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DC Harriet Taylor #1
The Beekeeper
A shocking discovery starts a trail of mayhem on the Cornish coast.
Alice Green is a beekeeper in the small Cornish village of Polgarrow. She lives with her pet jackdaw in a beautiful cottage not far from the sea. One evening, Alice finds something strange under the hollyhock bush in her garden. The gruesome discovery will change everyone’s lives. And then Alice’s best friend Milly disappears . . .
Detective Harriet Taylor has just transferred to the area from Edinburgh. As she investigates a series of shocking crimes, she grows close to the old beekeeper and is determined to bring the criminals to justice. But who is really what they seem and who can she trust?
A crime mystery with a touch of black humour.
Alice Green is a beekeeper in the small Cornish village of Polgarrow. She lives with her pet jackdaw in a beautiful cottage not far from the sea. One evening, Alice finds something strange under the hollyhock bush in her garden. The gruesome discovery will change everyone’s lives. And then Alice’s best friend Milly disappears . . .
Detective Harriet Taylor has just transferred to the area from Edinburgh. As she investigates a series of shocking crimes, she grows close to the old beekeeper and is determined to bring the criminals to justice. But who is really what they seem and who can she trust?
A crime mystery with a touch of black humour.
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 22, 2017
422 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Giles
83 books84 followersAfter reading English at 3 Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling around the world with my wife, Ann, finally settling in South Africa, where we still live. After Ann dropped a rather large speaker on my head I came up with the idea for a detective series. DS Jason Smith was born. Smith, the first in the series was finished a few months later. 3 years and 8 DS Smith books later, Joffe Books wondered if I would be interested in working with them. As a self-published author, I agreed. However, we decided on a new series - the DC Harriet Taylor Cornwall series. The Beekeeper hit the shelves and hit the number one spot in Australia. The second in the series, The Perfect Murder did just as well. The third in the series, The Backpacker I have self-published and is now available.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 18, 2017
Alice Green keeps bees in the small Cornish village of Polgarrow. She has been friends with her neighbour Milly Lancaster for over 40 years. Alice's husband walked out on her10 years ago and she has. Not seen him since.
Alice sells the honey from her bees at the monthly market and Milly makes cakes and biscuits. Milly does not turn up for the market and Alice is worried about her. She goes to check on Milly on her way home. Milly is not there but her baking is laid out ready to be boxed up. Alice is worried and reports her friend missing to the police.
Detective Harriet Taylor has just been transferred form Edinburgh. She is sent to investigate. Milly is just the start of a series of shocking crimes. Harriet also grows closer to Alice
I quite enjoyed this tale. It reminded me of Roald Dhal's Tales of th Unexpected. It's well written, fast paced with a touch of dark humour.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Stewart Giles for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Alice sells the honey from her bees at the monthly market and Milly makes cakes and biscuits. Milly does not turn up for the market and Alice is worried about her. She goes to check on Milly on her way home. Milly is not there but her baking is laid out ready to be boxed up. Alice is worried and reports her friend missing to the police.
Detective Harriet Taylor has just been transferred form Edinburgh. She is sent to investigate. Milly is just the start of a series of shocking crimes. Harriet also grows closer to Alice
I quite enjoyed this tale. It reminded me of Roald Dhal's Tales of th Unexpected. It's well written, fast paced with a touch of dark humour.
I would like to thank Joffe Books and the author Stewart Giles for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 27, 2017
3.5 stars. This review can also be found at
https://overtherainbowbookblog.wordpr...
The Beekeeper is an interesting mystery that is quite easy to read as it is fast flowing and there is always something happening or being discovered which makes the book difficult to put down.
I really liked the main character Alice, the Beekeeper, who is a fantastic character really kookie and entertaining. I enjoyed reading about her exploits throughout the book and discovering more about her. Her hobby of beekeeping was fascinating and I enjoyed learning more about what it involved. I also liked Harriet Taylor who seemed quite a strong woman, despite her sad background. It was lovely to see her grow in confidence throughout the book and settle into her new job. I especially liked her determination to do her job to the best of her abilities and that she fought to ensure she got the right results.
It was great to be able to follow an investigation from the start to its conclusion and be able to see the ins and outs of a police investigation. The author includes descriptions of how the police get to their conclusions and how they conduct their investigations which was fascinating to read about.
The internal politics of a police station and how important or necessary each person is considered by others was very interesting. The conversations between the police officers was very telling and could get quite personal at times leading to some funny moments.
There are some gory bits in the book, where the author goes into quite a lot of vivid detail about how a corpse looks. If you are squeamish you might be better avoiding this book. Some of the descriptions made me feel quite sick at times.
I did unfortunately guess early on who the murderer was. I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers and I think that was why I was able to guess rather than anything being wrong with the book. Even though I had guessed I enjoyed reading the rest of the book while I waited to discover if I was right.
This is Stewart Giles’s debut novel and I would be interested in reading more of his books as I did enjoy most of the book its just a shame I worked it out.
Huge thank you to Joffe Books and Jill Burkinshaw for my copy of this book.
https://overtherainbowbookblog.wordpr...
The Beekeeper is an interesting mystery that is quite easy to read as it is fast flowing and there is always something happening or being discovered which makes the book difficult to put down.
I really liked the main character Alice, the Beekeeper, who is a fantastic character really kookie and entertaining. I enjoyed reading about her exploits throughout the book and discovering more about her. Her hobby of beekeeping was fascinating and I enjoyed learning more about what it involved. I also liked Harriet Taylor who seemed quite a strong woman, despite her sad background. It was lovely to see her grow in confidence throughout the book and settle into her new job. I especially liked her determination to do her job to the best of her abilities and that she fought to ensure she got the right results.
It was great to be able to follow an investigation from the start to its conclusion and be able to see the ins and outs of a police investigation. The author includes descriptions of how the police get to their conclusions and how they conduct their investigations which was fascinating to read about.
The internal politics of a police station and how important or necessary each person is considered by others was very interesting. The conversations between the police officers was very telling and could get quite personal at times leading to some funny moments.
There are some gory bits in the book, where the author goes into quite a lot of vivid detail about how a corpse looks. If you are squeamish you might be better avoiding this book. Some of the descriptions made me feel quite sick at times.
I did unfortunately guess early on who the murderer was. I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers and I think that was why I was able to guess rather than anything being wrong with the book. Even though I had guessed I enjoyed reading the rest of the book while I waited to discover if I was right.
This is Stewart Giles’s debut novel and I would be interested in reading more of his books as I did enjoy most of the book its just a shame I worked it out.
Huge thank you to Joffe Books and Jill Burkinshaw for my copy of this book.
May 19, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books, a police procedural featuring DC Harriet Taylor set in Cornwall.
Harriet interviews Alice Green when she reports her friend, Millie, missing and is the only one to take Alice's fears seriously. When Millie's car is found foul play is suspected and Harriet is determined to protect Alice and find the culprit but Alice is keeping secrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Beekeeper which kept me on my toes. I was never sure initially if I was interpreting what I was told correctly or if it was all a bluff. It's an intriguing start. After that it's all about following the investigation from Harriet's point of view with more information than she has.
Harriet is a good protagonist. She felt obliged to move as far from Edinburgh as she could after some embarrassing circumstances in her life became public knowledge but it hasn't stopped her adapting well to life in Cornwall and fitting in with her new team. She is a kind caring person and her personality brings light and warmth to a difficult investigation.
There is a dark humour running through this novel, more situational than in the dialogue, which makes for good reading.
I would like to read more of DC Harriet Taylor and have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending The Beekeeper as a good read.
Harriet interviews Alice Green when she reports her friend, Millie, missing and is the only one to take Alice's fears seriously. When Millie's car is found foul play is suspected and Harriet is determined to protect Alice and find the culprit but Alice is keeping secrets.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Beekeeper which kept me on my toes. I was never sure initially if I was interpreting what I was told correctly or if it was all a bluff. It's an intriguing start. After that it's all about following the investigation from Harriet's point of view with more information than she has.
Harriet is a good protagonist. She felt obliged to move as far from Edinburgh as she could after some embarrassing circumstances in her life became public knowledge but it hasn't stopped her adapting well to life in Cornwall and fitting in with her new team. She is a kind caring person and her personality brings light and warmth to a difficult investigation.
There is a dark humour running through this novel, more situational than in the dialogue, which makes for good reading.
I would like to read more of DC Harriet Taylor and have no hesitation, therefore, in recommending The Beekeeper as a good read.
September 3, 2017
This was a charming detective mystery that was a bit disappointing. The why's were not satisfactorily answered. The character development was strong and favorable. Overall, a good read with a high potential that was not met.
Copy provided by publisher and NetGalley.
Copy provided by publisher and NetGalley.
September 17, 2019
I am currently reading 'Trotterdown', which consists of the three books in the Detective Harriet Taylor series.
Book 1: The Beekeeper
Book 2: The Perfect Murder
Book 3: The Backpacker
I have just finished The Beekeeper, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
DC Harriet Taylor is a new member of the Police force down in Trotterdown, the South West of England - having moved from Edinburgh in the hope of a fresh start and to help her to forget her tragic past.
I think that all of the characters are believable, some I liked, others not so much, but that's like real-life and it in no way put me off my overall opinion of the story. Harriet, being one of the likable characters - I took to her straight away and I can't wait to follow her on her journey in cracking more cases - I hope that she soon finds her happier place, mentally. I really enjoyed the story, it has a great plot and this author is an exceptional writer. I have enjoyed every book of Stewart Giles that I've read so far; each tells a different story and with the usual and new characters alike, I have become engrossed in every book that I've read. In this genre I have a few 'favourite' authors and Stewart Giles is now one of them and I find myself looking for authors with a similar writing style. I also enjoy the humour within the stories and this one had me chuckling to myself early on when we meet the elderly lady, Alice Green, aka The Beekeeper, and her very cheeky pet Jackdaw. Alice's neighbour and long-standing friend, Milly Lancaster, suddenly disappears and Harriet becomes part of the team involved in helping find her but other sinister things are happening, too, and (against the wishes of some) a team of detectives are brought in from Exeter to help. It was highly entertaining and full of drama and mystery, and I loved the big twist that I didn't see coming. What I thought might happen, never did happen!😂 ... I highly recommend this book and I am already enjoying Book 2: The Perfect Murder. Thank you
Book 1: The Beekeeper
Book 2: The Perfect Murder
Book 3: The Backpacker
I have just finished The Beekeeper, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
DC Harriet Taylor is a new member of the Police force down in Trotterdown, the South West of England - having moved from Edinburgh in the hope of a fresh start and to help her to forget her tragic past.
I think that all of the characters are believable, some I liked, others not so much, but that's like real-life and it in no way put me off my overall opinion of the story. Harriet, being one of the likable characters - I took to her straight away and I can't wait to follow her on her journey in cracking more cases - I hope that she soon finds her happier place, mentally. I really enjoyed the story, it has a great plot and this author is an exceptional writer. I have enjoyed every book of Stewart Giles that I've read so far; each tells a different story and with the usual and new characters alike, I have become engrossed in every book that I've read. In this genre I have a few 'favourite' authors and Stewart Giles is now one of them and I find myself looking for authors with a similar writing style. I also enjoy the humour within the stories and this one had me chuckling to myself early on when we meet the elderly lady, Alice Green, aka The Beekeeper, and her very cheeky pet Jackdaw. Alice's neighbour and long-standing friend, Milly Lancaster, suddenly disappears and Harriet becomes part of the team involved in helping find her but other sinister things are happening, too, and (against the wishes of some) a team of detectives are brought in from Exeter to help. It was highly entertaining and full of drama and mystery, and I loved the big twist that I didn't see coming. What I thought might happen, never did happen!😂 ... I highly recommend this book and I am already enjoying Book 2: The Perfect Murder. Thank you
November 29, 2017
The story is quite different Alice is a beekeeper who sells the honey at the monthly market where Milly sells cakes and biscuits till one day Milly does not appear. The investigation starts here at the helm of Detective Harriet.
Harriet makes a great main character with her forthright attitude and her determination. It was nice to see her grow into her character and gain confidence as the book is read. The story has an undercurrent of dark humour running through which uplifts the book.
Some parts are described as in great details like workings of police stations and politics, which I didn't care much for and I skipped over those parts.
On the whole this is a good debut by the author, Stewart Giles
Harriet makes a great main character with her forthright attitude and her determination. It was nice to see her grow into her character and gain confidence as the book is read. The story has an undercurrent of dark humour running through which uplifts the book.
Some parts are described as in great details like workings of police stations and politics, which I didn't care much for and I skipped over those parts.
On the whole this is a good debut by the author, Stewart Giles
May 22, 2017
The Beekeeper by Stewart Giles.
Milly Lancaster is missing. Her friend Alice Green has her missing. DC Harriet Taylor and her team are investigating. Milly car had gone over the cliff with her in it. She was murdered. But by who? Can Harriet find the out who murdered her and why?
Fantastic read with brilliant characters. I really liked Alice and Harriet. They were my favourite characters. The bodies kept coming but I couldn't think who could have murdered them. They were all connected somehow. Full of twists and plots. Could not put it down. I started having my suspicions about a suspect and I was right. Still an enjoyable read. 5*. Netgalley and Joffe books.
Milly Lancaster is missing. Her friend Alice Green has her missing. DC Harriet Taylor and her team are investigating. Milly car had gone over the cliff with her in it. She was murdered. But by who? Can Harriet find the out who murdered her and why?
Fantastic read with brilliant characters. I really liked Alice and Harriet. They were my favourite characters. The bodies kept coming but I couldn't think who could have murdered them. They were all connected somehow. Full of twists and plots. Could not put it down. I started having my suspicions about a suspect and I was right. Still an enjoyable read. 5*. Netgalley and Joffe books.
September 25, 2021
In this murder mystery there are a lot of twists and turns. Although it is quite a serious book you can't help smiling at some off the characters.
It's really well written and easy to read.
The best way to get you to understand the type of book it is. Best I can do is remember those series usually on in the afternoon.A detective story or a murder or just a good old plain mystery. I remember my mum watching those. This is this book good clean fun. Although there is a murder to contend with.
It's a nice read
Enjoy!
It's really well written and easy to read.
The best way to get you to understand the type of book it is. Best I can do is remember those series usually on in the afternoon.A detective story or a murder or just a good old plain mystery. I remember my mum watching those. This is this book good clean fun. Although there is a murder to contend with.
It's a nice read
Enjoy!
May 22, 2017
This is a brilliant book. The Author takes what should be gory and makes it amusing, with an enormous amount of skill, and the result is a gripping book that has the reader turning page after page.
This is possibly the funniest thriller I have ever read. Stewart has a dark sense of humour that comes through in the book which brings a totally unique perspective to the story. I found it very intriguing. I suspected who the killer was at the beginning but what you have learned from reading thrillers over the years is ingrained into you and you find yourself denying what is actually staring you in the face. The characters are unique but develop well throughout the book and the story is also different I was very impressed.
I love Alice’s character, she is a lot of fun. An eccentric old lady who has had a rough life with a philandering husband who had a habit of disappearing for long periods with his latest fling. He eventually left 10 years ago and hasn’t returned. She makes a living from the honey produced by her beekeeping. She has a Jackdaw that she rescued who is her main companion and a friend Millie. Millie is widowed and a fragile person who is dominated by Alice.
Detective Harriet Taylor has also had a difficult life. Her husband was killed in a car crash with his lover also in the car. She became the laughing stock of the Police Force in Edinburgh so transferred to Polgarrow, a quiet town in Cornwall. She is picking up the pieces of her life and has a good relationship with her boss, Killion, when half a body is caught up in the nets of a fishing boat. Shortly afterwards Millie goes missing and her car is found at the bottom of the cliffs. When a house explodes the decision is made to bring in a crack team from Exeter. When Harriet is chosen to be part of this team she finds herself, again, the talking stock of the station. The similarity in their history forms a connection between Alice and Harriet.
Thank you to Joffe Books and Netgalley who provided me with a free copy of this book.
This is possibly the funniest thriller I have ever read. Stewart has a dark sense of humour that comes through in the book which brings a totally unique perspective to the story. I found it very intriguing. I suspected who the killer was at the beginning but what you have learned from reading thrillers over the years is ingrained into you and you find yourself denying what is actually staring you in the face. The characters are unique but develop well throughout the book and the story is also different I was very impressed.
I love Alice’s character, she is a lot of fun. An eccentric old lady who has had a rough life with a philandering husband who had a habit of disappearing for long periods with his latest fling. He eventually left 10 years ago and hasn’t returned. She makes a living from the honey produced by her beekeeping. She has a Jackdaw that she rescued who is her main companion and a friend Millie. Millie is widowed and a fragile person who is dominated by Alice.
Detective Harriet Taylor has also had a difficult life. Her husband was killed in a car crash with his lover also in the car. She became the laughing stock of the Police Force in Edinburgh so transferred to Polgarrow, a quiet town in Cornwall. She is picking up the pieces of her life and has a good relationship with her boss, Killion, when half a body is caught up in the nets of a fishing boat. Shortly afterwards Millie goes missing and her car is found at the bottom of the cliffs. When a house explodes the decision is made to bring in a crack team from Exeter. When Harriet is chosen to be part of this team she finds herself, again, the talking stock of the station. The similarity in their history forms a connection between Alice and Harriet.
Thank you to Joffe Books and Netgalley who provided me with a free copy of this book.
June 2, 2017
I have been so looking forward to reading this book and although it is a murder mystery it made me smile over and over again. I couldn't help it, I just took to Alice Green, the beekeeper, from the start. I really don't think there is much of a mystery to the killer it is more of a journey to discover why rather than who.
Alice just wants to plod along, look after her bees, her very dodgy pet jackdaw and make a steady living. She has managed on her own for the last 10 years quite nicely thank you and she certainly won't have anything upsetting the balance, no sir! This book is set in Cornwall and it has that steady feel with it, not a slow plot but a feeling that this crime and some that follow will be solved locally. I really loved all the suspects that were considered and the reasons behind the suspicions of guilt.
I particularly took to one of the police working the case, Detective Harriet Taylor, who had transferred from Edinburgh. I liked her independent thinking and unusual friendship that she created with straight talking Alice. I think it boarders on more of a cosy mystery rather than a dark thriller but I found it an enjoyable and entertaining book with no over the top violence in it. A book to lay back and enjoy rather than hide behind the sofa.
The book also has a glossary of English Slang for any USA readers, which is a great idea.
Alice just wants to plod along, look after her bees, her very dodgy pet jackdaw and make a steady living. She has managed on her own for the last 10 years quite nicely thank you and she certainly won't have anything upsetting the balance, no sir! This book is set in Cornwall and it has that steady feel with it, not a slow plot but a feeling that this crime and some that follow will be solved locally. I really loved all the suspects that were considered and the reasons behind the suspicions of guilt.
I particularly took to one of the police working the case, Detective Harriet Taylor, who had transferred from Edinburgh. I liked her independent thinking and unusual friendship that she created with straight talking Alice. I think it boarders on more of a cosy mystery rather than a dark thriller but I found it an enjoyable and entertaining book with no over the top violence in it. A book to lay back and enjoy rather than hide behind the sofa.
The book also has a glossary of English Slang for any USA readers, which is a great idea.
May 15, 2017
A lighthearted detective read with twists and turns. Alice keeps bees as well as something under the Hollyhocks. Her best friend suddenly disappears and the local force now have more activity than they have ever had on their hands along with a possible shark attack. Three older residents dead within a few days. This is a well written novel and as you can guess from the description is done with a sense of humour. Alice is a wonderful character that you can see in your mind’s eye. A slightly eccentric woman that we have all met at one time or another (or at least imagine to have done). Characters come to life with their antics and personalities to make this an enjoyable easy read. Nothing too taxing. nothing too gory just a lovely entertaining read with a smile.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
I voluntarily chose to read this ARC and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
May 21, 2017
I would highly recommend this to people who are fans of Midsomer Murders. A full review will follow on my blog on Sunday 28th May. I took a point off as I worked out the WHOdunnit, but not the WHYdunnit!
April 20, 2020
I was tempted to classify this easy read as a cozy, although there are 3 rather ghastly murders: 3 elderly people who were part of a wedding party 40 years earlier are murdered within a week. The beekeeper Alice Green is the only one left standing.
When the local police can't solve the first murder in good time a "crack" team of outsiders with a rather pompous DI at the helm move in and come to a conclusion in double quick time. But even as they are celebrating Harriet Taylor proves them wrong.
This is the first in a series so readers can get in at the beginning of Harriet's career.
When the local police can't solve the first murder in good time a "crack" team of outsiders with a rather pompous DI at the helm move in and come to a conclusion in double quick time. But even as they are celebrating Harriet Taylor proves them wrong.
This is the first in a series so readers can get in at the beginning of Harriet's career.
July 17, 2020
Good!
I've read this series backwards. I started at book 3 and went back to book 1, but the stories are completely standalone. This was just as I expected from book 3. I did guess who the killer was from the beginning, this one wasn't as tight as book 3, but I did enjoy it. If you like crime then this is a series for you.
I've read this series backwards. I started at book 3 and went back to book 1, but the stories are completely standalone. This was just as I expected from book 3. I did guess who the killer was from the beginning, this one wasn't as tight as book 3, but I did enjoy it. If you like crime then this is a series for you.
June 1, 2017
The Beekeeper is a solid British police procedural that will readily appeal to fans of Midsommer Murders and the like. DC Harriet Taylor transferred to Polgarrow from Edinburgh after the death of her husband. The sleepy Cornish village has little crime, and until now a handful of burglaries have been the extent of Taylor’s experience.
Alice Green is an elderly beekeeper, happily living alone after being abandoned by her promiscuous husband. Her best friend lives next door. But the day after a shocking discovery, her friend disappears and Alice, greatly concerned, contacts the police. Soon it becomes apparent that Alice’s neighbor was murdered. Not long after, the body (only the upper half) of an elderly man is brought up by fishermen, and another man dies in an explosion. Someone is killing elderly residents of Polgarrow. The case is of such concern that outside detectives are brought in and Taylor is assigned to the team. While investigating, Taylor strikes up a friendship with Alice. Little does she realize, the killer is hiding in plain sight.
I enjoyed The Beekeeper. It is a solid police procedural that reminds the reader that we readily overlook the elderly, considering them to be harmless, incapable of the extremes of emotion/action leading to murder. Alice Green is an odd, not altogether trustworthy woman, but her actions though suspicious are never suspect - at least not in Taylor's mind. Preconceptions lead the visiting detectives into folly, only Taylor admits uncertainty. It is an important reminder that preconceptions color what we see, and make us overlook the significant and the obvious.
4 / 5
I received a copy of The Beekeeper from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Alice Green is an elderly beekeeper, happily living alone after being abandoned by her promiscuous husband. Her best friend lives next door. But the day after a shocking discovery, her friend disappears and Alice, greatly concerned, contacts the police. Soon it becomes apparent that Alice’s neighbor was murdered. Not long after, the body (only the upper half) of an elderly man is brought up by fishermen, and another man dies in an explosion. Someone is killing elderly residents of Polgarrow. The case is of such concern that outside detectives are brought in and Taylor is assigned to the team. While investigating, Taylor strikes up a friendship with Alice. Little does she realize, the killer is hiding in plain sight.
I enjoyed The Beekeeper. It is a solid police procedural that reminds the reader that we readily overlook the elderly, considering them to be harmless, incapable of the extremes of emotion/action leading to murder. Alice Green is an odd, not altogether trustworthy woman, but her actions though suspicious are never suspect - at least not in Taylor's mind. Preconceptions lead the visiting detectives into folly, only Taylor admits uncertainty. It is an important reminder that preconceptions color what we see, and make us overlook the significant and the obvious.
4 / 5
I received a copy of The Beekeeper from the publisher and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
May 20, 2017
I have never read any novels by this author but when Joffe books asked me to read and review this one, I was quite intrigued by the title. I have something of a fascination with beekeeping so thought that this would be right up my street. Sadly, apart from the little old lady being a beekeeper, there isn’t very much about keeping bees in this novel. However, this is a fascinating and somewhat quaint little story about three pensioners being murdered in a week in a small Cornish fishing village – something that rarely happens which is why the local police struggle to find out what is going on.
A new team is brought in from Exeter to help solve the puzzle but, despite their confidence that they have identified the murderer and closed the case, one detective from Polgarrow is positive that they have got it wrong and follows her gut instinct to track down the suspect.
This is a lovely, easy going story which is a fast read but nevertheless a delightful little tale. I have to confess that I had worked out who the murderer was pretty much from the very start of the book but it was gratifying to find I was correct and have the whole case wrapped up satisfactorily.
A new team is brought in from Exeter to help solve the puzzle but, despite their confidence that they have identified the murderer and closed the case, one detective from Polgarrow is positive that they have got it wrong and follows her gut instinct to track down the suspect.
This is a lovely, easy going story which is a fast read but nevertheless a delightful little tale. I have to confess that I had worked out who the murderer was pretty much from the very start of the book but it was gratifying to find I was correct and have the whole case wrapped up satisfactorily.
February 11, 2018
Very poor on police procedure-team from Exeter taking over, local cop clueless. Elderly lady killing her neighbours
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2017
4.5 stars.
Blurb, since I see there isn't one on Goodreads:
A shocking discovery starts a trail of mayhem on the Cornish coast.
Alice Green is a beekeeper in the small Cornish village of Polgarrow. She lives with her pet jackdaw in a beautiful cottage not far from the sea. One evening, Alice finds something strange under the hollyhock bush in her garden. The gruesome discovery will change everyone’s lives. And then Alice’s best friend Milly disappears . . .
Detective Harriet Taylor has just transferred to the area from Edinburgh. As she investigates a series of shocking crimes, she grows close to the old beekeeper and is determined to bring the criminals to justice. But who is really what they seem and who can she trust?
A crime mystery with a touch of black humour. You’ll enjoy this fast-paced and dark unearthing of the secrets of a sleepy Cornish village.
It is a finely crafted semi psychological suspense and thriller. I was just so impressed with the story-line and the craftiness of the killer. The way the book was written you constantly doubt yourself whether your suspect is the right one.
I have said it before and I will say it again. There is just that something extra in a well written British who-dunnit. I am most definitely going to be on the lookout for more books by Stewart Giles. He is an author to keep an eye on.
This book is highly recommended for for those who like British suspense and thrillers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and eview this book.
Blurb, since I see there isn't one on Goodreads:
A shocking discovery starts a trail of mayhem on the Cornish coast.
Alice Green is a beekeeper in the small Cornish village of Polgarrow. She lives with her pet jackdaw in a beautiful cottage not far from the sea. One evening, Alice finds something strange under the hollyhock bush in her garden. The gruesome discovery will change everyone’s lives. And then Alice’s best friend Milly disappears . . .
Detective Harriet Taylor has just transferred to the area from Edinburgh. As she investigates a series of shocking crimes, she grows close to the old beekeeper and is determined to bring the criminals to justice. But who is really what they seem and who can she trust?
A crime mystery with a touch of black humour. You’ll enjoy this fast-paced and dark unearthing of the secrets of a sleepy Cornish village.
It is a finely crafted semi psychological suspense and thriller. I was just so impressed with the story-line and the craftiness of the killer. The way the book was written you constantly doubt yourself whether your suspect is the right one.
I have said it before and I will say it again. There is just that something extra in a well written British who-dunnit. I am most definitely going to be on the lookout for more books by Stewart Giles. He is an author to keep an eye on.
This book is highly recommended for for those who like British suspense and thrillers.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read and eview this book.
October 14, 2017
This was recommended to me as a lightish read, a cozy, and that is really how I found it.
Three elderly people who were part of a wedding party forty years before all die within the space of a week. And, even though I had my suspicions, the plot kept me guessing almost to the end. The detective, Harriet Taylor is an interesting character, and extra tension arises when she is included in the investigative team when a group of "experts" descend from Exeter because the local team are apparently not getting anywhere.
Alice Green was the fourth member of that wedding party. She is the beekeeper, and her bees have begun producing strange tasting honey, and Alice is worried. She becomes friends with Harriet Taylor and that seems to give her some sort of immunity from suspicion.
I've never read anything before from Stewart Giles and I might just give his other series a try.
Three elderly people who were part of a wedding party forty years before all die within the space of a week. And, even though I had my suspicions, the plot kept me guessing almost to the end. The detective, Harriet Taylor is an interesting character, and extra tension arises when she is included in the investigative team when a group of "experts" descend from Exeter because the local team are apparently not getting anywhere.
Alice Green was the fourth member of that wedding party. She is the beekeeper, and her bees have begun producing strange tasting honey, and Alice is worried. She becomes friends with Harriet Taylor and that seems to give her some sort of immunity from suspicion.
I've never read anything before from Stewart Giles and I might just give his other series a try.
June 27, 2017
Having not read any books by this author, I had no preconceptions of what the book would be like. Although it is interesting and intriguing in parts. I have to say that within the first two chapters I had guessed who the killer was. Now it could just be I read so many of these books I have a nose for the baddies, or it could be that I am a syndical and slightly mistrusting person at times, but it slightly spoilt the book for me to be able to guess it straight away. Having said that, it is well written and the characters are explained in great detail so that you can get the feel of who they are.
November 19, 2018
This is my first by Stewart Giles and I bought all three in the series at the same time for £0.99. I’m relieved I did not pay more because the police officers seem dull witted, naive and unprofessional. The plot is unworkable and the ending rather abrupt. It is a bit like those Sunday afternoon old TV crime shows with creaky plots and predictable endings, something to fall asleep in front of after a good lunch. I had the text to speech bot read it to me while I got on with other things, I don’t think I would have bothered to finish it if I had actually been reading it. What can I say? It passed the time.
May 31, 2017
2.75 stars
To begin with this seemed like a whimsical story of country life with crime thrown in.
Alice ,our beekeeper,mostly untroubled by her husbands body at her feet,but very concerned at her missing friend.
I couldn't be sure how funny this was supposed to be,FOR ME,not so much. As the story went on,it just seemed like a bunch of people acting in a manner not quite believable.... and a slightly rushed ending.
To begin with this seemed like a whimsical story of country life with crime thrown in.
Alice ,our beekeeper,mostly untroubled by her husbands body at her feet,but very concerned at her missing friend.
I couldn't be sure how funny this was supposed to be,FOR ME,not so much. As the story went on,it just seemed like a bunch of people acting in a manner not quite believable.... and a slightly rushed ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2017
In the Cornish village of Polgarrow, beekeeper Alice Green discovers a body under a bush. But this is not the last body. The police team lead by DI Jack Killian and including DC Harriet Taylor flounder without any probably motive.
An enjoyable, easily read, mystery, with some interesting characters.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
An enjoyable, easily read, mystery, with some interesting characters.
Received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
June 22, 2017
Not really a gripping crime mystery.
Having worked out who the killer was quite early on the book was written in a way that you still wanted to turn the pages and the background stories of the main characters were an interesting part of the book. I will look out for another book by Stewart Giles.
Having worked out who the killer was quite early on the book was written in a way that you still wanted to turn the pages and the background stories of the main characters were an interesting part of the book. I will look out for another book by Stewart Giles.
July 8, 2017
So so
I really wanted to love this - and I enjoyed it - but the fact is the plot was inconsistent. Harriet and every other police officer seem to have forgotten about information they'd already received and skip protocol such as having lawyers present or doing basic background on Alice. So close to great, needed a bit more editing in my humble non writerly opinion.
I really wanted to love this - and I enjoyed it - but the fact is the plot was inconsistent. Harriet and every other police officer seem to have forgotten about information they'd already received and skip protocol such as having lawyers present or doing basic background on Alice. So close to great, needed a bit more editing in my humble non writerly opinion.
June 26, 2021
Fun detective story. I liked the characters - particularly the main detective character - DC Taylor, as well as the old lady - Alice the beekeeper - who she befriends during the investigation. The other characters were on a scale of likeable to horrible, and best part is that not all the likeable ones are good, nor the awful ones bad.
May 25, 2022
Detective Harriet Taylor has moved to a new place after transferring from Edinburgh. She is soon called to investigate a gruesome discovery found by Alice, the beekeeper. Soon things turn from bad to worse.
This was a good read and I enjoyed the story and characters. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
This was a good read and I enjoyed the story and characters. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2022
Kept me guessing to the end!!
This book was chosen for the title. I've read other excellent books with "beekeeper" in the title. There were very little uncomfortable descriptions about bodies, only what seemed necessary. So don't let this stop you from reading this fascinating story. I quite enjoyed this reading!! I believe you will too!
This book was chosen for the title. I've read other excellent books with "beekeeper" in the title. There were very little uncomfortable descriptions about bodies, only what seemed necessary. So don't let this stop you from reading this fascinating story. I quite enjoyed this reading!! I believe you will too!
June 3, 2017
Well written and interesting
I enjoyed reading this mystery very much. Well written, entertaining and interesting. The characters were well defined. I would read book two if this was first in a series.
I enjoyed reading this mystery very much. Well written, entertaining and interesting. The characters were well defined. I would read book two if this was first in a series.
June 18, 2017
Solid detective novel.
It wasn't hard to work out the culprit but despite this it is a good read. Not too much blood and guts, just solid detective work. It will keep you amused on a Saturday afternoon.
It wasn't hard to work out the culprit but despite this it is a good read. Not too much blood and guts, just solid detective work. It will keep you amused on a Saturday afternoon.
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