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Death in Paradise #4
Murder in the Caribbean
DI Richard Poole is hot, bothered and fed up. He’s stuck on the tropical island of Saint-Marie, forced to live in a rickety old shack on a beach, and there isn’t a decent cup of tea to be found anywhere.
When a boat explodes in the harbour, Richard and his team soon realise there’s a murderer on the loose. But who is it? And why did the killer leave behind a ruby at a secondary crime scene?
As the police dig deeper, they uncover secrets that go back decades, and a crime from the past that can never be forgiven. Worse still, they soon understand that this is only the beginning. They’ve got to catch the killer before there's another death in paradise…
"Murder in the Caribbean' is an original story from Robert Thorogood, the creator and writer of the hit BBC One TV series, 'Death in Paradise,' which features everyone's on-screen favourite detective, DI Richard Poole.
When a boat explodes in the harbour, Richard and his team soon realise there’s a murderer on the loose. But who is it? And why did the killer leave behind a ruby at a secondary crime scene?
As the police dig deeper, they uncover secrets that go back decades, and a crime from the past that can never be forgiven. Worse still, they soon understand that this is only the beginning. They’ve got to catch the killer before there's another death in paradise…
"Murder in the Caribbean' is an original story from Robert Thorogood, the creator and writer of the hit BBC One TV series, 'Death in Paradise,' which features everyone's on-screen favourite detective, DI Richard Poole.
326 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2018
187 people are currently reading
2157 people want to read
About the author
Robert Thorogood
15 books2,229 followersRobert Thorogood is an English screenwriter. He is best known as the creator of the BBC 1 Murder Mystery Series, Death in Paradise.
Robert was educated at Uppingham School in Rutland and read History at Downing College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he toured with the university's student comedy troupe Footlights in 1993 and was elected President in 1994. Soon after leaving Cambridge, Robert set up a theatre company that toured small theatres and schools, the highlight of which was a production of Molière's The Miser that he directed and acted in alongside Robert Webb, David Mitchell and Olivia Colman.
Robert wrote for many years - selling scripts to the BBC, ITV and independent film companies - but before 2011 the only script of his that was actually broadcast was a Radio 4 afternoon play called From Abstraction about the life of Paul Wolfskehl.
In 2008, Robert entered the inaugural Red Planet Prize and was a chosen finalist, where he was able to pitch his 'Copper in the Caribbean' idea to Tony Jordan. By 2011, when the show was finally broadcast - making it Robert's first TV broadcast credit at the age of 39 - Robert had become something of a poster boy for 'never giving up on the dream'.
In January 2014, it was announced that Robert had signed a deal with MIRA Harlequin to write three Richard Poole Murder Mystery novels, with the first being published in hardback in January 2015.
Robert was educated at Uppingham School in Rutland and read History at Downing College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he toured with the university's student comedy troupe Footlights in 1993 and was elected President in 1994. Soon after leaving Cambridge, Robert set up a theatre company that toured small theatres and schools, the highlight of which was a production of Molière's The Miser that he directed and acted in alongside Robert Webb, David Mitchell and Olivia Colman.
Robert wrote for many years - selling scripts to the BBC, ITV and independent film companies - but before 2011 the only script of his that was actually broadcast was a Radio 4 afternoon play called From Abstraction about the life of Paul Wolfskehl.
In 2008, Robert entered the inaugural Red Planet Prize and was a chosen finalist, where he was able to pitch his 'Copper in the Caribbean' idea to Tony Jordan. By 2011, when the show was finally broadcast - making it Robert's first TV broadcast credit at the age of 39 - Robert had become something of a poster boy for 'never giving up on the dream'.
In January 2014, it was announced that Robert had signed a deal with MIRA Harlequin to write three Richard Poole Murder Mystery novels, with the first being published in hardback in January 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
December 31, 2018
It is always a pleasure to return to this series, although the author made us wait quite a bit for this new instalment! Nevertheless, here we have another compelling murder mystery that seems rather straightforward but of course isn’t :0)
I just love Detective Inspector Richard Poole with his grumpy, choleric, unsocial, attitude, utterly out of his comfort zone in the idyllic Caribbean island of Saint-Marie. To see him once more bumbling on, making all sorts of social faux-pas, and yet doggedly focused on finding out who is the murderer, is so much fun! The rest of the team is back too, from Camille with her fiery frenchness to happy-go-lucky Dwayne.
A very entertaining crime read, with a nice twist, for all that love Agatha Christie’s style.
I just love Detective Inspector Richard Poole with his grumpy, choleric, unsocial, attitude, utterly out of his comfort zone in the idyllic Caribbean island of Saint-Marie. To see him once more bumbling on, making all sorts of social faux-pas, and yet doggedly focused on finding out who is the murderer, is so much fun! The rest of the team is back too, from Camille with her fiery frenchness to happy-go-lucky Dwayne.
A very entertaining crime read, with a nice twist, for all that love Agatha Christie’s style.
May 15, 2019
(3.5) The key to maximum enjoyment of Robert Thorogood's Death in Paradise novels, I've discovered, is to read them in a hot climate. It's much easier to imagine yourself into DI Richard Poole's shoes – broiling in his wool suit under the scorching Saint-Marie sun – when you're baking on a sun lounger. Saving Murder in the Caribbean for a holiday is probably the reason it worked better for me than a couple of the others in the series. The plot is standard fare for cosy crime: a man disappears in suspicious circumstances; the suspect leaves a strange, showy clue behind; nothing seems to be coming together until the moment it all, wondrously, does. But as usual, the real joy is to be found in the dynamic between Richard, Camille, Dwayne and Fidel. I will never get tired of 'hearing' them bicker affectionately with one another, or hoping for that elusive Richard/Camille kiss. And now I'm off to rewatch series 1 and 2 (nothing after that is canon to me).
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July 17, 2021
Delightful, as always.
July 14, 2020
3.5, great fun read. I love the "death in paradise" series so listening to this audiobook was fab at bringing the characters and scenery to life. Was the mystery a particularly spectacular one? No not really, but it was fun nonetheless.
March 31, 2019
Ok, ok, man nebija taisnība. Vispār mana teorija bija izcila un ļoti pārdomāta. Un viltīga. Tai bija tikai viens trūkums - tā bija nepareiza. Ja es būtu mazliet apcerējusi vienīgo punktu, kas tajā īsti nesaskan, noteikti būtu drusku ātrāk nonākusi pie pareizās teorijas. Lai nu kā, šis tomēr nav autora labākais darbs, diezgan daudz paviršību (“pats sev redaktors” nekad nav laba ideja) un pārāk daudz priekšā teikšanas, lai būtu patiešām aizraujoši un interesanti. Bet nu šī sērija jau arī nav spriedzes meklēšanai. Esmu nedaudz vīlusies, bet gan jau to kaut kā pārcietīšu.
“But there are worse crimes than being a criminal.”
“But there are worse crimes than being a criminal.”
December 16, 2023
Another great read in this series, unfortunately this looks like its the last one so far which is a shame as I do enjoy them. Based on the Death in Paradise TV series I do hope he writes more. A good escapism.
July 11, 2023
A good end to all the books shame this was never televised maybe they could in the future in some kind of flashback again loved the humour and the original character line up Poole was one of my favourites along with Dwayne
May 16, 2022
If you're a fan of the show, you will absolutely love the novels in which it's based on. The characters are just as 3-dimensional, with their chemistry being as apparent through the page as it is on screen. The case itself isn't the most interesting, nor is it the best reveal, but it's still got enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. Even if you figure out who the culprit is, there's still fun to be had in reading how the team solve it. Thorogood's knack for writing ( to some degree ) comedic crime stories is almost unmatched, and those who want a place to start with that genre would do well to check him out!
November 18, 2022
Very good read…disappointed that is the last one. Although this book is the weakest of the series it is far superior to many books being sold as mysteries. The author in Poole has created a wonderful character…it is tough to see him go.
April 19, 2022
Another day, another death in paradise case...
I love this series so much!
I love this series so much!
November 18, 2025
Jeg vil ha mer murder mystery i Karibien med awkward, smarte Richard poole 😆🥲
December 24, 2018
Murder in the Caribbean is the fourth original story from the creator and writer of the hit BBC One TV series, Death in Paradise, featuring on-screen favourite detective, DI Richard Poole.
It's a contemporary crime mystery with fake jewels and murder. Set in the Caribbean(obviously) the scenic beauty of this book sucks you in. The plot is predictable yet quite engaging and refreshing. It's solid on the entertainment factor. Also, the humour is on point.
It's a light read and nothing intense. I had fun trying to guess who's done it!
It's a quick read. I finished it in two days and enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to read the other 3 books in the series.
It's a contemporary crime mystery with fake jewels and murder. Set in the Caribbean(obviously) the scenic beauty of this book sucks you in. The plot is predictable yet quite engaging and refreshing. It's solid on the entertainment factor. Also, the humour is on point.
It's a light read and nothing intense. I had fun trying to guess who's done it!
It's a quick read. I finished it in two days and enjoyed it very much. Looking forward to read the other 3 books in the series.
March 6, 2019
If you like cozy mysteries, then Robert Thorogood is the writer for you. I'm sure others have said this, but Thorogood reminds me of a modern day Agatha Christie. He uses the original detective from the "Death in Paradise" TV series as his protagonist. This is a smart choice because Richard Poole is definitely the most compelling of the three detectives who have taken the lead. Camille, Dwayne, and Fidel make up the rest of the team. If you enjoy the television series, then the novels will be an added treat. Each book is an easy read with a terrific mystery for the team to solve. This series is just plain fun.
May 20, 2023
Ok, so I have a bit of trouble reviewing this one as I find it hard to remain entirely objective. It is not a bad novel or a bad whodunnit and (which isn't really much of plot twist) the plot is different than it seems to be at first. That said, this isn't the style of a whodunnit that I want in my Death in Paradise stories. I read these books for the more Christie-style whodunnit instead of the more typical one. Putting this aside, it is not bad at all, with characters being true to their series selves, good mixture of humour and drama and the story having several layers and having an actually tense ending.
February 13, 2022
I’m only now discovering Richard Thorogood’s books. Didn’t even realize till I finished reading Murder in the Caribbean that there is a whole BBC series based on his books. As I go about trying to accumulate more of the Death in Paradise books, I can’t help but recommend that you jump headfirst into the world of DI Richard Poole as he goes about solving crime in the humid and eccentric Caribbean. A great intro to what I hope will be a fascinating series to read and eventually watch.
May 9, 2025
Murderer at large!
I love the series Death In Paradise and this book was a fabulous reminder of some brilliant characters. The plot twists a nd the camaraderie of the people gives you a warm feeling and that's not because the killer tried to set fire to them in a crypt! Can the police solve two murders before anyone else gets killed or will they be up against the wire and solve more. I'm sad that there are only 4 books as I adored this series.
Onto the Marlow murder club!!
I love the series Death In Paradise and this book was a fabulous reminder of some brilliant characters. The plot twists a nd the camaraderie of the people gives you a warm feeling and that's not because the killer tried to set fire to them in a crypt! Can the police solve two murders before anyone else gets killed or will they be up against the wire and solve more. I'm sad that there are only 4 books as I adored this series.
Onto the Marlow murder club!!
January 4, 2021
It's not often I figure out the mystery within the first ten pages, before the crime has even been committed, but this book was very, very predictable.
Robert Thorogood is a strong writer and I finished in 36 hours but, as with the previous books in this series, it's not very well edited e.g. wrong names used and various unintended contradictions
Robert Thorogood is a strong writer and I finished in 36 hours but, as with the previous books in this series, it's not very well edited e.g. wrong names used and various unintended contradictions
August 6, 2022
Really enjoyed the book. It kept me guessing until the end. Good bit of humour too with Richard's character.
December 28, 2018
Murder In The Caribbean by Robert Thorogood is a marvellous, light hearted, gripping, contemporary murder mystery. It is the fourth book in the Death In Paradise series but can be read as a stand-alone.
I have watched many episodes of the BBC’s Death In Paradise series with Ben Miller but had never read any of the books before. Oh how I have been missing out. The book had the same atmosphere as the series – a camaraderie between the lead characters which sees them bouncing dialogue backwards and forwards. There is a lightness of spirit in spite of it being a murder mystery. And then there is the warm, easy going nature of the Caribbean which contrasts with the stiff upper lip of the English detective.
Having watched the series, I ‘knew’ what the characters and locations looked like, which added to my enjoyment.
I tried to piece the clues together but failed (as usual) to solve the crime. I loved the way the crime and all the loose ends were wound up at the end. It was very reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Piorot.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I shall certainly be wanting to read more Death In Paradise novels.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
I have watched many episodes of the BBC’s Death In Paradise series with Ben Miller but had never read any of the books before. Oh how I have been missing out. The book had the same atmosphere as the series – a camaraderie between the lead characters which sees them bouncing dialogue backwards and forwards. There is a lightness of spirit in spite of it being a murder mystery. And then there is the warm, easy going nature of the Caribbean which contrasts with the stiff upper lip of the English detective.
Having watched the series, I ‘knew’ what the characters and locations looked like, which added to my enjoyment.
I tried to piece the clues together but failed (as usual) to solve the crime. I loved the way the crime and all the loose ends were wound up at the end. It was very reminiscent of Agatha Christie’s Piorot.
A thoroughly enjoyable read. I shall certainly be wanting to read more Death In Paradise novels.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
July 23, 2024
I love the TV show, and I thoroughly enjoy these books. I'm only sorry Thorogood only wrote four in this series. Richard Poole is so British, and the characters come off the pages so well.
In "Murder in the Caribbean" they keep you guessing and misdirect you over and over, right up until the end reveal. Is it him? Is it her? Could it be? This is the perfect summer read...beach, pool, slow Sunday... definitely give one of the Death in Paradise books a try (and watch the series on BritBox if you haven't already).
In "Murder in the Caribbean" they keep you guessing and misdirect you over and over, right up until the end reveal. Is it him? Is it her? Could it be? This is the perfect summer read...beach, pool, slow Sunday... definitely give one of the Death in Paradise books a try (and watch the series on BritBox if you haven't already).
August 5, 2019
I am in love with this series, and this is no exception. I thought the plot was brilliant and the humour that makes the series is present throughout this book. I solved the crime itself but was still able to enjoy the rest of the book. A brilliant series that I would recommend.
June 3, 2020
I liked very much it, as i did the first 3 books! I am a fan of the TV show so that's to be expected.
This time, I had guessed the culprit before the revelation but it still kept me guessing and changing my mind for a while! Hoping for a 5th book soon
This time, I had guessed the culprit before the revelation but it still kept me guessing and changing my mind for a while! Hoping for a 5th book soon
March 14, 2021
A really good read! Thorogood‘s writing is a always entertaining, enjoyable and just very good. Unfortunately, this was the first book of the series where I figured the murderer out way before they were revealed in the book. But I was still glued to the page 😬
September 1, 2024
Another satisfying episode of the original Death in Paradise crew! I had my suspicions about whodunit (and was mostly right), but it still kept me guessing along the way. A truly enjoyable read for fans of DI Richard Poole, DS Camille Bordey, Dwayne, and Fidel.
January 16, 2019
Outstanding - full review at classicmystery.blog
May 16, 2019
A brilliant mystery
December 15, 2019
Since the very first episode, I have loved the BBC TV series Death in Paradise for its locale, its baffling mysteries, satisfying denouements, and its cast of quirky characters, most especially the perpetually grumpy, persnickety Detective Inspector Richard Poole who is unwillingly posted to the remote, little Caribbean island of Saint-Marie, as perfectly portrayed by Ben Miller.
I love how Poole interacted with his team of three on the Honoré Police Force: Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey (played by Sara Martins), eager young Officer Fidel Best (Gary Carr) and the laid back, easy going Officer Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules), all under the watchful eye of Police Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) and welcoming heart of Camille's mother Catherine (Elizabeth Bourgine). So I was heartbroken when Ben Miller had to move on, and Poole was written out of the show with resounding finality. I've continued to be an avid fan of the show throughout its many cast changes in the past eight seasons, but I miss the old gang.
When I heard that the show's creator Robert Thorogood would be writing novels featuring the original cast of characters, I was over the moon, and continue to be with each new installment.
In the fourth installment, Murder in the Caribbean, Richard Poole and his dedicated team face a new challenge after hardened criminal Pierre Charpentier, who spent the last 20 years in prison for armed robbery and murder, vanishes on the day he's released on parole, just as members of his old gang are being murdered, one by one, with fake ruby jewels left behind at the scene of the crime as a message--or a warning.
Thorogood sets the stage well, with a great sub-plot involving Poole and his compulsive need to micro-manage his officers, trying the patience of everyone around him, even as they appreciate his gift for detective work. He has breathed new life into the distinctive characters I first saw on television and provides a great mystery for them to solve. I am proud to report that I was able to actually solve the mystery, but it was NOT EASY! (I stopped before the big reveal to reread key passages in the novel and work it out.) Thorogood is very skilled in misdirection and kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the book immensely.
So please, please, please, Mr. Thorogood, I beg of you, keep writing more Death in Paradise novels, but only with the original cast! I want Richard, Camille, Fidel and Dwayne to live on, solving impossible mysteries in the Caribbean, with that uptight, brilliant detective forever unappreciative of its beauty. Five out of five stars.
#DeathInParadise #RobertThorogood #mystery #whodunnit #Caribbean #murdermystery #crimefiction
I love how Poole interacted with his team of three on the Honoré Police Force: Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey (played by Sara Martins), eager young Officer Fidel Best (Gary Carr) and the laid back, easy going Officer Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules), all under the watchful eye of Police Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) and welcoming heart of Camille's mother Catherine (Elizabeth Bourgine). So I was heartbroken when Ben Miller had to move on, and Poole was written out of the show with resounding finality. I've continued to be an avid fan of the show throughout its many cast changes in the past eight seasons, but I miss the old gang.
When I heard that the show's creator Robert Thorogood would be writing novels featuring the original cast of characters, I was over the moon, and continue to be with each new installment.
In the fourth installment, Murder in the Caribbean, Richard Poole and his dedicated team face a new challenge after hardened criminal Pierre Charpentier, who spent the last 20 years in prison for armed robbery and murder, vanishes on the day he's released on parole, just as members of his old gang are being murdered, one by one, with fake ruby jewels left behind at the scene of the crime as a message--or a warning.
Thorogood sets the stage well, with a great sub-plot involving Poole and his compulsive need to micro-manage his officers, trying the patience of everyone around him, even as they appreciate his gift for detective work. He has breathed new life into the distinctive characters I first saw on television and provides a great mystery for them to solve. I am proud to report that I was able to actually solve the mystery, but it was NOT EASY! (I stopped before the big reveal to reread key passages in the novel and work it out.) Thorogood is very skilled in misdirection and kept me on the edge of my seat. I enjoyed the book immensely.
So please, please, please, Mr. Thorogood, I beg of you, keep writing more Death in Paradise novels, but only with the original cast! I want Richard, Camille, Fidel and Dwayne to live on, solving impossible mysteries in the Caribbean, with that uptight, brilliant detective forever unappreciative of its beauty. Five out of five stars.
#DeathInParadise #RobertThorogood #mystery #whodunnit #Caribbean #murdermystery #crimefiction
June 19, 2021
I listened to this as an audio book and it was perfect for a very long drive. This is the first of these books I have heard/read but the characters (from the tv series) were familiar and beautifully voiced by a great narrator. Although I solved the mystery quite early on it was still interesting and entertaining to follow the detectives progress. Some humour along the way just added to the enjoyment. Will seek out more of these.
July 30, 2022
Another good summer escape. I don't think any more books will be published in this series. Sad to say goodbye to these characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews