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The Tendring Series #1
Disposal
From the author of the International Best Selling Wakefield Series comes DISPOSAL, the first of a completely new crime series.
August 1976 and it seems as though the long hot summer will never end. Early morning at Clacton on the north Essex coast, a light aircraft takes off from the airstrip but struggles for height and crashes into the sea. First on the scene, Sgt Cyril Claydon pulls the pilot’s body from the wreckage. But something else catches his eye. A bulky package wrapped in black plastic is on the passenger seat. Returning to investigate, he makes a grim discovery – another body. And so begins a series of events that puts him and others in danger as he is drawn into the investigation, having to work alongside DI ‘Dick’ Barton, a man with totally alien attitudes.
Can they work together?
August 1976 and it seems as though the long hot summer will never end. Early morning at Clacton on the north Essex coast, a light aircraft takes off from the airstrip but struggles for height and crashes into the sea. First on the scene, Sgt Cyril Claydon pulls the pilot’s body from the wreckage. But something else catches his eye. A bulky package wrapped in black plastic is on the passenger seat. Returning to investigate, he makes a grim discovery – another body. And so begins a series of events that puts him and others in danger as he is drawn into the investigation, having to work alongside DI ‘Dick’ Barton, a man with totally alien attitudes.
Can they work together?
450 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 15, 2018
14 people are currently reading
24 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 11, 2018
It is towards the end of another shift during that hot summer of 1976 when DS Claydon sees a plane crash in sea before the Essex coast – as it turns out, foul play is at hand! A murder to be investigated in this start of a new detective series introducing DS Claydon and DI Barton
| Introduction |
The Tendring Series #1
The summer of 1976 seems to hold on forever: it is the last day of August and still, the temperatures are very high. DS Claydon is at the end of his shift and contemplates his nearing retirement. Walks with his dog and chats with Doris, his neighbour but to be honest, Claydon could do without it. Since having lost his wife, his home is empty and fifty is not an age to be playing golf all day. Let alone have no one to share his retirement with… Then an unexpected event happens: a plane crashes before his eyes. As tragic as it is, the case gets serious when Claydon discovers a body, wrapped in plastic, next to the pilot. Whose body? This has all the looks of premeditation… murder!
| Storyline |
The CID has to be informed and the one who the case is assigned to is not too happy. To be woken at six am when you are nursing a mighty hangover is not a good start to your day. It gets worse because his DS is in hospital which leaves DI Barton with DS Claydon – if only temporarily. Barton aka Dick (and no surprise why he got that nickname!) is insensitive and shows little regard for his team which Claydon loathes. As intriguing as it is to be part of the CID, the price to pay – working with DI Barton – might be too high! In demeanour as in appearance the men differ like day and night: where Barton has trouble finding clean clothes in his messy apartment, Claydon goes the extra mile to take care of his appearance. Where Barton lives an outgoing life of drinking and one-night-stands, Claydon is still recovering from the loss of his wife and enjoys staying in or walks with his dog, Charlie.
But the murder enquiry demands their full attention. Who was the victim and what was his body doing on that plane? There are rich businessmen involved and dubious gangland connections but nothing to pinpoint a culprit or a motive, for that matter. Was the pilot, a mechanic called Fletcher, acting on orders when he took the murdered body with him? If so, whose? All these questions and there is more. A small-time crook is missing and that particular fact uneases DI Barton which in turn makes Claydon suspicious. Can he even trust his DI? Apparently, most of the people Barton works with do not particularly like the man but that does not make him a bent copper, right? Slowly but surely, the plot thickens and gets more complicated but will they unravel it all before more people find themselves in mortal danger?
| My Thoughts |
Disposal is the first book in The Tendring Series, set in the 1970s. I like how the author matches the pace of the book with the time and shows us specifics of that time in the behaviour of his characters. The evolving dynamic between Cyril Clayton and Dick Barton is wonderful to watch – you almost feel the tension between the two men and wonder whether they will hit it off and then see, rather grudgingly, how Barton starts to at least listen to his new DS. This is a detective novel stepping away from the current, hectic times and bringing us back to the days where smartphones were non-existent as was the internet, when smoking was publicly accepted almost everywhere.
I loved Doris, Clayton’s neighbour, she is such an endearing character and also gives us some insight into Clayton’s deceased wife and their marriage. Disposal is carefully crafted and layered with all those things we remember from growing up the 1970s and shows us, how police investigations were executed at that time. Reports are written on paper with a pen, a lot of footwork and grind-to-the-nose detecting – just delightful! It all gives Disposal that authentical feel as you are transported back in time whilst reading the engrossing plotlines, which include the personal lives of our protagonists. An enjoyable and captivating detective novel and a very promising start to a new series!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/dispos...
| Introduction |
The Tendring Series #1
The summer of 1976 seems to hold on forever: it is the last day of August and still, the temperatures are very high. DS Claydon is at the end of his shift and contemplates his nearing retirement. Walks with his dog and chats with Doris, his neighbour but to be honest, Claydon could do without it. Since having lost his wife, his home is empty and fifty is not an age to be playing golf all day. Let alone have no one to share his retirement with… Then an unexpected event happens: a plane crashes before his eyes. As tragic as it is, the case gets serious when Claydon discovers a body, wrapped in plastic, next to the pilot. Whose body? This has all the looks of premeditation… murder!
| Storyline |
The CID has to be informed and the one who the case is assigned to is not too happy. To be woken at six am when you are nursing a mighty hangover is not a good start to your day. It gets worse because his DS is in hospital which leaves DI Barton with DS Claydon – if only temporarily. Barton aka Dick (and no surprise why he got that nickname!) is insensitive and shows little regard for his team which Claydon loathes. As intriguing as it is to be part of the CID, the price to pay – working with DI Barton – might be too high! In demeanour as in appearance the men differ like day and night: where Barton has trouble finding clean clothes in his messy apartment, Claydon goes the extra mile to take care of his appearance. Where Barton lives an outgoing life of drinking and one-night-stands, Claydon is still recovering from the loss of his wife and enjoys staying in or walks with his dog, Charlie.
But the murder enquiry demands their full attention. Who was the victim and what was his body doing on that plane? There are rich businessmen involved and dubious gangland connections but nothing to pinpoint a culprit or a motive, for that matter. Was the pilot, a mechanic called Fletcher, acting on orders when he took the murdered body with him? If so, whose? All these questions and there is more. A small-time crook is missing and that particular fact uneases DI Barton which in turn makes Claydon suspicious. Can he even trust his DI? Apparently, most of the people Barton works with do not particularly like the man but that does not make him a bent copper, right? Slowly but surely, the plot thickens and gets more complicated but will they unravel it all before more people find themselves in mortal danger?
| My Thoughts |
Disposal is the first book in The Tendring Series, set in the 1970s. I like how the author matches the pace of the book with the time and shows us specifics of that time in the behaviour of his characters. The evolving dynamic between Cyril Clayton and Dick Barton is wonderful to watch – you almost feel the tension between the two men and wonder whether they will hit it off and then see, rather grudgingly, how Barton starts to at least listen to his new DS. This is a detective novel stepping away from the current, hectic times and bringing us back to the days where smartphones were non-existent as was the internet, when smoking was publicly accepted almost everywhere.
I loved Doris, Clayton’s neighbour, she is such an endearing character and also gives us some insight into Clayton’s deceased wife and their marriage. Disposal is carefully crafted and layered with all those things we remember from growing up the 1970s and shows us, how police investigations were executed at that time. Reports are written on paper with a pen, a lot of footwork and grind-to-the-nose detecting – just delightful! It all gives Disposal that authentical feel as you are transported back in time whilst reading the engrossing plotlines, which include the personal lives of our protagonists. An enjoyable and captivating detective novel and a very promising start to a new series!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/dispos...
January 23, 2018
I am a big fan of the authors Wakefield series so was very much looking forward to reading the first in a brand new series.
I was born in the 1970’s so don’t actually remember much about that era as was too young to be interested in the cars and adult television shows that were around at that time. I think anyone that is a little bit older will certainly enjoy some blasts from the pasts though.
The author really gets the whole era of that time spot on. The names of the characters are ones you wouldn’t really come across now a days apart from more in the older generation. There is a part where the main character goes caravanning which was especially big in those days. I think it will certainly have some readers reminiscing about the ‘good old days’
Cyril himself is close to retirement, he has lost his wife and is struggling with some demons. Your heart does kind of go out to him as he comes across as quite lonely, and like his neighbour, I just wanted to mother him. I enjoyed the relationship between Cyril and Barton also. There is an age gap and both have different attitudes to how they do their job. It certainly made for some interesting reading.
Disposal is a solid start for a new series. It gives us the background we need to get to know our main protagonist as well as an interesting case to get behind. Whilst it felt a bit more of a slower pace than how I usually like my crime reads, there is enough there to keep the reader intrigued and I think this is a series that without a doubt will grow in strength.
My thanks to Caroline at Bits About Books and the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
I was born in the 1970’s so don’t actually remember much about that era as was too young to be interested in the cars and adult television shows that were around at that time. I think anyone that is a little bit older will certainly enjoy some blasts from the pasts though.
The author really gets the whole era of that time spot on. The names of the characters are ones you wouldn’t really come across now a days apart from more in the older generation. There is a part where the main character goes caravanning which was especially big in those days. I think it will certainly have some readers reminiscing about the ‘good old days’
Cyril himself is close to retirement, he has lost his wife and is struggling with some demons. Your heart does kind of go out to him as he comes across as quite lonely, and like his neighbour, I just wanted to mother him. I enjoyed the relationship between Cyril and Barton also. There is an age gap and both have different attitudes to how they do their job. It certainly made for some interesting reading.
Disposal is a solid start for a new series. It gives us the background we need to get to know our main protagonist as well as an interesting case to get behind. Whilst it felt a bit more of a slower pace than how I usually like my crime reads, there is enough there to keep the reader intrigued and I think this is a series that without a doubt will grow in strength.
My thanks to Caroline at Bits About Books and the author for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.
January 25, 2018
It’s August 1976 in Clacton, Essex as Sgt Cyril Claydon and PC Sam Woodbridge sit in their panda car waiting for their shift to end. It is at this moment a light aircraft crashes in front of them. They find the pilot dead and the passenger is wrapped in black plastic! The case is passed to DI John “Dick” Barton and due to staff shortages, Cyril is asked to help with the investigation.
Oh this is such a good read, so evocative of the 70’s from the clothing, the mannerisms, the setting and the cars, it screams the 70’s. I was born early in that decade and have some memories of the hot summer and what was going on at the time. This is a good classic good cop- bad cop detective read, with mentions of the TV show “The Sweeney” and music of the era, this helps add to setting up the scene.
The plot stays within the style that has already been set and has a great pace as the story unfolds. With chases, leads to follow and bad guys to catch. Cyril is the mild-mannered, pipe smoking copper working with the loud, brash and rude Barton. These two are the main characters and work well with their contrasts. With the addition of undercover work and “dodgy dealers” you get a real feel for the decade.
If you want a great paced, well written read that transports you back to the 70’s this is the one for you, it harks back to the old 70’s cops and robbers TV shows. It has all the essential ingredients you would expect to find, the good cop – bad cop routine, boozy, heavy smoking, loud coppers mixed in with the nose to the grindstone ones, there are some good baddies and wonderful snippets of things in the news at the time.
Oh this is such a good read, so evocative of the 70’s from the clothing, the mannerisms, the setting and the cars, it screams the 70’s. I was born early in that decade and have some memories of the hot summer and what was going on at the time. This is a good classic good cop- bad cop detective read, with mentions of the TV show “The Sweeney” and music of the era, this helps add to setting up the scene.
The plot stays within the style that has already been set and has a great pace as the story unfolds. With chases, leads to follow and bad guys to catch. Cyril is the mild-mannered, pipe smoking copper working with the loud, brash and rude Barton. These two are the main characters and work well with their contrasts. With the addition of undercover work and “dodgy dealers” you get a real feel for the decade.
If you want a great paced, well written read that transports you back to the 70’s this is the one for you, it harks back to the old 70’s cops and robbers TV shows. It has all the essential ingredients you would expect to find, the good cop – bad cop routine, boozy, heavy smoking, loud coppers mixed in with the nose to the grindstone ones, there are some good baddies and wonderful snippets of things in the news at the time.
January 16, 2018
DISPOSAL by David Evans is an intriguing police procedural novel that will capture your interest from the outset and hold it to the end.
Set during the long hot summer of 1976, the police department is struggling and needs more men when a curious case lands in their laps. Sgt Cyril Claydon is coming up to retirement when a small aircraft crashes into the sea in front of him. With the pilot dead, an explanation needs to be found, but when a package in the front sea reveals a dead body, this 'accident' takes a far more sinister turn. Finding himself suddenly promoted, Cyril finds himself working with DI Barton, a man known for his differing attitude. Can these two contrasting men work together to uncover the truth? And will they be able to survive the danger they will find themselves in?
I found DISPOSAL by David Evans an easy crime fiction read where the story just flowed and there wasn't too much information to keep track of. I enjoyed the relationship between Cyril and Barton and watching it evolve into respect, and I love some good old police work which there is plenty of in this story. All in all, DISPOSAL is a solid story and I will certainly read more from this author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the blog tour organiser.
Set during the long hot summer of 1976, the police department is struggling and needs more men when a curious case lands in their laps. Sgt Cyril Claydon is coming up to retirement when a small aircraft crashes into the sea in front of him. With the pilot dead, an explanation needs to be found, but when a package in the front sea reveals a dead body, this 'accident' takes a far more sinister turn. Finding himself suddenly promoted, Cyril finds himself working with DI Barton, a man known for his differing attitude. Can these two contrasting men work together to uncover the truth? And will they be able to survive the danger they will find themselves in?
I found DISPOSAL by David Evans an easy crime fiction read where the story just flowed and there wasn't too much information to keep track of. I enjoyed the relationship between Cyril and Barton and watching it evolve into respect, and I love some good old police work which there is plenty of in this story. All in all, DISPOSAL is a solid story and I will certainly read more from this author.
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the blog tour organiser.
January 16, 2018
Police Sergeant Cyril Claydon sees a small plane crash into the sea. When it’s investigated, there’s a suspicious package next to the pilot – a plastic-wrapped body. It seems someone had been using this method to get rid of the bodies of murdered people. The local DI, John ‘Dick’ Barton is a man down after his detective sergeant had an accident, so Cyril is seconded into the group – with a horribly abrasive new boss in DI Barton.
I very much enjoyed the relationship between Barton and Cyril Claydon, especially the way it developed over the course of the book. For me, it was more interesting than the crime mystery, as I found that with such a large number of characters, some only briefly encountered, I kept losing track and mixing people up. I like to get to know each character, good and bad, and feel I have a grip on who is who. Some of them slipped passed as I blinked. Nevertheless, the story is well written and many of the relationships as they unfolded, bode well for the future. It’s a jolly good read.
I very much enjoyed the relationship between Barton and Cyril Claydon, especially the way it developed over the course of the book. For me, it was more interesting than the crime mystery, as I found that with such a large number of characters, some only briefly encountered, I kept losing track and mixing people up. I like to get to know each character, good and bad, and feel I have a grip on who is who. Some of them slipped passed as I blinked. Nevertheless, the story is well written and many of the relationships as they unfolded, bode well for the future. It’s a jolly good read.
November 19, 2020
DNFed at 10%.
Somewhat police procedures are not cutting it for me.
Also could not relate to the characters.
Feels like any other story, book or movie about police partners.
If police procedural investigations is something that do light your fire.
Then, by all means, go ahead.
Grab the book and enjoy.
Somewhat police procedures are not cutting it for me.
Also could not relate to the characters.
Feels like any other story, book or movie about police partners.
If police procedural investigations is something that do light your fire.
Then, by all means, go ahead.
Grab the book and enjoy.
January 18, 2018
I have read David Evan's Best selling Wakefield Series and was really excited when I came to know that he is coming up with a new crime series.
Disposal is the first book in this series.
August 1976 and it seems as though the long hot summer will never end. Early morning at Clacton on the north Essex coast, a light aircraft takes off from the airstrip but struggles for height and crashes into the sea. As the title implies, investigation begans when it is discovered that the aircraft was being used to dispose of a body.Sgt Cyril Claydon is drawn into the investigation along with DI ‘Dick’ Barton. They are as different as chalk and cheese. While Cyril is a sensitive individual,who is still trying to get over his wife's death, Barton is a loner, prickly and comes across as uncouth who drinks and clubs and sleeps with hookers. In other words he has all the attributes of the cliche copper according to detective fiction. What makes him different? David Evans. Evans brings a hundred tiny details to both Cyril ad Barton's personality, full developed interesting villains and the relationships between his main characters, the victims, the witnesses and the suspects. I also like the way Cyril's relationship with Cathy is developing hope that it will blossom.
Disposal (The Tendring Series Book 1) showcases David Evans' talent as a gifted writer and I look forward to more books in this series.
Disposal is the first book in this series.
August 1976 and it seems as though the long hot summer will never end. Early morning at Clacton on the north Essex coast, a light aircraft takes off from the airstrip but struggles for height and crashes into the sea. As the title implies, investigation begans when it is discovered that the aircraft was being used to dispose of a body.Sgt Cyril Claydon is drawn into the investigation along with DI ‘Dick’ Barton. They are as different as chalk and cheese. While Cyril is a sensitive individual,who is still trying to get over his wife's death, Barton is a loner, prickly and comes across as uncouth who drinks and clubs and sleeps with hookers. In other words he has all the attributes of the cliche copper according to detective fiction. What makes him different? David Evans. Evans brings a hundred tiny details to both Cyril ad Barton's personality, full developed interesting villains and the relationships between his main characters, the victims, the witnesses and the suspects. I also like the way Cyril's relationship with Cathy is developing hope that it will blossom.
Disposal (The Tendring Series Book 1) showcases David Evans' talent as a gifted writer and I look forward to more books in this series.
January 14, 2018
My 5* review of 'Disposal" by David Evans A fabulous start to another series from this author. Two bodies within 5 pages of the start of the book, the story is great and flows well right to the very end. For me already the characters are standout people, DI "Dick" Barton and his DS Cyril Claydon chalk and cheese, bad cop good cop who develop well throughout the story. Doris the elderly good neighbour, Charlie the dogs sitter. I already love Charlie enough to offer dog sitting services. Cathy a clerk for the police and a potential love match. Enough said. I am really looking forward to reading the rest of this new series.
February 1, 2018
Sit back, relax, make sure you have a nice cuppa at your side and prepare to be taken back to the long hot summer of 1976. Sgt Cyril Claydon is nearing the end of his night shift when he witnesses a light aircraft taking off, unable to gain height it crashes into the sea. Cyril is first on the scene and rushes to try to rescue the pilot. As he pulls the pilot from the wreckage something else catches his eye and he makes the grim discovery of another body.
Oh boy, oh boy what a way to start a brand new series. Within the first few pages of Disposal I was hooked, the action had started and I couldn’t wait to try to solve the case.
Disposal is filled with many characters, I’ll admit I did get confused a couple of times but I did love Cyril. He’s an old-fashioned man still mourning the loss of his wife, still troubled by the war but he’s a fantastic caring man and really shines in this story. Working along side DI John ‘Dick’ Barton the two men couldn’t be more different, I really couldn’t take to Barton to start with, he was obnoxious and smarmy but as the story progresses so does the relationship between the two men and Barton shows he has some hidden depths. I really enjoyed this pairing, they really make the book.
Another wonderful character is Doris, Cyril’s elderly neighbour. Oh she was a wee sweetheart with a big heart and she cares deeply for Cyril like a son. Doris really shone and proved to be a very helpful hand in the investigation.
I know I’ve said a lot about the characters in this book and not so much about the plot but I think the characters in this book really do make the story what it is. That may sound like I didn’t enjoy the plot, on the contrary I really did enjoy it. The plot was intriguing with a great pace and it was interesting to see how they worked things out without all the new fangled technology we have these days, things didn’t happen so quick and were frustratingly slow at times. It’s good old-fashioned police work at its best.
The scene is really set well in Disposal with the smoking in the work place, the fashion, the cars, it all just makes you feel like you could be sitting in that era.
I really did enjoy Disposal, it was an intriguing read that kept me guessing through out and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series in the future.
Oh boy, oh boy what a way to start a brand new series. Within the first few pages of Disposal I was hooked, the action had started and I couldn’t wait to try to solve the case.
Disposal is filled with many characters, I’ll admit I did get confused a couple of times but I did love Cyril. He’s an old-fashioned man still mourning the loss of his wife, still troubled by the war but he’s a fantastic caring man and really shines in this story. Working along side DI John ‘Dick’ Barton the two men couldn’t be more different, I really couldn’t take to Barton to start with, he was obnoxious and smarmy but as the story progresses so does the relationship between the two men and Barton shows he has some hidden depths. I really enjoyed this pairing, they really make the book.
Another wonderful character is Doris, Cyril’s elderly neighbour. Oh she was a wee sweetheart with a big heart and she cares deeply for Cyril like a son. Doris really shone and proved to be a very helpful hand in the investigation.
I know I’ve said a lot about the characters in this book and not so much about the plot but I think the characters in this book really do make the story what it is. That may sound like I didn’t enjoy the plot, on the contrary I really did enjoy it. The plot was intriguing with a great pace and it was interesting to see how they worked things out without all the new fangled technology we have these days, things didn’t happen so quick and were frustratingly slow at times. It’s good old-fashioned police work at its best.
The scene is really set well in Disposal with the smoking in the work place, the fashion, the cars, it all just makes you feel like you could be sitting in that era.
I really did enjoy Disposal, it was an intriguing read that kept me guessing through out and I’m looking forward to reading more in this series in the future.
January 24, 2018
Set in Clacton in the long hot summer of 1976, Disposal starts off with a fantastic hook and soon becomes the book that never stops giving. The opening scene combines the prosaic with the shocking when two detectives witness a light aircraft struggling for height and then crashing into the sea ... what comes next is as surprising as it is exciting. Disposal is beautifully placed in the 70's with just enough history to keep you in the 'setting' and a cracking plot too. I love the tension between the Sergeant Cyril Claydon and DI Dick Barton. The gentle humour had me laughing aloud as I read, whilst the investigation kept me hooked. No SPOILERS HERE THOUGH... read the book for more!
Looking forward to number two in the Tendring series, as soon as you're ready, David ... no pressure!
Looking forward to number two in the Tendring series, as soon as you're ready, David ... no pressure!
March 7, 2018
This is the first book of David’s I have read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a new book in a series by David, which means that the characters are all new and get introduced to us at the same time as each other. I liked the interactions that the two main characters, DS Claydon and DI Barton had and the way they learned to respect each other through the course of the book.
The book is set in the 1970’s during a heat wave, and involves Barton and newly promoted Clayton investigating a murder when a small plane crashes into the sea.
The descriptions of places and people were brilliant and plot line flowed really well throughout ensuring the storyline was easy to follow and not too confusing.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to where it is going in the sequel.
This is a new book in a series by David, which means that the characters are all new and get introduced to us at the same time as each other. I liked the interactions that the two main characters, DS Claydon and DI Barton had and the way they learned to respect each other through the course of the book.
The book is set in the 1970’s during a heat wave, and involves Barton and newly promoted Clayton investigating a murder when a small plane crashes into the sea.
The descriptions of places and people were brilliant and plot line flowed really well throughout ensuring the storyline was easy to follow and not too confusing.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to where it is going in the sequel.
January 23, 2018
Having read the whole of David Evans' Wakefield series to date and loved it, I was very much looking forward to the first of his new Tendring series, and I was not disappointed. Set on the Essex coast during the long hot summer of 1976, the sense of time and place is impressive and the writing is of a very high standard. The pairing of two very different coppers, one close to retirement and very much an old school cop and the other much younger and something of a maverick, is inspired, and the way they develop their working relationship is fascinating. More please!
June 3, 2025
A most entertaining read. Detective stories are not my usual read but I had the opportunity to try this one whilst on holiday. Firstly, as a resident of the area I enjoyed reading a novel set in familiar places. The pace is good, the plot twists both intriguing and amusing.
I felt the author has very well captured the period, and I do recall that particular summer too.
Of course there are some predictable elements (no spoilers here) but I’m not one to try and predict ‘who dunnit’ I’m all for the fun of the storyline.
I felt the author has very well captured the period, and I do recall that particular summer too.
Of course there are some predictable elements (no spoilers here) but I’m not one to try and predict ‘who dunnit’ I’m all for the fun of the storyline.
January 28, 2018
Another brilliant book by David Evans, author of the Wakefield series.
This is the first book in a new series and it really evokes the 1970s and especially the heat of that hot summer of 1976. Love the characters, Cyril and Barton, and the way they interact. The pace is just right, the mystery mysterious and its, as ever, well written with lots of intriguing detail.
Looking forward to the next book in the series. Bring it on!
This is the first book in a new series and it really evokes the 1970s and especially the heat of that hot summer of 1976. Love the characters, Cyril and Barton, and the way they interact. The pace is just right, the mystery mysterious and its, as ever, well written with lots of intriguing detail.
Looking forward to the next book in the series. Bring it on!
February 3, 2018
A really good read
It was lovely to read a book set in the 70's. No mobile phones and real down to earth normal, believable character's. Who fit right in with the story. I saw a write up in the Gazette and bought the kindle copy. I am now going to read more from David Evans. Hope there will be more Cyril and Barton books.
It was lovely to read a book set in the 70's. No mobile phones and real down to earth normal, believable character's. Who fit right in with the story. I saw a write up in the Gazette and bought the kindle copy. I am now going to read more from David Evans. Hope there will be more Cyril and Barton books.
June 19, 2021
Disposal
Read the book in three days found it very easy reading needed a good book to start me reading again looking forward to next one
Read the book in three days found it very easy reading needed a good book to start me reading again looking forward to next one
June 27, 2021
Dull, boring and pedestrian.
February 4, 2022
Good read
I enjoyed the location as it is my home town and also it was a gentle book. Looking forward to reading more by this author
I enjoyed the location as it is my home town and also it was a gentle book. Looking forward to reading more by this author
June 18, 2024
gripping
Always tough to read about police in the 70’s but this is a well written good hats and bad hats mystery.
Although the good and bad come from unexpected places
Always tough to read about police in the 70’s but this is a well written good hats and bad hats mystery.
Although the good and bad come from unexpected places
January 21, 2018
I seem to have a knack for reading books in a series out of order, it doesn't usually matter too much but I must admit it was a real pleasure to know Disposal is the first book to feature Sergeant Cyril Claydon and DI 'Dick' Barton. The Tendring Series is set in Essex with the action in this book taking part in the long hot summer of 1976.
Cyril Claydon is contemplating retirement when he witnesses a light aircraft crashing into the sea, when he discovers the unfortunate pilot isn't the only body on board - and the second body is wrapped in black plastic - he is drawn into a murder investigation that will push thoughts of his police career coming to an end to the back of his mind. Cyril is a really lovely man; he's still affected by the loss of his beloved wife and a traumatic wartime experience but rather than make him cynical, he's a warm, empathetic and perceptive police officer. After ten years in CID as a DC, he returned to uniform to gain a promotion but CID are a man down after one of their officers is injured drink driving - this is the Seventies, after all - and so Cyril is asked to work on the case with DI John 'Dick' Barton.
Readers could be forgiven for thinking Barton's nickname was earned through his behaviour but Dick Barton:Special Agent was actually a BBC radio show in the 1940s and 50s. Nevertheless, the modern meaning works as he is frequently rude and obstreperous - his working relationship with Cyril has a shaky start. As the novel progresses however, his character is revealed to have hidden depths and watching the partnership between the two men develop is one of the highlights of the book.
The steady pace of the plot works perfectly with the constraints of a criminal investigation of that time, results came about through painstaking legwork and intuition as much as through forensic results. The complexities of the case made for an engrossing read, knowing just who can be trusted is far from straightforward here. Although the book focuses on Claydon and Barton, the secondary characters are distinct and well rounded. Cyril's neighbour, Doris is particularly fabulous, wise and warm - she ends up playing an important part in the investigation. Disposal is a thoroughly enjoyable police procedural and I look forward to reading the next instalment of the series.
Cyril Claydon is contemplating retirement when he witnesses a light aircraft crashing into the sea, when he discovers the unfortunate pilot isn't the only body on board - and the second body is wrapped in black plastic - he is drawn into a murder investigation that will push thoughts of his police career coming to an end to the back of his mind. Cyril is a really lovely man; he's still affected by the loss of his beloved wife and a traumatic wartime experience but rather than make him cynical, he's a warm, empathetic and perceptive police officer. After ten years in CID as a DC, he returned to uniform to gain a promotion but CID are a man down after one of their officers is injured drink driving - this is the Seventies, after all - and so Cyril is asked to work on the case with DI John 'Dick' Barton.
Readers could be forgiven for thinking Barton's nickname was earned through his behaviour but Dick Barton:Special Agent was actually a BBC radio show in the 1940s and 50s. Nevertheless, the modern meaning works as he is frequently rude and obstreperous - his working relationship with Cyril has a shaky start. As the novel progresses however, his character is revealed to have hidden depths and watching the partnership between the two men develop is one of the highlights of the book.
The steady pace of the plot works perfectly with the constraints of a criminal investigation of that time, results came about through painstaking legwork and intuition as much as through forensic results. The complexities of the case made for an engrossing read, knowing just who can be trusted is far from straightforward here. Although the book focuses on Claydon and Barton, the secondary characters are distinct and well rounded. Cyril's neighbour, Doris is particularly fabulous, wise and warm - she ends up playing an important part in the investigation. Disposal is a thoroughly enjoyable police procedural and I look forward to reading the next instalment of the series.
January 29, 2018
It is so strange that as the years pass by you don’t really notice the changes that are happening round you, only when you get that instant jolt do you realise how much things have changed. David Evans does that with his books which are set in the 1970’s. Disposal begins in August 1976, a Summer that is a very memorable one because of how hot it was.
As soon as I opened the book it was like a step back in time. No mobile phones or internet in sight, people actually talked to each other. Sergeant Cyril Claydon is a man ready for retirement, he is widowed, not a very happy soul and just wanting to be at home with his dog.
Fate comes flying from the sky in the form of a light aircraft and crashes not far from where he is on duty. What he finds is one very dead pilot and one very dead passenger. It would appear though that the passenger, wrapped in Black plastic, has been dead much longer than the pilot. This was going to involve a lot of paper work and a DI to head an investigation. With a shortage of staff DI Dick Barton and Sergeant Claydon have to be paired together. It’s like pouring oil on water!
I really didn’t know if these two would ever really seem like they were on the same side to be able to investigate the mystery of the dead passenger and demise of the plane and pilot, let alone be civil to each other. Poor Cyril just didn’t need this, he was a bloke who did his investigating by the book. Being a new series I had as much fascination with these two as I did about the case.
Loved the story and the pace at which it had to be investigated looking for solid evidence. No data base to look for comparisons to other cases and forensics were not always reliable for being accurate. Yep this was good old leg work and real pen pushing. There are some brilliant characters in this story, I especially love dear old Doris, one of Cyril’s neighbours. She is such a wise old lady and just so lovely.
This is a cracking start to what promises to develop into another brilliant series for David Evans.
As soon as I opened the book it was like a step back in time. No mobile phones or internet in sight, people actually talked to each other. Sergeant Cyril Claydon is a man ready for retirement, he is widowed, not a very happy soul and just wanting to be at home with his dog.
Fate comes flying from the sky in the form of a light aircraft and crashes not far from where he is on duty. What he finds is one very dead pilot and one very dead passenger. It would appear though that the passenger, wrapped in Black plastic, has been dead much longer than the pilot. This was going to involve a lot of paper work and a DI to head an investigation. With a shortage of staff DI Dick Barton and Sergeant Claydon have to be paired together. It’s like pouring oil on water!
I really didn’t know if these two would ever really seem like they were on the same side to be able to investigate the mystery of the dead passenger and demise of the plane and pilot, let alone be civil to each other. Poor Cyril just didn’t need this, he was a bloke who did his investigating by the book. Being a new series I had as much fascination with these two as I did about the case.
Loved the story and the pace at which it had to be investigated looking for solid evidence. No data base to look for comparisons to other cases and forensics were not always reliable for being accurate. Yep this was good old leg work and real pen pushing. There are some brilliant characters in this story, I especially love dear old Doris, one of Cyril’s neighbours. She is such a wise old lady and just so lovely.
This is a cracking start to what promises to develop into another brilliant series for David Evans.
January 26, 2018
Brilliant
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, the attention to detail of the heatwave of 1976 brought back memories, I had long forgotten.
The characters are well thought out and totally believable..........plus the two main characters are complete opposites! Which makes extremely good reading, the banter between all the characters is so natural it's almost like being in the same room. Sgt. Cyril Claydon, on the verge of retirement is called in to help CID's DI John (Dick) Barton
After Cyril witnesses a plane crash. Was it an accident or something more sinister?
There's something about this book that has you believing your in another era, a false sense of security, as life seems slower, quieter somehow. But murder is murder what ever the era!
The story is set on the coast of Essex, but you don't have to know it personally, as the author is an expert at describing somewhere or something, that immediately puts a picture in your head.
It's incredible that crimes were solved, purely by brain power, leg work, instinct, determination and dedication..........no modern day technology.
Lots of surprises, intrigue and a smattering of humour all mixed into a suffocation heat and it makes it a compulsive read, loved it!
Can't wait for book 2 *****
Thoroughly enjoyed this book, the attention to detail of the heatwave of 1976 brought back memories, I had long forgotten.
The characters are well thought out and totally believable..........plus the two main characters are complete opposites! Which makes extremely good reading, the banter between all the characters is so natural it's almost like being in the same room. Sgt. Cyril Claydon, on the verge of retirement is called in to help CID's DI John (Dick) Barton
After Cyril witnesses a plane crash. Was it an accident or something more sinister?
There's something about this book that has you believing your in another era, a false sense of security, as life seems slower, quieter somehow. But murder is murder what ever the era!
The story is set on the coast of Essex, but you don't have to know it personally, as the author is an expert at describing somewhere or something, that immediately puts a picture in your head.
It's incredible that crimes were solved, purely by brain power, leg work, instinct, determination and dedication..........no modern day technology.
Lots of surprises, intrigue and a smattering of humour all mixed into a suffocation heat and it makes it a compulsive read, loved it!
Can't wait for book 2 *****
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