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DI Munro & DS West #2
Avarice
When a body is found in a remote Scottish glen, DI Munro comes out of retirement to investigate
The Police chief wants everything wrapped up before the upcoming regatta, but the locals are remarkably unforthcoming with helpful information.
Sassy and quick, London detective sergeant Charlotte West is roped in by DI Munro to help solve what is now a murder case.
It is good police work that will unravel the truth behind the crime, but not without ruffling a few feathers first.
The Police chief wants everything wrapped up before the upcoming regatta, but the locals are remarkably unforthcoming with helpful information.
Sassy and quick, London detective sergeant Charlotte West is roped in by DI Munro to help solve what is now a murder case.
It is good police work that will unravel the truth behind the crime, but not without ruffling a few feathers first.
215 pages, Paperback
Published February 27, 2017
2130 people are currently reading
527 people want to read
About the author
Pete Brassett
33 books183 followersPete Brassett is the author of the best-selling series of detective novels based in and around his native Scotland featuring James Munro and Charlie West.
Following the publication of his debut novel, 'Clam Chowder at Lafayette and Spring', Pete ventured into the world of crime fiction tackling issues like PTSD, religious scandal, and manic depression with the novels 'Kiss the Girls', 'Prayer for the Dying' and 'The Girl From Kilkenny', before moving onto subject matter a little closer to home.
The forging of the Munro and West relationship begins with a fractious encounter in east London where a dissolute West, struggling with personal problems and misogynistic colleagues, is mentored by Munro who, recognising her potential, hoodwinks her into joining him back in Scotland where she flourishes as a first-class, yet ultimately flawed, detective.
Following the publication of his debut novel, 'Clam Chowder at Lafayette and Spring', Pete ventured into the world of crime fiction tackling issues like PTSD, religious scandal, and manic depression with the novels 'Kiss the Girls', 'Prayer for the Dying' and 'The Girl From Kilkenny', before moving onto subject matter a little closer to home.
The forging of the Munro and West relationship begins with a fractious encounter in east London where a dissolute West, struggling with personal problems and misogynistic colleagues, is mentored by Munro who, recognising her potential, hoodwinks her into joining him back in Scotland where she flourishes as a first-class, yet ultimately flawed, detective.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
January 24, 2017
A retired cop gets pulled back in to solve a case. Really? Can policemen just walk back in and go back to work? Where do they get their warrant cards? Don't they have to be surrendered when they leave he force? How do they prove that they are who they say they are? Not a problem for Munro, the 'hero' of the piece. At the start of the book he stands looking out his window and says if he doesn't make it to Gourock the next day, he'll be "Atop yon hill". Unfortunately, he's looking out to sea at the time, so I presume he can walk on water too.
It's is a rather twee Scotland the author creates full of glens and burns and Och Aye The Noo. Oh please, I live in Scotland and it's not like that. If you want Scotland, read Rankin, Brookmyre, Oswald or Meyrick. They write lucidly with carefully crafted prose that doesn't have a constable shouting "Rodger That!" on almost every page. They allow their characters to finish their sentences and don't overuse the ellipsis.
One thing I did like was the Character List at the end of the book. It reminded me of the description of the characters in a pantomime and that is really what this is. A pantomime.
Oh, by the way, nobody in Scotland talks about 'scotch'. A dram, yes. A wee whisky, yes. If you're going to write a Scottish detective novel, first research Scotland and then research detectives.
It's is a rather twee Scotland the author creates full of glens and burns and Och Aye The Noo. Oh please, I live in Scotland and it's not like that. If you want Scotland, read Rankin, Brookmyre, Oswald or Meyrick. They write lucidly with carefully crafted prose that doesn't have a constable shouting "Rodger That!" on almost every page. They allow their characters to finish their sentences and don't overuse the ellipsis.
One thing I did like was the Character List at the end of the book. It reminded me of the description of the characters in a pantomime and that is really what this is. A pantomime.
Oh, by the way, nobody in Scotland talks about 'scotch'. A dram, yes. A wee whisky, yes. If you're going to write a Scottish detective novel, first research Scotland and then research detectives.
March 27, 2018
The plot is not bad, but the writing style and character development oy.
February 24, 2019
Didn't find this either enthralling or gripping I'm afraid but quite a good story with a few twists and turns as well as some humour. An easy read.
November 7, 2016
This was my first reading of this author's work. He succeeded in creating a good team in Munro and West. James Munro is the retired inspector and Charlie West is a young woman detective he has worked with previously and recruits for a special murder investigation. The two are outsiders and are given just five days to solve a murder. A wealth of suspects and motives live in a rather incestuous petri dish, so the solution truly requires this outsider perspective. The bones were good, and I will look forward to reading the next one. The mechanics/editing/grammar were not refined, but missing words and incomplete sentences and a tad too many characters still did not spoil the structure.
March 26, 2020
This is the first book of Pete Brassett's that I have read. Somebody must have told him that a mystery should have an element of surprise at the end. They forgot to tell him the conclusion had to be logical and believable. This book certainly passed the surprise test but failed miserably to be either credible or logical. I won't waste any more of my time reading anything else he has written.
March 20, 2018
Straight on from reading "She" the first in this series.
The main characters are developing nicely. Detective Inspector Munro is back from London and in his native Scotland where he is called out of retirement to look into a suspicious death. With no one from the local force available to assist him, Munro calls on his old DS Charlotte (Charlie) West who happens to be in the area returning from a 'retreat'.
Together they work through the twists and turns of the case to its conclusions
The working relationship between Munro and West which started out a bit 'prickly' at the beginning of 'She' has matured as witnessed by the humour between them.
Another enjoyable read.
The main characters are developing nicely. Detective Inspector Munro is back from London and in his native Scotland where he is called out of retirement to look into a suspicious death. With no one from the local force available to assist him, Munro calls on his old DS Charlotte (Charlie) West who happens to be in the area returning from a 'retreat'.
Together they work through the twists and turns of the case to its conclusions
The working relationship between Munro and West which started out a bit 'prickly' at the beginning of 'She' has matured as witnessed by the humour between them.
Another enjoyable read.
July 27, 2020
Really four-and-a-half stars. I enjoyed this book, the characters, and the little twists that came as surprises. I will definitely be reading more of this series. Would make a very good BBC t.v. series.
May 5, 2022
I'm enjoying this series. This one was a bit too complex as a workout book, but very entertaining and twisty. The interaction between Munro and West is great.
August 15, 2022
3.5 stars/ I liked book one better than this one although both have solid mystery plots, twists and surprises... this one relocates the main protagonists from the London area into Scotland -- so a whole new cast of characters in the department. A lot of Scottish slang/terms that my Kindle dictionaries and wiki can't handle, but that is part of the learning process. Overall, an easy read and an enjoyable one.
The epilogue is surprising and prompts me to go on to book 3 to see how Brassett develops the ongoing story line (don't read it until the end! it would spoil the ending.). I remain positive with the central characters - Monroe and West-- and their platonic relationship. Maybe this will be a TV series in Edinburgh or Glasgow...
The epilogue is surprising and prompts me to go on to book 3 to see how Brassett develops the ongoing story line (don't read it until the end! it would spoil the ending.). I remain positive with the central characters - Monroe and West-- and their platonic relationship. Maybe this will be a TV series in Edinburgh or Glasgow...
July 13, 2020
DI Munro is pulled out of retirement when a body of a female is discovered in the remote Daff Glen. He takes with him DS Charlotte West to help in the investigation.
An entertaining well-written crime story, helped by a cast of well-rounded likeable characters.
A good addition to the series.
An entertaining well-written crime story, helped by a cast of well-rounded likeable characters.
A good addition to the series.
May 27, 2018
Really interesting storyline with twists and turns so you never know who really did it until the end.
Interesting characters too - they have an interesting dynamic, although at times it felt like they were too much like Bill Slider or Inspector Frost
Interesting characters too - they have an interesting dynamic, although at times it felt like they were too much like Bill Slider or Inspector Frost
December 3, 2019
I enjoyed the book but some of the location bits annoyed me. Particularly the Linwood comment, it was just so wrong. The idea that the locals in Inverkip wouldn't have heard of Linwood is quite frankly ridiculous, it is only 20 miles away. There were other location references which jarred a bit but that was the most irritating. Also, the rhythm of the speech made it sound like the locals had Highlands accents which doesn't fit with the local accents.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2018
Ok just loved the dynamics it was written like Midsummer murder. Character West (eating disorders) Munro old school & a dying breed. Read all in a week and half. On final taking time only because I don’t want to end. Even though love to watch Midsummer Murders
March 13, 2021
Avarice
3.5 stars, rounded to 4, as it was an enjoyable book, a police procedural set in a small Scottish town, with some good characters. A murder investigation kept my interest through some unforeseen twists and turns, although just before the end, I figured out whodunit. I also listened to this book, and loved the narration by James Gillies with his wonderful Scottish accent. This book is the first in a series and I enjoyed it enough to look for other books in the series.
3.5 stars, rounded to 4, as it was an enjoyable book, a police procedural set in a small Scottish town, with some good characters. A murder investigation kept my interest through some unforeseen twists and turns, although just before the end, I figured out whodunit. I also listened to this book, and loved the narration by James Gillies with his wonderful Scottish accent. This book is the first in a series and I enjoyed it enough to look for other books in the series.
July 27, 2020
I gave up after 3 chapters!
Couldn't stand the dialogue, stupid descriptions trying to sum up characters as they were presented, stereotypical treatment of the Scots...eg, whisky loving, lack of exciting plot. It didn't grab me in three chapters and just seemed very trite, amateurish and full of och ayeish drivel. Someone must like this author since he has written many of these but I was so not impressed. Glad it was free and I am not out of pocket.
Couldn't stand the dialogue, stupid descriptions trying to sum up characters as they were presented, stereotypical treatment of the Scots...eg, whisky loving, lack of exciting plot. It didn't grab me in three chapters and just seemed very trite, amateurish and full of och ayeish drivel. Someone must like this author since he has written many of these but I was so not impressed. Glad it was free and I am not out of pocket.
July 29, 2018
A cracking read,
September 8, 2022
I like this book better than the previous one, the narrative flowed more naturally and didn't distract. Although dealing with a violent crime, the tone was fairly gentle in keeping with the pastoral setting but there was plenty of activity with several surprises along the way.
There are several things which are simply wrong in the story and they jar a little. The author needs to decide if Munro is retired or not because when an officer retires he becomes a civilian with no more powers than anyone else. He would have to hand back his warrant card at the end of his service rather than retaining it to wave at people he wants to question or arrest. He certainly would not be involved in interviewing suspects in a police station. What of DS Charlotte West? She is a serving officer with the City of London police so she does have a warrant card, although never seen here, and as she was invited to take part in the investigation by the local force that would be ok even though she is presumably on annual leave.
Notwithstanding the above, the story was entertaining and kept the reader guessing as it meandered through several plot twists. It really isn't over until the very end. If you can get over the glaring errors, there is much to enjoy in Avarice
There are several things which are simply wrong in the story and they jar a little. The author needs to decide if Munro is retired or not because when an officer retires he becomes a civilian with no more powers than anyone else. He would have to hand back his warrant card at the end of his service rather than retaining it to wave at people he wants to question or arrest. He certainly would not be involved in interviewing suspects in a police station. What of DS Charlotte West? She is a serving officer with the City of London police so she does have a warrant card, although never seen here, and as she was invited to take part in the investigation by the local force that would be ok even though she is presumably on annual leave.
Notwithstanding the above, the story was entertaining and kept the reader guessing as it meandered through several plot twists. It really isn't over until the very end. If you can get over the glaring errors, there is much to enjoy in Avarice
July 23, 2016
My first Pete Brassett novel and a good one it is! Avarice is a well written police procedural that takes place in Ireland. The main character, James Munro, is a retired Detective Inspector who is called back from retirement to help solve a local murder. He tinkers together a squad and goes to work. The writing is quick and to the point - - short concise sentences that leave nothing to the imagination except who the murderer might be. Is a well constructed story that all makes sense. You have to put up with some the local Irish sayings, but they just sort of add to the color of the place and the story. Can't wait to read the author's other books.
July 29, 2016
Avarice is another enthralling thriller by Pete Brassett. In a remote Scottish glen, a woman is found partially submerged in a muddy river bank. Baffled, the local police turn to retired Detective Inspector James Munro for help. With the assistance of his former partner, London Detective Sergeant Charlotte West, Munro begins unravelling a murder case with twists and turns at every at every corner.
Avarice is a beautifully written fast paced mystery with compelling characters and gripping dialogue. I can’t wait for Munro’s next case.
Avarice is a beautifully written fast paced mystery with compelling characters and gripping dialogue. I can’t wait for Munro’s next case.
July 23, 2016
Fast, entertaining read
In what smells like a kickoff for a series, Brassett gives us characters we want to hang out with. This is a fast read, but worth the time.
In what smells like a kickoff for a series, Brassett gives us characters we want to hang out with. This is a fast read, but worth the time.
August 31, 2016
Interesting
Characters are well written. Murder has enough twists and turns to make it interesting, but not impossible.
I'm inclined to want to read a follow-up.
Characters are well written. Murder has enough twists and turns to make it interesting, but not impossible.
I'm inclined to want to read a follow-up.
November 15, 2016
Scottish locale mystery
Endearing mystery with the added spice of things Scottish ... language, pubs and eccentric characters but the same old reasons for murder.
Endearing mystery with the added spice of things Scottish ... language, pubs and eccentric characters but the same old reasons for murder.
June 1, 2020
SPOILER ALERT
I just am not as invested in these characters. Once again DI James Monroe is on the job, though he is talked into helping after he has retired. DCI Nick McGreevy requests his assistance though he should have left it to CID. He talks Isobel Crawford the Procurator Fiscal into giving James five days to solve the death of Frieda Kappelhoff, who it appears to have drowned while trying to cross a swollen river. But there are two pieces that don't fit that: there is wound on the back of her head that appears to have been made by a hammer, and she is full of antifreeze.
Who and why are the questions. She worked and lived at Dunmore House along with Mrs. Fraser. She was divorced from Rudy Kappelhoff. She didn't appear to have anything. But the investigation reveals a very healthy German bank account, a wastrel daughter, a second husband and a relationship with McGreevy. Additionally the daughter knew about the money and disliked her and McGreevy was transferring funds from her account into his. He also had a relationship with the pub owner, Maureen Connelly, and was buying a house in Edinburgh. While they each had a reason to kill her, it is a twist that the mild mannered Mrs. Fraser, who was to inherit a sizable sum put the antifreeze in the wine she offered.
While the story held some interest, Munro is a cynic who is mildly happy in his garden, his memories of his beloved, murdered wife linger, and West is at loose ends, even as the story ends. I don't feel like I need to rush to get the next installment. We'll see.
I just am not as invested in these characters. Once again DI James Monroe is on the job, though he is talked into helping after he has retired. DCI Nick McGreevy requests his assistance though he should have left it to CID. He talks Isobel Crawford the Procurator Fiscal into giving James five days to solve the death of Frieda Kappelhoff, who it appears to have drowned while trying to cross a swollen river. But there are two pieces that don't fit that: there is wound on the back of her head that appears to have been made by a hammer, and she is full of antifreeze.
Who and why are the questions. She worked and lived at Dunmore House along with Mrs. Fraser. She was divorced from Rudy Kappelhoff. She didn't appear to have anything. But the investigation reveals a very healthy German bank account, a wastrel daughter, a second husband and a relationship with McGreevy. Additionally the daughter knew about the money and disliked her and McGreevy was transferring funds from her account into his. He also had a relationship with the pub owner, Maureen Connelly, and was buying a house in Edinburgh. While they each had a reason to kill her, it is a twist that the mild mannered Mrs. Fraser, who was to inherit a sizable sum put the antifreeze in the wine she offered.
While the story held some interest, Munro is a cynic who is mildly happy in his garden, his memories of his beloved, murdered wife linger, and West is at loose ends, even as the story ends. I don't feel like I need to rush to get the next installment. We'll see.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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August 31, 2020 4.06 · Rating details · 3,085 ratings · 116 reviews
"An exceptionally good crime thriller, loved the Scottish setting" Gary Miller
When a body is found in a remote Scottish glen, DI Munro comes out of retirement to investigate
The Police chief wants everything wrapped up before the upcoming regatta, but the locals are remarkably unforthcoming with helpful information.
Sassy and quick, London detective sergeant Charlotte West is roped in by DI Munro to help solve what is now a murder case.
It is good police work that will unravel the truth behind the crime, but not without ruffling a few feathers first.
Will the killer escape the sharp-witted detectives’ grasp?
If you enjoy a whodunnit with a twist, this atmospheric novel is for you
Set in the coastal town of Inverkip in the north-west of Scotland, AVARICE is a straightforward murder mystery with more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction.
No blood, no gore, no serial killers! But it's a cracker.
AVARICE is the second book by Pete Brassett to feature DI Munro and DS West, the detectives that first appeared in SHE. It's not a sequel and can be read as a standalone. However, those who have read SHE will have a head start on the characters' profiles.
Look out for Pete Brassett's many other titles on Kindle, including The Girl From Kilkenny, Prayer for the Dying and Kiss The Girls. (less)
Good. Fun that it is Scottish.
"An exceptionally good crime thriller, loved the Scottish setting" Gary Miller
When a body is found in a remote Scottish glen, DI Munro comes out of retirement to investigate
The Police chief wants everything wrapped up before the upcoming regatta, but the locals are remarkably unforthcoming with helpful information.
Sassy and quick, London detective sergeant Charlotte West is roped in by DI Munro to help solve what is now a murder case.
It is good police work that will unravel the truth behind the crime, but not without ruffling a few feathers first.
Will the killer escape the sharp-witted detectives’ grasp?
If you enjoy a whodunnit with a twist, this atmospheric novel is for you
Set in the coastal town of Inverkip in the north-west of Scotland, AVARICE is a straightforward murder mystery with more twists and turns than Spaghetti Junction.
No blood, no gore, no serial killers! But it's a cracker.
AVARICE is the second book by Pete Brassett to feature DI Munro and DS West, the detectives that first appeared in SHE. It's not a sequel and can be read as a standalone. However, those who have read SHE will have a head start on the characters' profiles.
Look out for Pete Brassett's many other titles on Kindle, including The Girl From Kilkenny, Prayer for the Dying and Kiss The Girls. (less)
Good. Fun that it is Scottish.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2021
207 pages
5 stars
Retired DI James Munro gets himself talked into helping a small police force investigate a murder on their patch. He contacts his former partner DS Charlotte “Charlie” West and together they look into the case.
A woman was found dead in a burn. The pathologist says it is murder and after the autopsy, it sure was. After she is identified, there are a host of suspects: an ex-husband, a current boyfriend, a semi-estranged daughter and others.
As Munro and Charlie get further into the case, they make disturbing discoveries.
This is a very well written and plotted little novel. I've read many of Mr. Brassett's book, and they never disappoint. He makes his characters so very real. I could just imagine myself in the room listening to Charlie and Munro's banter. The other police offers are interesting too. I liked them, for the most part. I enjoy reading a police procedural where the characters work well together.
The books don't need to be read in order, although it probably would help to understand the continuity. The books seem to stand alone quite well.
On to the next...
5 stars
Retired DI James Munro gets himself talked into helping a small police force investigate a murder on their patch. He contacts his former partner DS Charlotte “Charlie” West and together they look into the case.
A woman was found dead in a burn. The pathologist says it is murder and after the autopsy, it sure was. After she is identified, there are a host of suspects: an ex-husband, a current boyfriend, a semi-estranged daughter and others.
As Munro and Charlie get further into the case, they make disturbing discoveries.
This is a very well written and plotted little novel. I've read many of Mr. Brassett's book, and they never disappoint. He makes his characters so very real. I could just imagine myself in the room listening to Charlie and Munro's banter. The other police offers are interesting too. I liked them, for the most part. I enjoy reading a police procedural where the characters work well together.
The books don't need to be read in order, although it probably would help to understand the continuity. The books seem to stand alone quite well.
On to the next...
September 13, 2020
Well written Scottish murder investigation mystery. Second in the series but I never read the first.
Characters are all well developed through skillful dialogue that keeps story progressing. Plus they are believable, and interesting people. The wise old Detective Inspector is called begrudgingly out of retirement to serve the needs of justice, like Cincinnatus of old. He requests the tough as steel young female detective from London to help him, and she agrees, based on, I assume, rapport developed in the first installment of the series.
There are Scottish aphorisms and slang terms. Sometimes the London detective requests a translation but mostly we are to figure them from context. I enjoy this; it's a good way to learn them.
There are also many descriptions of them traveling around in Scotland. Fans of a good detective procedural and all things Scottish, this is a series for you!
Characters are all well developed through skillful dialogue that keeps story progressing. Plus they are believable, and interesting people. The wise old Detective Inspector is called begrudgingly out of retirement to serve the needs of justice, like Cincinnatus of old. He requests the tough as steel young female detective from London to help him, and she agrees, based on, I assume, rapport developed in the first installment of the series.
There are Scottish aphorisms and slang terms. Sometimes the London detective requests a translation but mostly we are to figure them from context. I enjoy this; it's a good way to learn them.
There are also many descriptions of them traveling around in Scotland. Fans of a good detective procedural and all things Scottish, this is a series for you!
August 28, 2020
I suppose the plot itself isn't bad, but the execution is absolutely awful. This book is packed with cliche' and is very difficult to take seriously. I found myself actually rolling my eyes at several points in the story. The protagonist, Munro, appears to have been created by combining every aspect of every detective ever written by more talented authors. While some reviewers liked the 'Scottish' aspects of the story, I found them to be exaggerated and unrealistic...almost as if written by someone who's been to Scotland, but never lived there. I have spent extensive time in the country and have never encountered anyone who spoke or acted like the characters here. For example, the only adjective Munro seems to know is 'wee.' He will have a 'wee drink,' a 'wee look,' a 'wee visit,' or a 'wee talk.' I found myself becoming a 'wee' bit tired of it after the first 20 pages of the book.
September 5, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book, my introduction to Pete Brassett's work. Normally a "read it in nibbles" reader, I pretty much found this to be a page-turner, particularly in the last chapters as the plot moved toward it's conclusion. I have to say that I intuited the murderer several chapters before the final reveal, but that didn't detract from the story line at all. With suspects a-plenty and a compressed timeline in which to solve the murder, Mr. Brassett keeps the action moving apace. The final evidence of my enjoyment is that I'm going to read the rest of Mr. Brassett's books, and I'll even pay for them (pretty much unheard of for me).
June 28, 2022
Avarice is a good read for the murder mystery people out there, I enjoyed it.
To Note:
Much better than the first book of the series "SHE". I Couldn't get to grips with his First Person- Third Person thing going on.
This book Avarice is a good read, and only letdown by the comma count. e.g. Chapter 15 first page has 25 commas, ,,, I've gone to Sainsbury's with a shopping list that has less commas than the average page in this book.
I would have given up on the Author and this series if I hadn't read the reviews on Good reads telling me the rest of the series was so much better than the first book.
To Note:
Much better than the first book of the series "SHE". I Couldn't get to grips with his First Person- Third Person thing going on.
This book Avarice is a good read, and only letdown by the comma count. e.g. Chapter 15 first page has 25 commas, ,,, I've gone to Sainsbury's with a shopping list that has less commas than the average page in this book.
I would have given up on the Author and this series if I hadn't read the reviews on Good reads telling me the rest of the series was so much better than the first book.
July 11, 2025
short, sweet, and almost an easy read.
I do have trouble with names, and characters are referred to by just first name or just last name interchangibily throughout the book, and it was an issue for me. Probably not for others.
This is written tongue in cheek with humor around a very serious investigation. there are lots of twists and turns, and a red herring or 'och' here and there.
I actually guessed right this time.
The first two in the series were a short and fun read with interesing, not perfect, characters
I do plan on reading the series through at ths point. They are welcome change from all the 'noir' stuff I read.
I do have trouble with names, and characters are referred to by just first name or just last name interchangibily throughout the book, and it was an issue for me. Probably not for others.
This is written tongue in cheek with humor around a very serious investigation. there are lots of twists and turns, and a red herring or 'och' here and there.
I actually guessed right this time.
The first two in the series were a short and fun read with interesing, not perfect, characters
I do plan on reading the series through at ths point. They are welcome change from all the 'noir' stuff I read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews