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Kind Hearts And Martinets #4
Ghost and Ragman Roll
Ghost and Ragman Roll is Book 4 in the bestselling Kind Hearts and Martinets crime series, featuring the eponymous Portsmouth detective DCI Jack (Jane) Austin. DCI Jack Austin is trying to enjoy his honeymoon with Detective Superintendent Amanda Bruce. But it soon becomes a busman's holiday (or the crime busting equivalent) with news of a turf war in Portsmouth, a missing obese gangster who turns up skinny, and the seemingly unconnected murder of a banker in Paris. When an ambitious new detective arrives on Jack's patch and starts making waves, he knows the time has come to get back to Southsea and protect not just his rather tarnished reputation, but those who truly matter to him. Ghost and Ragman Roll is another criminally funny romp with the world's greatest - or is that worst? - police detective, DI Jack (Jane) Austin.
420 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 15, 2021
Ghost and Ragman Roll: Spectre or Spook? is the fourth book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series written by Pete Adams and published by Next Chapter. The series is a police procedural thriller based in England, but there is a huge focus on wit and charm, rounding out the investigations and providing bunches of hilarity and eye-opening surprises. I've previously read the first three books in the series and plan to read the fifth one later this year.
In this book, our main hero, Jack Austin (who has many other aliases) has recently married a colleague, Amanda, or Mandy as he calls his beloved. They've both got children from other relationships, but years later they've fallen in love and pledged the rest of their lives together... that is... if Jack doesn't torture Mandy with his frequent near-death experiences and his often odd and confusing speech (due to previous injuries, and well... let's be honest, his just quite peculiar personality -- in a good way). They're on their honeymoon in France, trying to keep a low profile, but of course, with these two, it's not possible. A few deaths across Europe, some competition in the investigation, and lots of drama among their many complex connections.
Let's start off complimenting the author on his wonderful descriptions and various character profiles. There are lines in chapter 2 and 3 that talk about the sheer girth of a man who is so large... and it's completely meant to help present a picture of the person, but then there's a big question as to the sudden weight change for the man who was fat but is no longer fat. It's a bit of a running joke in this book, and it perfectly describes the way Jack thinks of people, in particular, the nicknames he comes up with. My favorite character this time is Della. She's a colleague of sorts, and half the time, I can't decide whether she's working with or against Jack and his crew... but above that, she has some of the best lines and actions.
Another fun aspect, and I might add... different than past books, is that the POV shifts more often to other characters. For a good piece of the plot, we're able to see through other characters' perspectives, and I wondered where Jack was hiding out! He's fully present in the book, just not completely in the same manner... or maybe it was just more noticeable this time. It worked, as I got to understand how things were coming together behind the scenes. Adams has one complex and well planned vision for this series, and it's best read in order to truly grasp the imagination and all the relationships among the cast. You get to know the personalities and the quirks once you've digested a few. In the past, when Jack's mannerisms bugged me a little (because I don't fully understand all the British humor), I felt more connected this time and recognized my lips curling with a laugh before I expected it.
So... my recommendation is to give the series a shot. Read in order. Don't leave too much time in between because you want to immerse yourself in this truly interesting and uncommon setting. Then get ready for a new series the author is getting ready to publish!
In this book, our main hero, Jack Austin (who has many other aliases) has recently married a colleague, Amanda, or Mandy as he calls his beloved. They've both got children from other relationships, but years later they've fallen in love and pledged the rest of their lives together... that is... if Jack doesn't torture Mandy with his frequent near-death experiences and his often odd and confusing speech (due to previous injuries, and well... let's be honest, his just quite peculiar personality -- in a good way). They're on their honeymoon in France, trying to keep a low profile, but of course, with these two, it's not possible. A few deaths across Europe, some competition in the investigation, and lots of drama among their many complex connections.
Let's start off complimenting the author on his wonderful descriptions and various character profiles. There are lines in chapter 2 and 3 that talk about the sheer girth of a man who is so large... and it's completely meant to help present a picture of the person, but then there's a big question as to the sudden weight change for the man who was fat but is no longer fat. It's a bit of a running joke in this book, and it perfectly describes the way Jack thinks of people, in particular, the nicknames he comes up with. My favorite character this time is Della. She's a colleague of sorts, and half the time, I can't decide whether she's working with or against Jack and his crew... but above that, she has some of the best lines and actions.
Another fun aspect, and I might add... different than past books, is that the POV shifts more often to other characters. For a good piece of the plot, we're able to see through other characters' perspectives, and I wondered where Jack was hiding out! He's fully present in the book, just not completely in the same manner... or maybe it was just more noticeable this time. It worked, as I got to understand how things were coming together behind the scenes. Adams has one complex and well planned vision for this series, and it's best read in order to truly grasp the imagination and all the relationships among the cast. You get to know the personalities and the quirks once you've digested a few. In the past, when Jack's mannerisms bugged me a little (because I don't fully understand all the British humor), I felt more connected this time and recognized my lips curling with a laugh before I expected it.
So... my recommendation is to give the series a shot. Read in order. Don't leave too much time in between because you want to immerse yourself in this truly interesting and uncommon setting. Then get ready for a new series the author is getting ready to publish!
July 15, 2017
I have bought and read the' Ghost and Ragman Roll' after 'A Barrow Boy's Cadenza'. Both books written as a series of four but with no obligation to read them in a chronological order- they are perfect standalones.
A missing gangster, murders, conspiracy, MI5 and spies. A fast paced, iridescently colourful story, written masterfully, spiked with Cockney-English reversed euphemisms. Combined with biting irony and social commentary, the story is catapulting the reader into the world of a London aside tourist attractions.
DCI Jack Austin, at first sight, is on a wandering discourse through incoherent seeming statements and actions, which strongly remind of crazy slapstick situations making British humour so unique. Jack Austin is lovingly (or not so lovingly) called 'Jane', probably intended by the author to remind of the famous writer Jane Austen, who had been known for her critical essays and social commentary in her novels.
The characters are created with much love to detail and heart; nobody could achieve that better than a writer who has seen and experienced this facet of London, a pane, far from the well know tourist attractions.
If you like to indulge in the true sense of British humour, Pete Adam's books are a must read. Personally, I loved the underlying political critiques and statements which are, again, so wonderfully British, not revolutionary but, nonetheless, hitting the nail on the spot.
I strongly recommend Pete Adam's books, who is my favourite contemporary British writer.
A missing gangster, murders, conspiracy, MI5 and spies. A fast paced, iridescently colourful story, written masterfully, spiked with Cockney-English reversed euphemisms. Combined with biting irony and social commentary, the story is catapulting the reader into the world of a London aside tourist attractions.
DCI Jack Austin, at first sight, is on a wandering discourse through incoherent seeming statements and actions, which strongly remind of crazy slapstick situations making British humour so unique. Jack Austin is lovingly (or not so lovingly) called 'Jane', probably intended by the author to remind of the famous writer Jane Austen, who had been known for her critical essays and social commentary in her novels.
The characters are created with much love to detail and heart; nobody could achieve that better than a writer who has seen and experienced this facet of London, a pane, far from the well know tourist attractions.
If you like to indulge in the true sense of British humour, Pete Adam's books are a must read. Personally, I loved the underlying political critiques and statements which are, again, so wonderfully British, not revolutionary but, nonetheless, hitting the nail on the spot.
I strongly recommend Pete Adam's books, who is my favourite contemporary British writer.
Read
October 3, 2019Jack Austin is back with a new caper and an added feather to his crown. He was retired from the force and married to Amanda. Trying to help his wife with a murder, he was pulled back into the story. This time he had new characters on the team to deal with.
My third book by author Pete Adams, I found Jack to be as flamboyant as ever with a larger than life personality. Pete's writing style was eclectic and quirky. Having read 3 of his books, his characters grew in their development and grew on me too. Only Jack was still the same. His nicknames and saying odd things at supposedly wrong times were constant.
British humor and slang words were the same as from the first book. The story were interspersed with spies, conspiracy, and murders which maintained the thrill. All of them were well tied at the end by the author.
Well recommended for readers who love the British humor with colorful slangs in an eccentric police procedural.
My third book by author Pete Adams, I found Jack to be as flamboyant as ever with a larger than life personality. Pete's writing style was eclectic and quirky. Having read 3 of his books, his characters grew in their development and grew on me too. Only Jack was still the same. His nicknames and saying odd things at supposedly wrong times were constant.
British humor and slang words were the same as from the first book. The story were interspersed with spies, conspiracy, and murders which maintained the thrill. All of them were well tied at the end by the author.
Well recommended for readers who love the British humor with colorful slangs in an eccentric police procedural.
July 21, 2017
Jack Austin (teasingly called Jane Austin by his colleagues) is an endearing Inspector Clouseau type character who has a habit of inadvertently thinking out loud and mispronouncing words.
Newly married to Detective Amanda Bruce, he's on medical leave from MI5 (or is he?). But that doesn't keep him from helping his new wife, with the murder, conspiracy and fraud cases perplexing the local police.
Ragman is a delightful read and lovers of British humor will enjoy the comedic situations and larger than life characters that populate the seaside town of Portsmouth.
Newly married to Detective Amanda Bruce, he's on medical leave from MI5 (or is he?). But that doesn't keep him from helping his new wife, with the murder, conspiracy and fraud cases perplexing the local police.
Ragman is a delightful read and lovers of British humor will enjoy the comedic situations and larger than life characters that populate the seaside town of Portsmouth.
July 18, 2020
Jack has retired from active duty. But now he decides to help his wife superintendent Amanda needs his help and Jack decides to solve a case.
Jack is an enjoyable character both as a detective and the way he goes about the case.
Enjoyed it.
Jack is an enjoyable character both as a detective and the way he goes about the case.
Enjoyed it.
October 15, 2019
‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’ is the fourth book in the ‘Kind Hearts & Marinets’ series. It’s also the fourth of Pete’s books that I have read and enjoyed. I really enjoyed reading ‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’ but more about that in a bit.
The characters in ‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’ are a mixed but very interesting bunch. The main character is DCI Jack Austin. He had been on honeymoon in France but for one reason and another the honeymoon comes to an end. Austin is under a fair bit of pressure at work too thanks to an ambitious fellow detective, who steps on Austin’s toes in more ways than way. To say that Austin’s ego is bruised seems a bit of an understatement. Austin has a lot on his plate both at work and at home. A rather rotund gangster goes missing and a banker in France is murdered. Can Austin solve both cases? Will Austin’s ego survive or will it be further bruised? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Pete has done it again and he has written a very interesting and entertaining book, which on occasion had me chuckling away to myself. I found it extremely difficult to put this book to one side for very long. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but because I was enjoying the book so much I read more than any two chapters. It will comes as no surprise to learn that I sped through this book and it felt as though I had reached the end what felt like 5 minutes after having started reading the book. I had lost all track of time whilst reading ‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’. I was so focused on the book that I was able to concentrate solely on the book and I was able to shut out all other distractions.
‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’ is really well written but then I think all of Pete’s books are well written. He certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and he keeps that attention all the way through the book by keeping the characters interesting and the storylines quirky and having a fair few twists and turns along the way. As I alluded to above, I found myself chuckling away as I was reading the book, which is all thanks to Pete’s sense of humour, which is ‘different’ and which might not be everybody’s cup of tea but it was certainly on my wavelength.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’. Pete has written one hell of a fantastic and quirky read. I would definitely recommend this author and his books to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Pete’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 4* out of 5*.
The characters in ‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’ are a mixed but very interesting bunch. The main character is DCI Jack Austin. He had been on honeymoon in France but for one reason and another the honeymoon comes to an end. Austin is under a fair bit of pressure at work too thanks to an ambitious fellow detective, who steps on Austin’s toes in more ways than way. To say that Austin’s ego is bruised seems a bit of an understatement. Austin has a lot on his plate both at work and at home. A rather rotund gangster goes missing and a banker in France is murdered. Can Austin solve both cases? Will Austin’s ego survive or will it be further bruised? Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
Pete has done it again and he has written a very interesting and entertaining book, which on occasion had me chuckling away to myself. I found it extremely difficult to put this book to one side for very long. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but because I was enjoying the book so much I read more than any two chapters. It will comes as no surprise to learn that I sped through this book and it felt as though I had reached the end what felt like 5 minutes after having started reading the book. I had lost all track of time whilst reading ‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’. I was so focused on the book that I was able to concentrate solely on the book and I was able to shut out all other distractions.
‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’ is really well written but then I think all of Pete’s books are well written. He certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and he keeps that attention all the way through the book by keeping the characters interesting and the storylines quirky and having a fair few twists and turns along the way. As I alluded to above, I found myself chuckling away as I was reading the book, which is all thanks to Pete’s sense of humour, which is ‘different’ and which might not be everybody’s cup of tea but it was certainly on my wavelength.
In short, I really enjoyed reading ‘Ghost & Ragman Roll’. Pete has written one hell of a fantastic and quirky read. I would definitely recommend this author and his books to other readers. I will definitely be reading more of Pete’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board just has to be 4* out of 5*.
October 14, 2019
This is #4 in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series by Pete Adams. It can be read as a stand-alone but you are missing out on a lot of fun and mayhem if you haven’t read the other 3.
DCI Jack Austin or Jane as he is known to friends and foe alike, is on his honeymoon in France. He’s finally married Mandy (Detective Superintendent Amanda Bruce).
They are approached by various men of different agencies with tales of murder, conspiracies and of course spooks. From the murder of a banker, to the abduction of a hotel manager….how are these linked?
With Jack’s madcap humour, his habit of mixing up words and frequently speaking his thoughts out loud there are many laughs, but underneath is a social and political commentary…
Will Jack get through a case without being shot this time?
As always a thoroughly entertaining police procedural that makes you think.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
DCI Jack Austin or Jane as he is known to friends and foe alike, is on his honeymoon in France. He’s finally married Mandy (Detective Superintendent Amanda Bruce).
They are approached by various men of different agencies with tales of murder, conspiracies and of course spooks. From the murder of a banker, to the abduction of a hotel manager….how are these linked?
With Jack’s madcap humour, his habit of mixing up words and frequently speaking his thoughts out loud there are many laughs, but underneath is a social and political commentary…
Will Jack get through a case without being shot this time?
As always a thoroughly entertaining police procedural that makes you think.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
May 31, 2017
This is the first DCI Jack Austin book but that didn't cause any problems in understanding the characters in this book. I was totally amused with DCI Austin and his unusual way of solving crimes. He has an comical and light hearted way to find the gangster that is missing, I couldn't help but like him and feel for his wife who has to make sense of all he does. I loved this book and found myself laughing out loud in the most inappropriate of places so just be careful where you read this. I loved the almost slapstick way he managed to get through life and couldn't help warming to the sometimes colorful language he uses, I am definitely going to purchase the previous books.
Thank ou to NetGalley for the copy of the book.
Thank ou to NetGalley for the copy of the book.
September 19, 2019
Jack Austin is back, with his mispronunctiation, his malfunctioning wardrobe, and his team of long suffering detectives, and his MI5 contacts, he is officially on sick leave, but still manages to get involved in yet another plot to destabilise the government and society. with armed thugs in Porstmouth football shirts on the loose, Jack is joined by Della, a detective inspector from London, who his team finds, is almost a female copy of Jack.
You need to be quick on the uptake with this installment of the author's incredibly funny yet serious series featuring DCI Jack Austin. Read a couple of the earlier books in the series first to identify with the characters and you'll enjoy this one much more. I loved it!
You need to be quick on the uptake with this installment of the author's incredibly funny yet serious series featuring DCI Jack Austin. Read a couple of the earlier books in the series first to identify with the characters and you'll enjoy this one much more. I loved it!
June 23, 2017
This hilarious tale had me in stitches. The reader is introduced to a barrel full of laughs as they romp along with the escapades of DCI Jack Austin who becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious crimes, thanks to his foreign counterparts showing up at Jack's honeymoon destination. He's not your typical handsome good guy either, more like the ugly duckling of the squad, but the author uses such genteel eccentricity in his writing that you can't help but love the characters. A hilarious read that reminded me in parts of the brilliant stories of Alexander McCall Smith.
July 6, 2022
GHOST AND RAGMAN ROLL
Pete Adams
Jack (Jane) Austin and Mandy return in this fourth book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series. Once again the story is set in Portsmouth, and once again the theme twangs at the social conscience of the reader, if he or she can stop laughing at the repartee, gags and fascinating, unique characters that spring from the author’s imagination. Although the author uses humour, quirky characters and often-ridiculous situations, they are only a vehicle to carry his serious message.
Each character is a caricature of reality; exaggerated, laced with sometimes bitter stories, but each revealing a facet of society, frequently subtle, understated and occasionally blasted into the face of the reader.
Jack Austin, the main character (I’d hesitate to call Jack a hero) is a man hard to ignore. Big in body and personality, he could never be a film star on mainstream television, but his staff cope with him, and seem to like him. Often written in Cockney slang and peppered with references to long-gone television programmes, Ghost and Ragman Roll is an explosion of a book.
The title relates to a piece of royal dupery from the late 13th century, when an English king attempted to get the nobility of Scotland to swear allegiance to him. Instead of a docile acceptance, that arrogant king got William Wallace and three decades of war that England lost. In Adam’s book, the ragged, and equally arrogant, attempts to grab power lead to deaths and disaster off Portsmouth.
The reader is left gasping, and ready to reach for the next volume in the series.
Five stars all the way.
Pete Adams
Jack (Jane) Austin and Mandy return in this fourth book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series. Once again the story is set in Portsmouth, and once again the theme twangs at the social conscience of the reader, if he or she can stop laughing at the repartee, gags and fascinating, unique characters that spring from the author’s imagination. Although the author uses humour, quirky characters and often-ridiculous situations, they are only a vehicle to carry his serious message.
Each character is a caricature of reality; exaggerated, laced with sometimes bitter stories, but each revealing a facet of society, frequently subtle, understated and occasionally blasted into the face of the reader.
Jack Austin, the main character (I’d hesitate to call Jack a hero) is a man hard to ignore. Big in body and personality, he could never be a film star on mainstream television, but his staff cope with him, and seem to like him. Often written in Cockney slang and peppered with references to long-gone television programmes, Ghost and Ragman Roll is an explosion of a book.
The title relates to a piece of royal dupery from the late 13th century, when an English king attempted to get the nobility of Scotland to swear allegiance to him. Instead of a docile acceptance, that arrogant king got William Wallace and three decades of war that England lost. In Adam’s book, the ragged, and equally arrogant, attempts to grab power lead to deaths and disaster off Portsmouth.
The reader is left gasping, and ready to reach for the next volume in the series.
Five stars all the way.
November 23, 2020
I was recommended the first in this series and as soon as I started reading, I downloaded the next book. The same thing has happened and I'm currently reading book five. The author has a way of writing about DCI Jack 'Jane' Austin, his main character, in such a way that even really hard hitting topics have some underlying humour with his antics.
There is also a love story flowing through these books and it's wonderful to discover how it progresses. As a reader, we want Jack to find true love and wonder how on earth it happens with the mishaps that follow him around! Luckily the powerful female characters, like Mandy, are also superbly written and together they all provide us with another captivating story. This book can be read as a standalone, but then you'd be missing out on the other reads. This is a crime novel with a twist and it keeps you turning page after page and makes you anxious to find out what capers Jack, Mandy and their team will get into next, or more realistically, what mayhem Jack will bring into their lives. This story is full of an array of interesting crimes to be solved, murders, conspiracy and suspense. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
There is also a love story flowing through these books and it's wonderful to discover how it progresses. As a reader, we want Jack to find true love and wonder how on earth it happens with the mishaps that follow him around! Luckily the powerful female characters, like Mandy, are also superbly written and together they all provide us with another captivating story. This book can be read as a standalone, but then you'd be missing out on the other reads. This is a crime novel with a twist and it keeps you turning page after page and makes you anxious to find out what capers Jack, Mandy and their team will get into next, or more realistically, what mayhem Jack will bring into their lives. This story is full of an array of interesting crimes to be solved, murders, conspiracy and suspense. I can't wait to find out what happens next.
October 11, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and to Emma Welton of damppebbles blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
First things first: ‘Ragman roll’ is an obsolete term for records of royal allegiance, but has taken on the colloquial meaning ‘rigmarole’. Which cleverly mimics our very own Mr Malacopperism, Jack ‘Jane’ Austin’s way of speaking in obscure references and slightly wrong words. Are you not diverted?
Yes, Jane and his merry crew of spooks and misfits are back to solve more high-level political crime, whilst masquerading as childish, clueless buffoons. (Did I…? Yes!)
This is the fourth book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series, and the first one which I have felt could truly stand alone if necessary. Pete Adams slips explanations and definitions in with the action of the first few chapters, catching the reader up nicely without slowing the pace. I would still recommend reading them all in order, but that’s because a) they are worth it and b) I have ‘order’ issues!
I found the pace of this book slightly less manic, and the plot less chaotic, than the previous books in the series, perhaps reflecting Jack’s more settled home life, or that his mental health issues that are being brought to the surface and dealt with as the series progresses. His thinking, however, is as delightfully disordered as ever so the reader can still buckle up to enjoy the dinlo ride. Plus this time it’s double trouble, as we meet the lovely Della and everyone learns – to their horror and amusement – that they may have forgotten to break Jack’s mould. Jo Jums, for one, is just thrilled to realise she know has two of them to deal with!
There are the usual bizarre and slapstick shenanigans – this time featuring Northern pigeons, Cockney sparrows and rather a lot of friendly fire. There is some love (generally represented in the typical British style by a lot of taking the piss), some violence, and enough political morality to make the point without hammering it in.
This series is a breath of fresh air, Jane Austin is a national treasure, and Mandy is definitely a saint. I am looking forward to seeing what the big eejit blunders wildly into next.
Jack whispered to Mandy the bloke needed the space, as he reckoned it was the Fat Controller out of Thomas the Tank Engine, minus the top hat; although Jack thought he looked a right top hat.
Mandy smiled politely at Jack’s cockney rhyming slang, suggested he was not a pratt, as the man commanded the floor for a speech. She whispered quickly, ‘He’s the Mayor, the red, white and blue sash around his belly is the giveaway bit, dinlo,’ and she shushed his anticipated retort, which he resented as he hadn’t even thought of one.
– Pete Adams, Ghost and Ragman Roll
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
First things first: ‘Ragman roll’ is an obsolete term for records of royal allegiance, but has taken on the colloquial meaning ‘rigmarole’. Which cleverly mimics our very own Mr Malacopperism, Jack ‘Jane’ Austin’s way of speaking in obscure references and slightly wrong words. Are you not diverted?
Yes, Jane and his merry crew of spooks and misfits are back to solve more high-level political crime, whilst masquerading as childish, clueless buffoons. (Did I…? Yes!)
This is the fourth book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series, and the first one which I have felt could truly stand alone if necessary. Pete Adams slips explanations and definitions in with the action of the first few chapters, catching the reader up nicely without slowing the pace. I would still recommend reading them all in order, but that’s because a) they are worth it and b) I have ‘order’ issues!
I found the pace of this book slightly less manic, and the plot less chaotic, than the previous books in the series, perhaps reflecting Jack’s more settled home life, or that his mental health issues that are being brought to the surface and dealt with as the series progresses. His thinking, however, is as delightfully disordered as ever so the reader can still buckle up to enjoy the dinlo ride. Plus this time it’s double trouble, as we meet the lovely Della and everyone learns – to their horror and amusement – that they may have forgotten to break Jack’s mould. Jo Jums, for one, is just thrilled to realise she know has two of them to deal with!
There are the usual bizarre and slapstick shenanigans – this time featuring Northern pigeons, Cockney sparrows and rather a lot of friendly fire. There is some love (generally represented in the typical British style by a lot of taking the piss), some violence, and enough political morality to make the point without hammering it in.
This series is a breath of fresh air, Jane Austin is a national treasure, and Mandy is definitely a saint. I am looking forward to seeing what the big eejit blunders wildly into next.
Jack whispered to Mandy the bloke needed the space, as he reckoned it was the Fat Controller out of Thomas the Tank Engine, minus the top hat; although Jack thought he looked a right top hat.
Mandy smiled politely at Jack’s cockney rhyming slang, suggested he was not a pratt, as the man commanded the floor for a speech. She whispered quickly, ‘He’s the Mayor, the red, white and blue sash around his belly is the giveaway bit, dinlo,’ and she shushed his anticipated retort, which he resented as he hadn’t even thought of one.
– Pete Adams, Ghost and Ragman Roll
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
November 11, 2023
Jane (Jack) Austin is such an endearing character, I could read him all day. In Ghost and Ragman Roll, the fourth Kind Hearts and Martinets book, Pete Adams has brought Jack’s quirky personality into greater relief by reflecting it off his new wife, Mandy.
Chief Inspector Jack has a keen nose for bad guys, but is fairly useless at most other policing skills. But having remembered to collect his CBE when retiring from MI5, he forgot to actually retire - so has an extra string to his crime fighting bow. Mandy is surprised to see Jack has also forgotten to retire from the police, despite young pretenders snapping at his ankles.
So, Mandy drags Jack to Northern France on honeymoon to escape the grunge and crime of Portsmouth Community Policing, only to have it follow them across the English Channel and back again, initially in the form of one French Henri from military intelligence, dropping them into deep custard, and the death of a banker at the hands of fascist reprobates operating out of a busy ferry route.
Don’t forget, if your schoolboy French fails you, just shout your speech at Monsieur le Maire in English words, that sound vaguely French.
An excellent book four, as fresh as book one. Totally intriguing, ridiculously humorous, and highly recommended
Chief Inspector Jack has a keen nose for bad guys, but is fairly useless at most other policing skills. But having remembered to collect his CBE when retiring from MI5, he forgot to actually retire - so has an extra string to his crime fighting bow. Mandy is surprised to see Jack has also forgotten to retire from the police, despite young pretenders snapping at his ankles.
So, Mandy drags Jack to Northern France on honeymoon to escape the grunge and crime of Portsmouth Community Policing, only to have it follow them across the English Channel and back again, initially in the form of one French Henri from military intelligence, dropping them into deep custard, and the death of a banker at the hands of fascist reprobates operating out of a busy ferry route.
Don’t forget, if your schoolboy French fails you, just shout your speech at Monsieur le Maire in English words, that sound vaguely French.
An excellent book four, as fresh as book one. Totally intriguing, ridiculously humorous, and highly recommended
April 16, 2021
Ghost and Ragman Roll is the fourth in the Kind Hearts and Martinets Series and this time our sleuth DCI Jack Austin and Superintendent Amanda Bruce are on their honeymoon when he is called back to Portsmouth to deal with a disappearance and a murder. What unfolds kept me by turns drawn into the humour and intimacy, and on the edge of my seat in this impossibly addictive tale.
I appreciate the careful handling of Austin’s PTSD, and the shifting of perspective between him and Mandy allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of the man and his mental health.
This series goes from strength to strength. Adams has a penchant for showcasing the politics and social issues of the day and juxtaposes the gravitas with whacky mayhem and buffoonery. The banter amongst the officers is relentless and highly entertaining. Yet it is the solving of the case that matters in any crime series and all the suspense that comes with both, and Adams handles the balance with aplomb.
Adams has a unique voice in the genre and provides his readers with refreshingly upbeat and innovative tales. Highly recommended.
I appreciate the careful handling of Austin’s PTSD, and the shifting of perspective between him and Mandy allowing for a more nuanced portrayal of the man and his mental health.
This series goes from strength to strength. Adams has a penchant for showcasing the politics and social issues of the day and juxtaposes the gravitas with whacky mayhem and buffoonery. The banter amongst the officers is relentless and highly entertaining. Yet it is the solving of the case that matters in any crime series and all the suspense that comes with both, and Adams handles the balance with aplomb.
Adams has a unique voice in the genre and provides his readers with refreshingly upbeat and innovative tales. Highly recommended.
March 8, 2021
Ghost and Ragman–roll: by Pete Adams
I really enjoyed reading this quirky novel. This is a detective story full of murder, conspiracy, suspense, spies and political crime.
When a gangster goes missing and a banker is murdered Austen has a lot to deal with. Especially with an ambitious underling who is hot on his heels. As usual, our main character manages to get himself and others into some crazy scrapes caused by his idiotic ideas and/or mispronounced verbiage where you sometimes wonder if they’ll make it out alive.
There is the usual love theme running through it between the main character Jack (Jane) Austin and Mandy as he drives her to distraction once again and she tolerates his wacky, weird personality. Charging through everything is the underlying humour that shines through no matter what the circumstances Austin manages to get himself involved in.
A good, fun read, full of British humour, colloquialisms and mayhem.
I really enjoyed reading this quirky novel. This is a detective story full of murder, conspiracy, suspense, spies and political crime.
When a gangster goes missing and a banker is murdered Austen has a lot to deal with. Especially with an ambitious underling who is hot on his heels. As usual, our main character manages to get himself and others into some crazy scrapes caused by his idiotic ideas and/or mispronounced verbiage where you sometimes wonder if they’ll make it out alive.
There is the usual love theme running through it between the main character Jack (Jane) Austin and Mandy as he drives her to distraction once again and she tolerates his wacky, weird personality. Charging through everything is the underlying humour that shines through no matter what the circumstances Austin manages to get himself involved in.
A good, fun read, full of British humour, colloquialisms and mayhem.
September 25, 2019
4 Stars from me
I've committed the worst of crimes and read this book without having read books 1-3 of the Kind Hearts and Martinets series, however I am relieved to say that it works really well on it's own.
Being new to the series, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and was therefore surprised by the level of humour within the book as we follow main character DCI Jack Austin being virtually Clouseau-esque during his Paris escapades while he is meant to be off duty on his honeymoon.
This unusual take on a crime thriller with entertainment throughout from DCI Jack (Jane) Austin made for a dollop of light relief in my usual dank murder-filled to be read pile!
My thanks to Damp Pebbles blog tours for letting me take part.
Synopsis: Ghost and Ragman Roll is Book 4 in the bestselling Kind Hearts and Martinets crime series, featuring the eponymous Portsmouth detective DCI Jack (Jane) Austin. DCI Jack Austin is trying to enjoy his honeymoon with Detective Superintendent Amanda Bruce. But it soon becomes a busman's holiday (or the crime busting equivalent) with news of a turf war in Portsmouth, a missing obese gangster who turns up skinny, and the seemingly unconnected murder of a banker in Paris. When an ambitious new detective arrives on Jack's patch and starts making waves, he knows the time has come to get back to Southsea and protect not just his rather tarnished reputation, but those who truly matter to him. Ghost and Ragman Roll is another criminally funny romp with the world's greatest - or is that worst? - police detective, DI Jack (Jane) Austin.
I've committed the worst of crimes and read this book without having read books 1-3 of the Kind Hearts and Martinets series, however I am relieved to say that it works really well on it's own.
Being new to the series, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect and was therefore surprised by the level of humour within the book as we follow main character DCI Jack Austin being virtually Clouseau-esque during his Paris escapades while he is meant to be off duty on his honeymoon.
This unusual take on a crime thriller with entertainment throughout from DCI Jack (Jane) Austin made for a dollop of light relief in my usual dank murder-filled to be read pile!
My thanks to Damp Pebbles blog tours for letting me take part.
Synopsis: Ghost and Ragman Roll is Book 4 in the bestselling Kind Hearts and Martinets crime series, featuring the eponymous Portsmouth detective DCI Jack (Jane) Austin. DCI Jack Austin is trying to enjoy his honeymoon with Detective Superintendent Amanda Bruce. But it soon becomes a busman's holiday (or the crime busting equivalent) with news of a turf war in Portsmouth, a missing obese gangster who turns up skinny, and the seemingly unconnected murder of a banker in Paris. When an ambitious new detective arrives on Jack's patch and starts making waves, he knows the time has come to get back to Southsea and protect not just his rather tarnished reputation, but those who truly matter to him. Ghost and Ragman Roll is another criminally funny romp with the world's greatest - or is that worst? - police detective, DI Jack (Jane) Austin.
May 29, 2017
The fourth book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series finds DCI Jack Austin on honeymoon with Detective Superintendent Amanda Bruce. However, with a missing gangster back in Blighty and a murder in Paris, Jack sets out to help the local plods (and a rival detective) join up the criminal dots.
I hadn't read the other books in the series and, while the characters' previous antics weren't difficult to keep up with, it would have been sensible to start at the beginning. Pete Adams writes in a style not often seen these days - he seems to have created his characters from a very English set of moulds, blending a nicely-judged sideline in slang with classic slapstick craziness, reminiscent of Norman Wisdom and John Cleese. Though I sometimes had to re-read sections to understand exactly what was going on, I have to admit I did laugh a lot (sometimes even out loud!)
If you like your cop capers a bit on the mad side, this series should satisfy very nicely, thankyou.
I hadn't read the other books in the series and, while the characters' previous antics weren't difficult to keep up with, it would have been sensible to start at the beginning. Pete Adams writes in a style not often seen these days - he seems to have created his characters from a very English set of moulds, blending a nicely-judged sideline in slang with classic slapstick craziness, reminiscent of Norman Wisdom and John Cleese. Though I sometimes had to re-read sections to understand exactly what was going on, I have to admit I did laugh a lot (sometimes even out loud!)
If you like your cop capers a bit on the mad side, this series should satisfy very nicely, thankyou.
June 28, 2017
This is the first book of Pete's that I have read and, even though it is book four of the series, it works really well on it's own. Due to the fact that I haven't read any of his books before I wasn't sure what I was getting myself into, but it is a very funny book, with the main character DCI Jack Austin being extremely funny when he is in Paris and tries to blend in, even when half the different police forces in the world happen to appear and meet him whilst he is supposed to be off duty on his honeymoon.
Jack (or Jane as he is known) is a very funny character, who speaks his mind and has to be reigned in by his wife throughout, and uses colourful language throughout the book, but it all adds to his charm.
The story follows him as he helps investigate a missing gangster in England and a murder in Paris, and the story flows really well throughout.
If you enjoy your crime books with lots of humour then this is the book for you.
Jack (or Jane as he is known) is a very funny character, who speaks his mind and has to be reigned in by his wife throughout, and uses colourful language throughout the book, but it all adds to his charm.
The story follows him as he helps investigate a missing gangster in England and a murder in Paris, and the story flows really well throughout.
If you enjoy your crime books with lots of humour then this is the book for you.
May 28, 2017
I picked up this book for review on NetGalley as I'd spoken to the author on a group page and he mentioned it coming up.
This is my first book for this author and knowing it's the 4th book and I've now purchased books 1-3 so I can get the full story.
Loved being introduced to Jack and his motley crew who both love and manage him and his wild ways.
This man is a force of nature and prone to whimsy and deep depth and I enjoyed watching him interact with the other characters.
I enjoyed the relevance used with today's issues made a good point throughout.
This was a clever thought provoking story and I look forward to future stories with this eclectic group of people.
This is my first book for this author and knowing it's the 4th book and I've now purchased books 1-3 so I can get the full story.
Loved being introduced to Jack and his motley crew who both love and manage him and his wild ways.
This man is a force of nature and prone to whimsy and deep depth and I enjoyed watching him interact with the other characters.
I enjoyed the relevance used with today's issues made a good point throughout.
This was a clever thought provoking story and I look forward to future stories with this eclectic group of people.
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