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The Lock
"You have to help me. She’s going to kill my father."
Perry reluctantly gets embroiled in a murder investigation when a young girl begs him for help.
But Rose is not the only one seeking his legendary lockpicking skills.
Shadowy characters from his past have a bargain for him: will he accept their terms for Rose’s sake?
Set in Oxford, The Lock is a traditional British mystery.
Perry reluctantly gets embroiled in a murder investigation when a young girl begs him for help.
But Rose is not the only one seeking his legendary lockpicking skills.
Shadowy characters from his past have a bargain for him: will he accept their terms for Rose’s sake?
Set in Oxford, The Lock is a traditional British mystery.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2017
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Edward Turbeville
5 books14 followersEdward Turbeville is a mystery writer from England’s ancient Forest of Dean.
His favourite authors include Agatha Christie, Evelyn Waugh, P G Wodehouse and Nevil Shute.
Edward is also a fan of the Classics, notably Cicero and Vergil. You can download his alliterative verse translation of Book III of the Aeneid from iBooks.
His favourite authors include Agatha Christie, Evelyn Waugh, P G Wodehouse and Nevil Shute.
Edward is also a fan of the Classics, notably Cicero and Vergil. You can download his alliterative verse translation of Book III of the Aeneid from iBooks.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 8, 2017
This novel may become the first in a trilogy, where the mystery of the hero's background is eventually revealed.
Book 2 is tentatively set in a fairground by the canal and will be written later this year.
Book 2 is tentatively set in a fairground by the canal and will be written later this year.
May 6, 2017
Great mystery! A good ol' English whodunnit with an unusual amateur sleuth!
Really appreciated the subplot about our protagonist's background. It was like reading two stories in one. Riveting stuff!
Ideal for the detectives among us!
I received an ARC of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Really appreciated the subplot about our protagonist's background. It was like reading two stories in one. Riveting stuff!
Ideal for the detectives among us!
I received an ARC of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2017
If, after reading the blurb for The Lock, you think the story is one you’ve heard before then I’d strongly recommend you take a chance on this work anyway. It starts out pretty straight forward; a young girl asks the protagonist for help, is declined, and a murder soon follows. As the book progresses though several mysteries are revealed; the initial shooting of Arthur Stanton is one, intriguing goings on at a brewery are another, and even the protagonist himself, Perry Beck. At the end of each chapter the reader is gifted with a glimpse into Perry’s past and the events which led him to owning his narrow-boat, the Emerald. The more you learn about him though the more intrigued you become by this enigmatic, yet realistically drawn, man. You feel like his personality comes through on every page and you’re cheering him on at the dramatic climax of the mystery. I had literal shivers when the culprit was revealed. The author takes you on a journey through the mystery of the murders but also the mystery of Perry Beck – both of which have highly satisfying conclusions. The portrayal of the Company could’ve been comical, even cartoonish. Yet the author effortlessly paints a picture of a criminal group that’s believable with in-group dynamics most law-abiding citizens can easily identify with.
April 22, 2017
I don't know why, but the first third of the book didn't really grip me. Maybe it was the matter-of-fact prose, I really don't know, because after that I was hooked, and was loath to stop reading. The Lock was a very enjoyable read, and I can highly recommend it. Enjoy!
Oh, and it's nice to know there will be two follow-ups.
Oh, and it's nice to know there will be two follow-ups.
April 28, 2017
Superb Murder Mystery
I loved this book and the leading character Perry Beck. He's likable and believable with a fascinating, mysterious past. I really enjoyed the way Perry's background is gradually revealed with hints of dark secrets to come in the next novel.
Edward Turbeville's writing is superb with an elegant, effortless feel that reminds me of Agatha Christie. Many murder mysteries follow an obvious formula – not this one. The plot is well-reasoned and satisfyingly unpredictable. I had to keep reading on, even though I wanted to make the story last. And I loved the summer canal-side setting with atmospheric descriptions you feel you could step into. This would make a great television drama. Can't wait for Perry's next adventure.
I loved this book and the leading character Perry Beck. He's likable and believable with a fascinating, mysterious past. I really enjoyed the way Perry's background is gradually revealed with hints of dark secrets to come in the next novel.
Edward Turbeville's writing is superb with an elegant, effortless feel that reminds me of Agatha Christie. Many murder mysteries follow an obvious formula – not this one. The plot is well-reasoned and satisfyingly unpredictable. I had to keep reading on, even though I wanted to make the story last. And I loved the summer canal-side setting with atmospheric descriptions you feel you could step into. This would make a great television drama. Can't wait for Perry's next adventure.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews