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Harriet Walsh #1
Peace Force
Harriet Walsh is desperate for work, but when an intergalactic crime-fighting organisation offers her a job she's convinced it's a mistake. She dislikes puzzles, has never read a detective mystery, and hates wearing uniforms. So why did the Peace Force pick her?
Who cares? Harriet needs the money, and she's happy to go along with the training for as long as they keep paying her. She'd better dig out some of those detective mysteries though, because she's about to embark on her first real mission ...
Who cares? Harriet needs the money, and she's happy to go along with the training for as long as they keep paying her. She'd better dig out some of those detective mysteries though, because she's about to embark on her first real mission ...
230 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 2, 2018
718 people are currently reading
484 people want to read
About the author
Simon Haynes
85 books172 followersSimon Haynes is the author of the Hal Spacejock, Harriet Walsh and Hal Junior (MG) series. He divides his time between writing fiction and computer software, with the occasional bike ride thrown in for a laugh.
Simon lives in Perth, Western Australia.
Simon lives in Perth, Western Australia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 18, 2018
Harriet Walsh was destined to serve on the Peace Force. She’s been receiving invitations to join up since she was only 15 years old… she just doesn’t know it—mostly because they’ve been printed on the backs of takeout menus and advertising pamphlets by an obsolete robot. When her beloved aunt passes away, leaving behind a broken heart and a pile of debt, Harriet finally gets her mail. Serving on the Peace Force isn’t exactly her passion, but jobs are scarce and she needs the cash. Besides, Dismolle is a retirement planet. How bad could it be?
She’s about to find out. Training isn’t easy when nobody outranks the antique-bucket-of-bolts robot that was left running the show, especially when it has to recharge more often than a five-year-old iPhone. Add a training weapon she’s not allowed to train with, a police budget funded by a lottery scam, and an AI cop car that likes long walks on the beach, and Harriet is in for one miserable Peace Force experience.
In other words, classic Simon Haynes.
We had a lot of fun with this one, including plenty of snort-laugh moments, and the plot had more depth than some of the author’s other titles, making it something of a cross between a comedy and an action adventure. The cop car made for great comic relief (we’re hoping to see more of that guy in the future), and the robot sidekick/antagonist was delightfully infuriating. It did feel as though the main character was sometimes too quick to process the more emotional events of the novel, but the focus is intended to be on the comedy, and Simon Haynes does comedy in spades.
Overall, it’s a fun setup that delivers on the promise of a good laugh, without ever tripping into sentimentality—the perfect light caper to cleanse the palate between those weekly episodes of Riverdale or This Is Us.
She’s about to find out. Training isn’t easy when nobody outranks the antique-bucket-of-bolts robot that was left running the show, especially when it has to recharge more often than a five-year-old iPhone. Add a training weapon she’s not allowed to train with, a police budget funded by a lottery scam, and an AI cop car that likes long walks on the beach, and Harriet is in for one miserable Peace Force experience.
In other words, classic Simon Haynes.
We had a lot of fun with this one, including plenty of snort-laugh moments, and the plot had more depth than some of the author’s other titles, making it something of a cross between a comedy and an action adventure. The cop car made for great comic relief (we’re hoping to see more of that guy in the future), and the robot sidekick/antagonist was delightfully infuriating. It did feel as though the main character was sometimes too quick to process the more emotional events of the novel, but the focus is intended to be on the comedy, and Simon Haynes does comedy in spades.
Overall, it’s a fun setup that delivers on the promise of a good laugh, without ever tripping into sentimentality—the perfect light caper to cleanse the palate between those weekly episodes of Riverdale or This Is Us.
October 18, 2018
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Or follow all our combined reviews at https://dragonauthors.com
July 26, 2019
At the start of the book Harriet was quite frustrated at some of the problems being a Peace Force Trainee, but not nearly as frustrated as I was reading this ridiculous nonsense.
I have read a review that said the book drastically improved towards the end, but I’m afraid I didn’t have the patience to find out.
I have read a review that said the book drastically improved towards the end, but I’m afraid I didn’t have the patience to find out.
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August 7, 2018
This was a slow-moving storyline, rather ridiculous and stupid. About quit reading several times, and then toward the end of the book the storyline improved, some action took place, and the author saved the story and made an entrance for the next book. I gave it a 3* because of the ending only, the rest of the book was a 2* at best.
December 29, 2019
Such a fun and enjoyable read.
Will definitely continue reading the series.
Will definitely continue reading the series.
August 10, 2019
Silly and unlikely? Yes. Amusing and entertaining? Also yes.
February 24, 2019
I first read any of Simon Haynes' books during the summer of 2018, when I saw Hal Spacejock 1: A robot named Clunk on offer via (I believe) a popular social-media platform.
While I thought that tat particular story was all right, it wasn't enough to make me want to go buy any more of his works. Later that same year, I then saw another Kindle deal on the first three of his Hal Spacejock books and, as I was looking for something to read, thought I would pick those up. Of those three, I felt it was easy to see that they were getting better (with the second - Hal Spacejock 2: Second Course - being the best).
Fast forward to early 2019, and I was again looking for something new to read. And, again, I saw an offer on one of his other books: this time, on the first of the newer Harriet Walsh 'Peace Force' series. Which, I have to say, I found to be better than any of the Hal Spacejock books I've read so far - it is true what the say, after all, that practice makes perfect! Well, I wouldn't go so far as perfect, but - I felt - there is a definite upswing in quality here.
While I thought that tat particular story was all right, it wasn't enough to make me want to go buy any more of his works. Later that same year, I then saw another Kindle deal on the first three of his Hal Spacejock books and, as I was looking for something to read, thought I would pick those up. Of those three, I felt it was easy to see that they were getting better (with the second - Hal Spacejock 2: Second Course - being the best).
Fast forward to early 2019, and I was again looking for something new to read. And, again, I saw an offer on one of his other books: this time, on the first of the newer Harriet Walsh 'Peace Force' series. Which, I have to say, I found to be better than any of the Hal Spacejock books I've read so far - it is true what the say, after all, that practice makes perfect! Well, I wouldn't go so far as perfect, but - I felt - there is a definite upswing in quality here.
November 11, 2019
Sedate, steady pacing and old-fashioned humor
On the positive side: The humor in this book reminds me of Don Knotts and Tim Conway in Private Eyes playing off each other—a little corny, some slapstick, and some eye-rolling moments. However, in this book, the protagonist is rather smart, can shoot accurately, and has a great deal of spunk. She is a good person and very likable. The secondary characters, a robot and a teenager have mysterious pasts. This is a clean read: no graphic violence, no profanity, and excellent editing.
On the not so good side: The mystery is this book takes a very long time to unfold. Then there is a lot of running around, which is senseless. There are some contrived moments where the robot has to shut down for charging, the characters easily fly off planet and quickly achieve their goal, and the characters can access funds whenever. There is a lot of old school tech for a space-faring society, lots of earth-related slang, and there is a reference to controlling society through drugs, which is never really dealt with.
This might be more enjoyable for young adult readers if they can get through the first however many chapters that seem draggy until the protagonist is investigating a mysterious traveler.
On the positive side: The humor in this book reminds me of Don Knotts and Tim Conway in Private Eyes playing off each other—a little corny, some slapstick, and some eye-rolling moments. However, in this book, the protagonist is rather smart, can shoot accurately, and has a great deal of spunk. She is a good person and very likable. The secondary characters, a robot and a teenager have mysterious pasts. This is a clean read: no graphic violence, no profanity, and excellent editing.
On the not so good side: The mystery is this book takes a very long time to unfold. Then there is a lot of running around, which is senseless. There are some contrived moments where the robot has to shut down for charging, the characters easily fly off planet and quickly achieve their goal, and the characters can access funds whenever. There is a lot of old school tech for a space-faring society, lots of earth-related slang, and there is a reference to controlling society through drugs, which is never really dealt with.
This might be more enjoyable for young adult readers if they can get through the first however many chapters that seem draggy until the protagonist is investigating a mysterious traveler.
January 27, 2019
Harriet Walsh is desperate for a job because her aunt has died and she is about to be evicted from her apartment as she is behind with the rent. Then she notices an envelope with a fast food flyer on the back of which is an offer for her to join the Peace Force. Given no alternatives, she decides to take up the offer. But when she gets to the Peace Force station, she discovers that there is a robot in charge, and it has been sending similar letters to her since she was fifteen. There are no other members of the Peace Force on the planet as it had been disbanded many years ago due to lack of crime. With such an introduction to the job, what could go wrong? Plenty it seems with an over-officious robot in charge who puts her through a gruelling training regime that turns out to be more realistic than she had imagined. Then real crime interferes with her training. Will she survive to become a fully fledged member of the Force? And can she and the robot capture the real criminals?
I found this to be an entertaining read with just enough conflict to keep the story interesting. I gave the story 4 stars.
I found this to be an entertaining read with just enough conflict to keep the story interesting. I gave the story 4 stars.
September 16, 2019
Gave up reading at the 21% mark - an hour-plus of my life is all I am willing to devote to this slow-moving nearly-comedic story. There are jokes here - but they repeat for chapters on end, or so it seems. Everything is a slog. Comedy needs to snap much harder and faster.
Also more people are needed - five chapters in, we are still limited to two characters - neither of whom an interesting enough to carry the story. One is Harriet Walsh is a person reacting to everything, instead of acting, and her huge debt situation seems to be her only defining characteristic. The other is a very poorly programmed police robot. The poor programming is beyond embarrassing, and I can see a lot of people finding it funny - but this robot would make 1980 AI-decision-matrices look smart. Today's call-center robo-answering decision-matrices are smarter.
I can see people might find this funny (and other reviews show this to be the case), but doesn't work for me. Overall needs more pop, needs faster-stronger jokes, needs more sympathetic and stronger characters.
Also more people are needed - five chapters in, we are still limited to two characters - neither of whom an interesting enough to carry the story. One is Harriet Walsh is a person reacting to everything, instead of acting, and her huge debt situation seems to be her only defining characteristic. The other is a very poorly programmed police robot. The poor programming is beyond embarrassing, and I can see a lot of people finding it funny - but this robot would make 1980 AI-decision-matrices look smart. Today's call-center robo-answering decision-matrices are smarter.
I can see people might find this funny (and other reviews show this to be the case), but doesn't work for me. Overall needs more pop, needs faster-stronger jokes, needs more sympathetic and stronger characters.
January 4, 2020
The unbending strong arm of the law gets a reboot
A great start to a new series. Our FMC is a young woman who had just lost her aunt to illness, has no job, no money and is behind on her rent. However a letter suddenly gives her hope. The Peace Corp want her to join. Maybe she can get an advance? An unbending senior officer in the shape of a huge robot, a scheme to hustle money, no training, no weapons but she does get a uniform. Now she been sent to make contact with a suspect. She is told to view it as a training exercise but the more she learns the more she suspects. A runaway, a computerised car (Kitt has nothing on this one), a fraud scheme, murder, a kidnapping and a grenade. Will she and her new sidekick survive? What will she do about the robot who seems to have fallen into criminal habits and the fact that no-one on the planet believes that there are any police officers around?
Well paced, nice action sequences, good characters that endow the plot with feeling and emotions whilst adding some humorous touches along the way.
A great start to a new series. Our FMC is a young woman who had just lost her aunt to illness, has no job, no money and is behind on her rent. However a letter suddenly gives her hope. The Peace Corp want her to join. Maybe she can get an advance? An unbending senior officer in the shape of a huge robot, a scheme to hustle money, no training, no weapons but she does get a uniform. Now she been sent to make contact with a suspect. She is told to view it as a training exercise but the more she learns the more she suspects. A runaway, a computerised car (Kitt has nothing on this one), a fraud scheme, murder, a kidnapping and a grenade. Will she and her new sidekick survive? What will she do about the robot who seems to have fallen into criminal habits and the fact that no-one on the planet believes that there are any police officers around?
Well paced, nice action sequences, good characters that endow the plot with feeling and emotions whilst adding some humorous touches along the way.
June 11, 2018
Origin story for a new hero in Simon Haynes’ wacky world, or I should say universe. This shows how Harriet was chosen—if that’s the right word for it—why she accepted, and how she impressed everyone—or at least a couple of robots/cars—with the way she handles her first case.
Harriet is immediately likeable, nowhere more so than when she’s having her first encounter with her talking car. I definitely like Harriet more then Hal, and Alice is preferable to Klunk, though just barely. The least said about Bernie the better; at least Steve was fun. More than anything, it’s funny, which is what I’ve come to expect from this author. The story is all light and airy, much like the Spacejock series, until two tremendously dark twists toward the end.
There’s a small blooper the first time she gets on the plane, but it’s doubtful anyone will notice. Other than that, pure fun as usual with this author.
Harriet is immediately likeable, nowhere more so than when she’s having her first encounter with her talking car. I definitely like Harriet more then Hal, and Alice is preferable to Klunk, though just barely. The least said about Bernie the better; at least Steve was fun. More than anything, it’s funny, which is what I’ve come to expect from this author. The story is all light and airy, much like the Spacejock series, until two tremendously dark twists toward the end.
There’s a small blooper the first time she gets on the plane, but it’s doubtful anyone will notice. Other than that, pure fun as usual with this author.
April 30, 2018
As a fan of Simon Haynes' "Hal Spacejock" novels, I'll admit I went into this new novel fully expecting to like it. My expectations were met and exceeded. I ended up liking Harriet Walsh even more than Hal. It's a fast-moving and fun space adventure with down-on-her-luck Harriet turning peace officer as an emergency solution to her problems. Despite the obstacles thrown at her by a well-meaning but overbearing robot superior, Harriet rises to the challenge of her new job. The characters are fun and well-drawn, and the plot moves quickly through twists and turns, leaving some unanswered mysteries for the continuation of the series. Also, this is clean reading for any age, so I can recommend it unreservedly for anyone who likes space and police adventure. Definitely will be reading more in the series!
July 15, 2018
I received this book elsewhere in exchange for a honest review of it.
The best I can say is that peace officers haven t changed much and it is unlikely that they ever will.
That being said, Harriet Walsh has a good head on her shoulders. The citizens of her planet are well protected by the current generation of Peace Officers.
The robot (Bernie) that was left in charge of the planet was authorized to try to recruit a trainee and eventually got Harriet who while she s being trained is bringing the Bernie up to date with modern young people (her planet is full of retired people).
There was a fraud case that helped build Harriet s character, if she only knew that at the time.
I ll be looking forward to reading what happens next to Harriet Walsh who seems to be amongst the best Peace Force Officer on the planet.
The best I can say is that peace officers haven t changed much and it is unlikely that they ever will.
That being said, Harriet Walsh has a good head on her shoulders. The citizens of her planet are well protected by the current generation of Peace Officers.
The robot (Bernie) that was left in charge of the planet was authorized to try to recruit a trainee and eventually got Harriet who while she s being trained is bringing the Bernie up to date with modern young people (her planet is full of retired people).
There was a fraud case that helped build Harriet s character, if she only knew that at the time.
I ll be looking forward to reading what happens next to Harriet Walsh who seems to be amongst the best Peace Force Officer on the planet.
October 24, 2018
I read many books and was pleasantly surprised by the understanding, witty way the author brought the main character, Harriet Walsh, to life. She is easy to sympathize with. I enjoyed reading this book more than any other in a long time. (I read 2-4 books per week.) Nice cover, good editing.
It is light-hearted and full of crazy, funny circumstances, most of which are brought about by a nearly indestructible robot with a bad battery and a quirky way of doing things. It is wildly implausible at times and exquisitely humorous at the same time.
I appreciated the lack of sex, gore, and overabundance of foul language (I think the d*** word appears occasionally.) It would be a fun PG movie. I do not find myself drawn to purchase many follow-up books in a series, but I plan to buy the next. Who knows? Simon Haynes might become one of my go-to authors.
It is light-hearted and full of crazy, funny circumstances, most of which are brought about by a nearly indestructible robot with a bad battery and a quirky way of doing things. It is wildly implausible at times and exquisitely humorous at the same time.
I appreciated the lack of sex, gore, and overabundance of foul language (I think the d*** word appears occasionally.) It would be a fun PG movie. I do not find myself drawn to purchase many follow-up books in a series, but I plan to buy the next. Who knows? Simon Haynes might become one of my go-to authors.
August 11, 2019
This was much more entertaining than I was expecting, but also a little lacking at the same time. I want to like Harriet Walsh, I really do. But I'm apathetic towards her. She has great potential and there's a hint of snark as she engages with the robots that's almost-but-not-quite hitting all the right marks. She's very generic and it feels like the author flipped a coin and randomly made the character female and I don't think the gender ambiguity is intentional. He seemed to scrub away anything that shouted out "male!" but the result was lacking depth. It reminds me a bit of Artemis by Andy Weir in that hard-to-explain way where I don't always click with female characters as written by male authors.
August 12, 2018
Really a 2.5 star read for me. The book hit one of my pet peeves, the dismissal of the elderly. The author named a retirement planet Dismolle (or was it a city, it was referred to as both) and a city (another city?) as Chirless. I assume this was an overhanded attempt at humor. It didn’t work for me. The story had few characters. Being a shorter book, this helped to get to know at least one, maybe two, of the characters. The others were more caricatures. The Epilogue (while still a bit overhanded in the humor department) was a satisfying ending to the story. I don’t think I’ll be I’ll be reading the next book but I’m not ruling it out either.
April 22, 2018
Peace Force is a fun romp of a book. My favorite character was Steve, the sentient car who desperately wanted to go to the beach. I can totally relate to that.
I related to the protagonist, Harriet, as well. Down on her luck, with no job in sight, and suddenly, she’s offered a paying gig with the Peace Force. I wouldn’t have looked too hard at the fine print, either.
I read a lot more fantasy than sci-fi, but this book had a lot of moments that made me smile, and that transcends genre for me. Pick up this book if you’re looking for a lighthearted read.
I related to the protagonist, Harriet, as well. Down on her luck, with no job in sight, and suddenly, she’s offered a paying gig with the Peace Force. I wouldn’t have looked too hard at the fine print, either.
I read a lot more fantasy than sci-fi, but this book had a lot of moments that made me smile, and that transcends genre for me. Pick up this book if you’re looking for a lighthearted read.
August 15, 2019
I enjoyed this light-hearted cosy book. It revolves sci-fi story around the activities of a new recruit for the Peace Force, young girl from the streets and an antique robot. I won't deny that the story was predictable, but the 'how are they going to get out of this situation/solve this problem' dialogue keeps the reader interested. It will make you both grin and groan, but it is a good time killer. Also would be suitable for teen/young adult reading to develop their sense of humour.
Probably a 3.5 star rating, but let's round it up. Recommend.
Probably a 3.5 star rating, but let's round it up. Recommend.
September 7, 2022
Harriett Walash needs a job, her Aunt just passed away and the bills are piling up. Her rent is over due and no prospects on how to pay it. She was going through the mail and ran across a letter sent from Peace Force stating they had a job for her. Yhe story starts off kinda slow but by the end its much better. Not sure I cared for the robot in the story but they were the two main characters so it worked some how. If you get through the first half of the box then it gets much better, with almost perfect ending.
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September 14, 2019A little too out there for me
Keep in mind, I only read to page 38. I know one must suspend disbelief in sci-fi/fantasy stories. The incident about the raffle I just couldn't buy. The whole situation was just too ridiculous, and it just annoyed me beyond my breaking point.
The story may get better, but at this time, I just don't have the patience for it.
I may continue reading it in the future. If it improves, I will upgrade my review.
Keep in mind, I only read to page 38. I know one must suspend disbelief in sci-fi/fantasy stories. The incident about the raffle I just couldn't buy. The whole situation was just too ridiculous, and it just annoyed me beyond my breaking point.
The story may get better, but at this time, I just don't have the patience for it.
I may continue reading it in the future. If it improves, I will upgrade my review.
October 30, 2019
A quirky enjoyable story about Harriet who is about to be evicted as she has no Money, and answers one of the very many leaflets she has received to join the Peace Force. She does join and meets her new boss Bernie-A Robot- and in the course of her training, first captures Alice pickpocketing and then gives Alice a chance to redeem herself by assisting her on her first job. This leads to some chaos on trapping and apprehending a criminal/Fraudster and Harriet becoming a regular officer. Good fun light hearted reading
March 2, 2020
A Delightfully Hilarious Tale
There haven't been many books lately that have compelled me to read them in just a few hours. This one stands out to this author of crime novels as a futuristic example of how some things may never change. From the hapless new - and human - recruit to her robotic sidekicks, this one will keep you either holding your sides or spitting your coffee as you fail to restrain your laughter. I heartily recommend this book!
There haven't been many books lately that have compelled me to read them in just a few hours. This one stands out to this author of crime novels as a futuristic example of how some things may never change. From the hapless new - and human - recruit to her robotic sidekicks, this one will keep you either holding your sides or spitting your coffee as you fail to restrain your laughter. I heartily recommend this book!
September 16, 2023
Young girl orphan joins Peace Force
Despite being a somewhat formulaic and predictable adventure aimed, I can only assume, at fairly young children approaching adolescence, it was occasionally quite funny and inventive. The robot was undoubtedly the most interesting character with it's ridiculously strict adherence to the letter of the law offset by its insane interpretation of working for the greater good.
Despite being a somewhat formulaic and predictable adventure aimed, I can only assume, at fairly young children approaching adolescence, it was occasionally quite funny and inventive. The robot was undoubtedly the most interesting character with it's ridiculously strict adherence to the letter of the law offset by its insane interpretation of working for the greater good.
July 18, 2018
Great fun
I am not the age group that this book I believe is written for, (being a 69year old man) but it did not prevent me from enjoying it immensely. The pace is fast and light and the humour pleased me a lot. I have already bought the rest of the series and look forward to reading it.
I am not the age group that this book I believe is written for, (being a 69year old man) but it did not prevent me from enjoying it immensely. The pace is fast and light and the humour pleased me a lot. I have already bought the rest of the series and look forward to reading it.
September 7, 2018
Great story, fast moving, a young girl joins the Peace Force
"Leave it to me," said Harriet. "I'm going back to the station to open an investigation. I'll get to the bottom of this, and I promise the hospital won't come out of it badly. Unless," she said quietly, after a pause. "Unless I find out someone here was involved. If they were, I'll destroy the place."
"Leave it to me," said Harriet. "I'm going back to the station to open an investigation. I'll get to the bottom of this, and I promise the hospital won't come out of it badly. Unless," she said quietly, after a pause. "Unless I find out someone here was involved. If they were, I'll destroy the place."
January 30, 2019
Did exactly what it said on the tin! Really fun sci-fi romp with interesting and amusing characters. Really liked the world it built and would be more than happy to go back there.
No silly romance plot for the main character, just janky detective work and finding her place in the world! That's what I like to see.
No silly romance plot for the main character, just janky detective work and finding her place in the world! That's what I like to see.
August 2, 2019
Lighthearted Fun
An interesting take on a police robot that has turned a little senile and a little lax with the law when it suits them. Although mostly in the wry grin sense of humour vein rather than hearty laughs this is still quite an amusing read and a series worthy of further investigation.
An interesting take on a police robot that has turned a little senile and a little lax with the law when it suits them. Although mostly in the wry grin sense of humour vein rather than hearty laughs this is still quite an amusing read and a series worthy of further investigation.
August 4, 2019
Quirky
Steve is bright than Bernie. Alice the 15 year old is brighter than Harriett the 21 year old. I got to 41% and decided to quit the book. Then decided to read a little more. Alice showed up, there was less of Bernie, and the story got more active. I finished the story and decided it was enjoyable. I can see how ST-IV is Steve, but not how BNE- II is Bernie.
Steve is bright than Bernie. Alice the 15 year old is brighter than Harriett the 21 year old. I got to 41% and decided to quit the book. Then decided to read a little more. Alice showed up, there was less of Bernie, and the story got more active. I finished the story and decided it was enjoyable. I can see how ST-IV is Steve, but not how BNE- II is Bernie.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews