster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Private Face

This is quite the laid-back, easy going mystery. There are no thrill, danger situations, or high speed chases. For those who like an easy going story in which the particulars are unfolded in an orderly fashion, this is a nice one to read. The story is clean, both in language and descriptive activities. The characters are reasonably well developed, although you don't get the full picture unless you keep reading.

The only reason for three star is the slow moving pace of the story. It takes time to get through and must be worked at to keep interest for about the first half of the book. Once Borges is introduced, the pace doesn't really change, the story simply moves better, as clues are put into place to reveal the culprit.

[monacia williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Motivated by Revenge


There were many things that I liked about this book and a few that I did not. There were times that I was left confused because the dialogue suddenly changed and I had to re-read to see if I had unknowingly skipped over a paragraph. There were also times when I found the descriptions obsessive, I am still wondering how, based on the descriptions, Martin found it possible to walk.
I liked the storyline, the interplay amongst the characters and their support of each other. I can follow and accept the reason given for Aubrey's death but cannot fully accept the reason for Linda's.
On the whole, I could not stop turning the pages. A good, enjoyable first in a series with an intelligent, humane detective.

[Angus Mcfarlane · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not sure where I picked this one up, but it served as a light read, an old-fashioned murder mystery where the inspector relies on conversation and deduction rather than forensics to work out who committed the crime. A good part of the story sets up the character context before the victims meet their fate, although I was still a little perplexed by the cast. Sporadic reading and low interest in ex-pat brits in Spain probably contributed to that. The Inspector was fun – a wry humour and dispassionate approach to the case made him an amiable protagonist. It also didn’t feel too much like a cheat solution (where it could have been anyone), with the clues probably there but hidden well enough to make it worth reading

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

I abandoned this book about 25% of the way into it. I found the prose pretentious and flowery. I also noted that the author seems very proud of his vast vocabulary, since I found many words I have never heard of frequently sprinkled into the overdone verbiage. Also, there were several pieces of British slang which were previously unknown to me. When I looked at the front matter, I discovered that the book was written in the mid 1960's, which might explain the somewhat old-fashioned approach. Judging by many other reviewers' high praise, I must be the odd man out, but since I read purely for enjoyment, if I'm not enjoying it, out it goes!

[Birgit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder among a group of British acquaintances living in Spain, and one of them seems to be the ideal suspect. Or are they? Inspector Borges will certainly find out.
Although I did like the story on the whole, there were a few points I did not like so much, for example, the appearance of the Inspector (who is the title giver for this series) after half of the story had alrady passed, and some of the words I actually had to look up - I wonder if they are just rarely used, or a bit old fashioned? I am not sure if that is the reason why the narration seemed to drag on a bit.
However, on the whole, a quite enjoyable story, in a not so usual setting. I would like to read more.

[Viragored · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this on Kindle, thought the story telling was not too bad and worth 3 stars, but was disappointed that a commercial publisher let the book out in such a poorly edited state hence my 2 stars.
The biggest issue was my getting "bumped out" every couple of pages - scene changes would occur with no hint, sometimes even in a paragraph leaving the reader confused as to who "he" was, since "he" couldn't possibly be the same "he" who was in the first sentence.
But I persevered, got used to the somewhat dated writing style and was pleased that I did indeed work out "whodunnit" before the big reveal.
So, not bad but there are plenty better books out there.

[Jay Hill · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Unfortunately, this one was just not for me. It took almost half the book before the first death happened so it felt like it was dragging on. None of the characters were remotely likeable and I could never remember who was with who. Removing the body from the crime scene, not once but twice, was infuriating and practically set my teeth on my edge! The actual 'whodunnit' aspect did keep me guessing until it was revealed so there is that!

2 stars

[Pete Ffrench · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story doesn't start till half way through the book giving a lot of background to the characters and their situation. When it does start the inspector comes on the scene and dissects their lives and finds their quirks and analyses them till he forms his conclusion finding things that still were not revealed in the warm up. He is like a cross between Poirot and Columbo in his dogged pursuit of the truth. A nice gentle read about murder if that is possible but does he keep the dog ?

[Barbara Radisavljevic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book and I did guess the guilty one. The clues were there to pick up, and I always like books that go with the clues and allow you to be right instead of throwing a curve ball at the end. I could have done without the bullfight scene, but it could have been worse.

The book was set in a Spanish tourist town where the year-round residents knew each other well. The author did a good job of letting you get to know them, too. I will probably read more by this author.

[Annette Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Boring

I found this book to just too boring to go past 11%. Shallow characters. Story jumps around from place to place and people to people without any connection. It was like listening to a droll drawling conversation of boring to no context. So extreme in drollness as to put one asleep instantly.

[Michelle Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit like a farce. The tourists enters left, and the inspector gives him a long stare. A blond actress, out of work, trying to seduce a married man. The Inspector is a ki d gentle Spaniard that understands human nature and it’s foibles. I believe this is one of a series. I might read another one should I want something light and fluffy.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two things caused me to make this three, rather than four stars: the slow start and the failure to sufficiently differentiate some of the members of the British expat community around which the mystery revolves. The book takes too long to set the scene, and even then, the scene is a bit sketchy. While some of the players are engaging and memorable, others are not, and this eventually tells.

The interest and engagement of the reader - this one, at least - picks up when, about half way through, Inspector Borges turns up. From that point on the pace quickens, a number of characters reveal more about themselves and the reader feels values and included in unravelling the mystery. The book became a page-turner.

I enjoyed the arguments about culture, morality and knowledge. There is respect for both Spanish and expat culture. Inspector Borges is a promising detective on whom to base a series and I look forward to following him.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very tempted to close this book after the first 40 pages.
The author use of in depth backstory and description of everything including the 8 characters was tiring.
When the inspector finally showed up after about two thirds of the book it became slightly more interesting.
But all in all it was not worth my time to try to remember each character and their own special circumstances.

[Barry Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

This is my second John Bonett novel with Detective Inspector Borges. In this novel Linda Huntingdon and Aubrey De Lamplugh are killed, but was it murder or were both deaths accidental. I love the character that is the detective as he reminds me so much of some of the old fashioned characters in police crime books.

[Denise Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soooo Good!!

The book starts off very slowly so you get a good introduction to the characters in the style of old mystery suspense novels. I loved it. The story picks up the pace after and keeps going to the end. Parts of the mystery feel predictable but aren't. I enjoyed reading this book and will read more from this author. A very fast read.😎

[Natacha Lakoki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Dull start, writer more interested in showing off his vocab (or new thesaurus) rather than writing something that's pleasant to read. The first 16 pages read like reading an English Lit A-level, where the student had to demonstrate their knowledge of every literary device. I have too many books I want to read, to spend precious time on things I do not enjoy. DNF

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've read by these authors and I will be reading the rest of the series. The build up to the inspector coming was longer in this book and I wish the part with the inspector had been longer.

[Kiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting cast

Characters embark on daily activities with their pasts and presents determining scenarios................ Murder is afoot. Brace yourself. Enjoy Spain while you are at it.

[Emelle Gamble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engrossing old fashioned style

If one can get past the massive overwritten sentences stuffed with 10 adjectives each, you’ll find a great study of character. The inspector is a keeper.

[C Cumming · Rating 2 out of 5]

A product of its time

This book, while readable, has not aged well. Some may go so far as saying that the language used is offensive. Sexist and racist in the 21st century, it most definitely is, but is that a good reason not to read it? I'm sure for some it may be.

[James N Fulton, Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good story

There were so many suspects in this story I had no clue until the end. I like that there was an explanation of the who and why so I felt included. I will definitely read more from this author.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read

Although this was a bit slow to get going, it is an excellent story, well-written with very believable characters. Sadly marred by a number of scanning errors.

[Stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book!

So good! Great plot, wonderful people in the story and I was delighted with the end result of Inspector Borges’s investigation!

[Mrs Mary Curd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[GW · Rating 1 out of 5]

Private Face of Murder

Sorry I just couldn't get into it. I made it to the 10% mark but have determined this book just isn't for me.