What do you think?
Rate this book
Inspector Thanet #9
Miris pirms rītausmas
Sniegotā februāra rītā netālu no savas ģimenes mājas tiek atrasts miris Leo Mārtindeils, kurš tikko atgriezies dzimtajā pusē pēc vairāk nekā divdesmit gadu ilgas prombūtnes, lai saņemtu visai ievērojamu mantojumu. Vai tas ir nelaimes gadījums? Inspektoram Tenetam rodas aizdomas, ka notikusi slepkavība. Viņam izdodas noskaidrot, ka Leo Mārtindeils ticis sagaidīts visai nelaipni. Asa uzņemšana māsas ģimenē, naidīga attieksme vietējā alus bārā, dzēlīgas piezīmes uz ielas. Mārtindeila ģimene un vietējie iedzīvotāji ir dīvaini atturīgi, runājot par naidu, ko viņš modinājis pret sevi, un ilgās prombūtnes iemesliem.
Izmeklēšanas gaitā inspektors Tenets nāk uz pēdām vairākiem cilvēkiem, kuri varētu būt ieinteresēti Leo Mārtindeila nāvē, un noskaidro, ka pilnīgi visiem aizdomās turētajiem bijusi iespēja izdarīt šo noziegumu.
Izmeklēšanas gaitā inspektors Tenets nāk uz pēdām vairākiem cilvēkiem, kuri varētu būt ieinteresēti Leo Mārtindeila nāvē, un noskaidro, ka pilnīgi visiem aizdomās turētajiem bijusi iespēja izdarīt šo noziegumu.
390 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1989
351 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Simpson
38 books118 followersDorothy Preece Simpson writes...
"I was born and brought up in South Wales, went to Bridgend Grammar School and then on to Bristol University, where I read modern languages before moving to Kent, the background of the Thanet novels, to teach French at Dartford and Erith Grammar Schools.
Moving to the Maidstone area on my marriage, I then spent several years devoting myself to bringing up my three children. During that time I trained as a marriage guidance counsellor and subsequently worked as one for thirteen years.
You may think that marriage guidance counsellor to crime writer is rather a peculiar career move, but although I didn’t realise it at the time, of course, the training I received was the best possible preparation for writing detective novels. Murder mysteries are all about relationships which go disastrously wrong and the insights I gained into what makes people tick, into their interaction and motivations, have been absolutely invaluable to DI Thanet, my series character, as have the interviewing skills I acquired during my years of counselling.
I began to write after a long illness in 1975. The success of my first book, a suspense novel called HARBINGERS OF FEAR, gave me sufficient impetus to carry me through the two rejections which followed - very disheartening at the time, but invaluable in retrospect.
It was during this period that I realised that the crime novel is of such diversity that it offers enormous scope to the writer and decided to attempt to lay the foundation for a series of detective novels in my next book. This was the THE NIGHT SHE DIED." This was the first in a 15 book series starring Detective Inspector Luke Thanet. Severe repetitive stress injury caused her to stop writing in 2000.
She is an award winning author, receiving a Silver Dagger Award from the Crime Writers' Association of Great Britain.
"I was born and brought up in South Wales, went to Bridgend Grammar School and then on to Bristol University, where I read modern languages before moving to Kent, the background of the Thanet novels, to teach French at Dartford and Erith Grammar Schools.
Moving to the Maidstone area on my marriage, I then spent several years devoting myself to bringing up my three children. During that time I trained as a marriage guidance counsellor and subsequently worked as one for thirteen years.
You may think that marriage guidance counsellor to crime writer is rather a peculiar career move, but although I didn’t realise it at the time, of course, the training I received was the best possible preparation for writing detective novels. Murder mysteries are all about relationships which go disastrously wrong and the insights I gained into what makes people tick, into their interaction and motivations, have been absolutely invaluable to DI Thanet, my series character, as have the interviewing skills I acquired during my years of counselling.
I began to write after a long illness in 1975. The success of my first book, a suspense novel called HARBINGERS OF FEAR, gave me sufficient impetus to carry me through the two rejections which followed - very disheartening at the time, but invaluable in retrospect.
It was during this period that I realised that the crime novel is of such diversity that it offers enormous scope to the writer and decided to attempt to lay the foundation for a series of detective novels in my next book. This was the THE NIGHT SHE DIED." This was the first in a 15 book series starring Detective Inspector Luke Thanet. Severe repetitive stress injury caused her to stop writing in 2000.
She is an award winning author, receiving a Silver Dagger Award from the Crime Writers' Association of Great Britain.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
January 8, 2021
I enjoy this series so much, Luke Thanet is not an electrifying or a bumbling detective, but a slow and steady problem solver, and a great family man, both as a husband and father. This book introduces a new superintendent, Draco, who is vastly different from the previous one, much more a hands on type with both Thanet and Lineham dreading his presence at the crime scene. I liked the setting for this murder, a large country house hotel, and a snowstorm to make things more difficult. The victim was totally unlikeable and therefore a raft of suspects await investigating. Well done mystery!
October 8, 2025
Dead by Morning (Inspector Thanet #9) by Dorothy Simpson
GR blurb -
Over the last year, Superintendent Draco has turned the little police station at Sturrenden upside down. A hard-driving, fiery Welshman, he has breathed new life into a stagnant police force, and Det. Inspector Luke Thanet has been forced to admit that even if he’s difficult to work with, Draco gets results. But when a body is found in the little village of Sutton-in-the-Weald the morning after a heavy snowstorm, Draco insists on overseeing the investigation—which means finding the killer won’t be Thanet’s only problem.
Leo Martindale returned to Sutton-in-the-Weald after twenty years to claim his inheritance. Two days later, he’s dead. Was the death an accident, a hit and run caused by icy roads—or was it murder? Thanet will have to ignore his boss breathing down his neck to find out the truth.
My thoughts -
Not one of my favorites. Circumstances that are not too believable and I can suspend disbelief only so much. Nevertheless, I thought the idea presented was pretty original - They knew that someone who had driven the hotel car during a certain period of time was the culprit. Then, they discovered how many folks not only had access to it but had in fact driven it that fateful evening.
Time to start thinking about the next in the series.
GR blurb -
Over the last year, Superintendent Draco has turned the little police station at Sturrenden upside down. A hard-driving, fiery Welshman, he has breathed new life into a stagnant police force, and Det. Inspector Luke Thanet has been forced to admit that even if he’s difficult to work with, Draco gets results. But when a body is found in the little village of Sutton-in-the-Weald the morning after a heavy snowstorm, Draco insists on overseeing the investigation—which means finding the killer won’t be Thanet’s only problem.
Leo Martindale returned to Sutton-in-the-Weald after twenty years to claim his inheritance. Two days later, he’s dead. Was the death an accident, a hit and run caused by icy roads—or was it murder? Thanet will have to ignore his boss breathing down his neck to find out the truth.
My thoughts -
Not one of my favorites. Circumstances that are not too believable and I can suspend disbelief only so much. Nevertheless, I thought the idea presented was pretty original - They knew that someone who had driven the hotel car during a certain period of time was the culprit. Then, they discovered how many folks not only had access to it but had in fact driven it that fateful evening.
Time to start thinking about the next in the series.
August 8, 2018
I am new to Dorothy Simpson's Inspector Thanet series (this is my second book) -- and, although it is "early days" I am not sure I am bonding with either Thanet or Simpson's writing.
Usually, the police procedural novel bores me to tears, but in this instance Thanet's relationship with his subordinate, and his boss, are the most interesting aspect of the books for me. Perhaps that is not saying much.
There were so many suspects in this case, and each had such a strong motive, that it truly was a case of wishing no one was caught for murdering this vile, vile man. But, that was not the case , and the resolution was sad and, perhaps, unsatisfactory.
It is a long, hot summer where I live and I have time for lots of light fiction, so despite my indifference to these books, this is probably not my last book in the series.
Usually, the police procedural novel bores me to tears, but in this instance Thanet's relationship with his subordinate, and his boss, are the most interesting aspect of the books for me. Perhaps that is not saying much.
There were so many suspects in this case, and each had such a strong motive, that it truly was a case of wishing no one was caught for murdering this vile, vile man. But, that was not the case , and the resolution was sad and, perhaps, unsatisfactory.
It is a long, hot summer where I live and I have time for lots of light fiction, so despite my indifference to these books, this is probably not my last book in the series.
April 24, 2022
I first started reading Dorothy Simpson’s books years ago after I’d finished bingeing on Agatha Christie. Not the same style but still enjoyable mysteries set in the countryside with a likeable DCI Luke Thanet.
This time Thanet has to solve the mysterious death of a man detested by nearly everyone in town. And this means nearly everyone is a suspect.
Simpson unfolds the mystery through Thanet’s persistent questioning of the townsfolk and sometimes in the interactions Thanet has with his colleagues and family. Thanet is an observant and determined problem solver but also tactful and kind when necessary.
As for the suspects - everyone has a believable motive and opportunity to carry out the crime. All involving matters of the heart, which makes the ending quite sad and devastating.
This time Thanet has to solve the mysterious death of a man detested by nearly everyone in town. And this means nearly everyone is a suspect.
Simpson unfolds the mystery through Thanet’s persistent questioning of the townsfolk and sometimes in the interactions Thanet has with his colleagues and family. Thanet is an observant and determined problem solver but also tactful and kind when necessary.
As for the suspects - everyone has a believable motive and opportunity to carry out the crime. All involving matters of the heart, which makes the ending quite sad and devastating.
June 6, 2020
You can always count on Dorothy Simpson to come up with a good mystery. This one’s answer required a bit of digging, but of course Inspector Thanet got it right amidst a whole bunch of people with understandable motives. Characters a bit predictable, but I always like the setting, in the countryside of England. And with no sordid or tawdry revelations.
January 24, 2023
A likeable perpetrator and an abhorrent victim. This one made me feel bad for the murderer.
August 27, 2018
I enjoyed this book a good bit better than a couple of the previous ones, and I think it's because the mystery is the focus instead of Thanet's current family crisis. Those are still present and, as always, Simpson connects his and Lineham's personal travails to something in the case. This time it's a bit more toned down, with less of the "we're such bad parents, what have we done" about it. There are plenty of twists and surprises in this one that I didn't see coming. The killer was a total surprise to me, and the reason was something I never saw coming. I would recommend it, but only if you've read at least a few of the early books. The series can probably be read in any order without too much confusion, but you'd be missing out on seeing the characters grow and change over time. That's half the fun of an Inspector Thanet story.
September 1, 2015
I haven't read one of Dorothy Simpson's mysteries. I remember now why I liked them. Likable detectives. Country murder. Murder victim with very few (if any) redeeming characteristics. Clean and crisp investigation.
If you need a new (but also older) mystery to try, try one of these.
If you need a new (but also older) mystery to try, try one of these.
January 31, 2024
A straightforward police procedural novel featuring Inspector Thanet and Sergeant Lineham. A body is found dead in a ditch following a snowstorm. The victim, a womanising chancer who is the brother of the country house hotel proprietor, and the scene is one of interwoven intrigue and deception with some surprising twists.
A good read. 3 stars.
A good read. 3 stars.
Read
March 10, 2024Lots of information that can sometimes be tricky to follow, but overall an easy read with lots of twists, turns, and surprises.
February 10, 2023
Luke and Joan Thanet are among the most well portrayed of couples who have been married a significant number of years. They’re awaiting the return from work one night of their teenage daughter, Bridget, who’s working as a cook for a year before going on to culinary school. The snow grows worse as the couple wait bathed in lamp light and worry. They wisely agree that Bridget doesn’t need a reception committee, and they go to bed. He regales her with stories of his new boss, a fiery Welshman who is obsessed with cleanliness and efficiency. Thanet reluctantly admits the new boss is a good addition to the Stirrenden station where he works.
Upon awakening the following morning, Thanet takes a call from a colleague who alerted him that a dog Walker found a body in a ditch in a small village near the police station. The snow is going to make the investigation hard enough. Worse still is the fact that Thanet’s new boss wants to head up the investigation. that is going to mean trouble and headaches for poor Inspector Thanet.
Delia Hamilton inherited an aging country estate. She assumed her brother, Leo Martindale, was dead. She hadn’t heard from him in years. Delia turned the shabby estate into a hotel, insisting it was the only way to make the old place pay its bills. It is to the renovated hotel that Leo comes the night before e dies. He seems unperturbed by the knowledge that his sister owns the house they grew up in and has converted it. But Leo isn’t much of a stellar character, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Even his teenage niece, Delia Hamilton’s daughter, referred to him as a “lounge lizard”—someone who makes a living entertaining wealthy women.
It’s Leo’s body they find in the snowy ditch. And Inspector Thanet must determine whether his death was accidental or murder.
I've enjoyed every book in this series. The best part is you don't have to read this in order. These are loosely confederated books that give you a glimpse into the life of the inspector, his wife and kids, and those with whom he works. I wish I could explain it better. You can pick up any book in this series in any order and just read and enjoy it.
One of the elements that makes this series charming is the depiction of the inspector with his wife, Joan, and their two children. Bridget, though somewhat reluctant to live the family plan, ultimately does. She is a solid 17-year-old who may push back now and then against this or that rule, but once the parents explain it to her and help her understand why the rule is necessary, she gets it. Any parent who has a daughter like that is fortunate indeed! Some of the other teenagers Simpson introduces you to in this book are not nearly as stellar in character as is Bridget. The marriage is also one you will enjoy reading about. Throughout the series, it has had its roller coaster moments. But on balance, it is solid and beneficial to both. I'm very rapidly nearing the end of the series, and I will miss the inspector and his wife. Naturally, I'll miss plotlines that are unfailingly interesting and often memorable.
Upon awakening the following morning, Thanet takes a call from a colleague who alerted him that a dog Walker found a body in a ditch in a small village near the police station. The snow is going to make the investigation hard enough. Worse still is the fact that Thanet’s new boss wants to head up the investigation. that is going to mean trouble and headaches for poor Inspector Thanet.
Delia Hamilton inherited an aging country estate. She assumed her brother, Leo Martindale, was dead. She hadn’t heard from him in years. Delia turned the shabby estate into a hotel, insisting it was the only way to make the old place pay its bills. It is to the renovated hotel that Leo comes the night before e dies. He seems unperturbed by the knowledge that his sister owns the house they grew up in and has converted it. But Leo isn’t much of a stellar character, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Even his teenage niece, Delia Hamilton’s daughter, referred to him as a “lounge lizard”—someone who makes a living entertaining wealthy women.
It’s Leo’s body they find in the snowy ditch. And Inspector Thanet must determine whether his death was accidental or murder.
I've enjoyed every book in this series. The best part is you don't have to read this in order. These are loosely confederated books that give you a glimpse into the life of the inspector, his wife and kids, and those with whom he works. I wish I could explain it better. You can pick up any book in this series in any order and just read and enjoy it.
One of the elements that makes this series charming is the depiction of the inspector with his wife, Joan, and their two children. Bridget, though somewhat reluctant to live the family plan, ultimately does. She is a solid 17-year-old who may push back now and then against this or that rule, but once the parents explain it to her and help her understand why the rule is necessary, she gets it. Any parent who has a daughter like that is fortunate indeed! Some of the other teenagers Simpson introduces you to in this book are not nearly as stellar in character as is Bridget. The marriage is also one you will enjoy reading about. Throughout the series, it has had its roller coaster moments. But on balance, it is solid and beneficial to both. I'm very rapidly nearing the end of the series, and I will miss the inspector and his wife. Naturally, I'll miss plotlines that are unfailingly interesting and often memorable.
July 15, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series of police procedural whodunnits involving the sensitive and empathetic DI Thanet and DS Lineham who are dogged and determined in their attempt to solve the murder of a serial philanderer and altogether nasty piece of work. Leo Martindale has reappeared on the scene after many years abroad determined to claim the inheritance of a large estate that has been turned into a thriving luxury hotel by his sister. We first encounter him as a dead body recovered from a snow-filled ditch just outside the gates of the hotel. Thanet is suspicious because the position of the body was unlikely to be due to a simple hit and run accident and therefore has to assume malicious intent - but by whom?
It becomes clear forensically that the vehicle responsible was owned by the hotel (thankfully, otherwise he’d have been wasting his time for 100 pages) but was used by literally everyone as a runabout and that most of the hotel staff, local farmers and the entire village were glad Martindale was dead.
Following a couple of days of exhaustive enquiry Thanet’s inspiration comes from the unlikely source of his boss, Superintendent Draco, the new broom who gets on Thanets nerves. Just remember, every seemingly trivial detail they encounter is significant.
I hate the term “Cosy Crime” and, applied to these marvellous books, undermines their genuine warmth and the intriguing nature of the mysteries contained within. It’s also great to follow the development of Thanet’s children and the way his wife and he deal with their inevitable rebellion.
Just two things irritated me slightly - be churlish not to mention them. 1. None of the Famous Five book titles contain the word Famous. 2. I don’t believe that everyone entitled to drive a company van would have their personal set of keys. I’ve never come across a situation where there are more than two sets and anyone wishing to use the van would surely have to collect them from reception. Just saying.
It becomes clear forensically that the vehicle responsible was owned by the hotel (thankfully, otherwise he’d have been wasting his time for 100 pages) but was used by literally everyone as a runabout and that most of the hotel staff, local farmers and the entire village were glad Martindale was dead.
Following a couple of days of exhaustive enquiry Thanet’s inspiration comes from the unlikely source of his boss, Superintendent Draco, the new broom who gets on Thanets nerves. Just remember, every seemingly trivial detail they encounter is significant.
I hate the term “Cosy Crime” and, applied to these marvellous books, undermines their genuine warmth and the intriguing nature of the mysteries contained within. It’s also great to follow the development of Thanet’s children and the way his wife and he deal with their inevitable rebellion.
Just two things irritated me slightly - be churlish not to mention them. 1. None of the Famous Five book titles contain the word Famous. 2. I don’t believe that everyone entitled to drive a company van would have their personal set of keys. I’ve never come across a situation where there are more than two sets and anyone wishing to use the van would surely have to collect them from reception. Just saying.
March 2, 2019
Was Martindale, the prodigal son returning after 25 years to claim his inheritance, involved in a hit/run accident or was it deliberate murder? No one is talking because all seem to be relieved that he's dead. {Thanet, waiting for a meeting to start - He was thinking about Martindale, about how extraordinary it was that anyone could arouse in so many people such a degree of animosity that it could survive apparently undiminished an interval of more than twenty years}
Thanet and Lineham must break through this barrier to find out the truth.
{Thanet talking over the case so far with his wife}
‘I’m just trying to work it out. Yes, I feel as though they’re all drawing closer to each other in a tight circle to prevent me from finding out the truth.’
‘And what d’you think the truth is?
Thanet shrugged. ‘No idea.’
You’re not suggesting that it was a communal plot to get rid of him!’
‘No. Oh no, nothing as bizarre as that. It’s just that I’m beginning to suspect that everyone is really rather relieved that he is dead and therefore feels a degree of gratitude to whoever was at the wheel of that van when it happened. So there’s a … well, a conspiracy of silence, if you like, to protect that person. No one wants to be suspected himself, but he’s going to make sure he doesn’t point the finger at anyone else. So far the only useful leads we’ve had are from outsiders.’ He sighed. ‘If it continues like that, it’ll be hard going.
Thanet and Lineham must break through this barrier to find out the truth.
{Thanet talking over the case so far with his wife}
‘I’m just trying to work it out. Yes, I feel as though they’re all drawing closer to each other in a tight circle to prevent me from finding out the truth.’
‘And what d’you think the truth is?
Thanet shrugged. ‘No idea.’
You’re not suggesting that it was a communal plot to get rid of him!’
‘No. Oh no, nothing as bizarre as that. It’s just that I’m beginning to suspect that everyone is really rather relieved that he is dead and therefore feels a degree of gratitude to whoever was at the wheel of that van when it happened. So there’s a … well, a conspiracy of silence, if you like, to protect that person. No one wants to be suspected himself, but he’s going to make sure he doesn’t point the finger at anyone else. So far the only useful leads we’ve had are from outsiders.’ He sighed. ‘If it continues like that, it’ll be hard going.
January 15, 2024
Maybe closer to 3.5 stars. I still enjoyed this book, but too many facts were hidden.
Lots of spoilers here:
Why was it never discussed whether a woman could move a body of a man to a ditch? It could be as easily as rolling his body, but not even a single mention. Mrs. Byfleet was supposed to be very sickly, but somehow nobody questioned whether she could physically do it.
The reliance on the timing gets pretty old. I am kind of tired of keeping track of who is doing what at what time. And it seems like the timing gets more and more tight, even though the time of death covers a pretty good range.
Of all the suspects, the only ones I wouldn't mind ending up being the killer were the Hamiltons (excluding the kids) and the Fevers (excluding Toby). The rest seem pretty likable character and I would feel bad for them.
What ever happened to Thanet's idea about computers?
Lots of spoilers here:
Why was it never discussed whether a woman could move a body of a man to a ditch? It could be as easily as rolling his body, but not even a single mention. Mrs. Byfleet was supposed to be very sickly, but somehow nobody questioned whether she could physically do it.
The reliance on the timing gets pretty old. I am kind of tired of keeping track of who is doing what at what time. And it seems like the timing gets more and more tight, even though the time of death covers a pretty good range.
Of all the suspects, the only ones I wouldn't mind ending up being the killer were the Hamiltons (excluding the kids) and the Fevers (excluding Toby). The rest seem pretty likable character and I would feel bad for them.
What ever happened to Thanet's idea about computers?
January 20, 2020
I enjoyed this installment in the series quite a lot. The relationships between Thanet, his family and co-workers were more lively and realistic (and modern!) then they've been in the past. Also, the mystery was particularly well done. It's a situation where a character, Leo Martindale, returned to town and pretty much everyone he came across had a reason to want him dead. With so many suspects, Thanet spends most of his time interviewing. The characters are sympathetic and well developed, so I found interesting because you're meeting so many colorful new characters.
This book kept me guessing until the end, and once the story got going, it was hard to put down. It stands alone fine, and is a strong installment in the series.
This book kept me guessing until the end, and once the story got going, it was hard to put down. It stands alone fine, and is a strong installment in the series.
Read
September 24, 2020This is the second book I have read where Simpson uses the trick of having a boy and a girl fall in love only to find out they are brother and sister. It was a nice ploy once but I don't think she needs to use it again. There was also another mystery where the child was the grandson of a woman who was never told that the child was her grandchild and that set the woman off in anger. There was also a birth that was handicapped who was killed by its grandmother and the mother later killed the grandmother in revenge. Simpson seems to focus on distorted and twisted family biological issues. I guess Thanet ought to be catching on to this pretty soon.
March 31, 2019
When Leo Martindale comes home to claim his inheritance, he doesn’t care that he is returning to a lot of people who have good reasons to carry mortal grudges. Sure enough, he is quickly found dead after a hit and run. His enemies draw together to protect each other, simply because they are so glad he’s gone. It’s up to Inspector Thanet to get past the wall. He doesn’t even know if it was deliberate murder, much less by whom.
Dorothy Simpson portrays the manor and village people with great humanity - not so much the ugly victim.
Read 2 times
Dorothy Simpson portrays the manor and village people with great humanity - not so much the ugly victim.
Read 2 times
June 16, 2020
I saw this book on one of the Kindle posts I get often. I didn't buy it for $1.99 or whatever the bargain price was. I downloaded a free sample--and got hooked! Then the price was higher so I purchased a used copy from Better World Books. I enjoyed reading a "real" book again. It was a good read and I was quite into reading it. But I found te ending and resolution of the crime very sad--and rather contrived. I guess there were so many who disliked Leo Martindale and were not sad about his death that the author had to choose one murderer and then give a back story. I may try another Thanet mystery.
January 23, 2022
I expected this installment to be better than the previous one as it had the right elements for an interesting plot. But it was just so-so as there was no development of the victim's character before he's killed off. I would have liked to be there for more interaction between Martindale and the other characters. As it was, the plot followed the book's blurb without bothering to fill in the details.
A weak installment in the series.
A weak installment in the series.
May 10, 2018
MANY suspects could have hit the despicable brother who has come back to his homeland and mansion after being away for decades and presumed dead. No lack of suspects as so many borrowed the hotel’s van the night he was hit and left in a ditch to die of exposure with the snowfall. Lots of “past” history stories which make almost all seem like a realistic suspect.
November 21, 2020
This was a bit like a closed room mystery. There are only so many people who had the keys to the weapon and they all deny murdering the scandalous suspect. Was it for love? hate? jealousy? envy? or all of the above that the man was run down in the freezing blizzard? You'll need to read to find out the answer from this clever book.
January 4, 2021
This my first Dorothy Simpson. I realize that I have come to love the writers of the late 80s and the 90s. The story gets right down to business.Not to much of what I call fill and very little personal stuff which is the way I like it. A likable inspector and sergeant, a pain of a supervisor and defiant witnesses. I will be reading more of her books.
January 9, 2023
Another good story with Thanet. I enjoy the way he works and his interactions with his people. I'm not as crazy about having so much of his personal life and kids involved in subplots not related to the main story. It adds depth and some of that is good, but there's almost always too much in this series. Lots of suspects with attitude, and a sad but good twist at the end.
January 1, 2019
I strongly recommend this series. Inspector Thanet is a policeman who has the belief that if he can understand the murder, he will find the murderer. But that doesn’t always mean it is clearly right and wrong.
July 7, 2019
I have read many of the Inspector Thanet novels and enjoyed them very much. This one I did not like. Many uncooperative and not very likeable characters. The end plot was a bit of a stretch and not worthy of Dorothy Simpson.
October 2, 2020
Quite Boring
Cardboard characters, unnecessary repetition, too many red herrings, and a don't care to hear about it recital of trips in the van result in a languishing little story.
Cardboard characters, unnecessary repetition, too many red herrings, and a don't care to hear about it recital of trips in the van result in a languishing little story.
November 25, 2020
Excellent!
I jumped ahead due to the book’s availability on Prime Reading. It was easy to catch up and the crime is very interesting. Suspects are literally everywhere, even in places you wouldn’t expect. Very enjoyable!
I jumped ahead due to the book’s availability on Prime Reading. It was easy to catch up and the crime is very interesting. Suspects are literally everywhere, even in places you wouldn’t expect. Very enjoyable!
July 18, 2024
Leo was not liked by anyone. He came home as an heir to a portion of a large estate. When he was murdered, Luke and Mike have numerous suspects. I liked the conclusion. It was not the most obvious perpetrator.
August 12, 2025
Very well written and I would like to find more books in the series.
Proper old fashioned detective work.
Of course it is actually old fashioned, I mean, no cell phones and such. But for people my age, that was the norm for most of their life.
Proper old fashioned detective work.
Of course it is actually old fashioned, I mean, no cell phones and such. But for people my age, that was the norm for most of their life.
Want to read
December 20, 2016I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14331316
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14331316
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews