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Dead Man's Bluff
Daniel Knott was a bad farmer and a worse husband. When his charred remains are found among the burnt-out farm buildings, the police feel the solution to the tragedy will be close at hand. That is, until another body is found… It may have been identified as an agricultural salesman who had dodgy business dealings with Knott, but local Inspector Clayton is far from convinced. Against his superior’s orders, Clayton digs deeper into the case. What he discovers will tear initial suspicions, and the local community, into pieces… Dead Man’s Bluff is an intriguing mystery with a cunning legal twist that will shock, surprise and delight readers in equal measure. Praise for Roderic Jeffries 'A first-rate whodunit turning on the resourcefulness of a country gentleman who exploits the process of the law to delay its action. Author on the top of his legal and social form.' Francis Goff, Sunday Telegraph ‘Tension builds up and there are two exciting court scenes. Roderic Jeffries established a very high reputation for himself in the field of the legal thriller with 'Exhibit No. Thirteen' and 'Dead Against the Lawyers'. Once again he has used a little known quirk of the law, and woven round it an enthralling story of immense intricacy.’ Maurice Richardson, Observer ‘The resulting legal intricacies make fascinating reading.' Hester Makeig, Spectator 'First-class, smoothly told, fine court scenes and sketches of lawyers entirely absorbing.' John Clarke, Evening Standard ‘The most ingenious of Mr. Jeffries's exercises in legal trickery.' Julian Symons, Sunday Times 'Good court scenes; very competent.' Peter Dickinson, Punch '...is for the mystery story connoisseur and particularly the man who can appreciate this ingenious exercise in legal trickery.' Police World Roderic Jeffries was born in London in 1926 and went to sea in 1943. Six years later he left that trade to become a lawyer. He again changed profession to become a writer. Since 1951, he has written over one hundred and sixty novels under his own name and several other pseudonyms. He began his career by writing books featuring his father’s character, Blackshirt, a popular detective whose adventures have appeared in print for many decades. In time Jeffries branched out and began to write a variety of mystery novels under his own name and several pen names, including Peter Alding and Jeffrey Ashford. Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
Audio Cassette
First published January 1, 1990
About the author
Roderic Jeffries
134 books19 followersaka Peter Alding, Jeffrey Ashford, Roderic Graeme, Graham Hastings.
Son of Graham Montague Jeffries
Roderic Jeffries was born in London in 1926 and was educated at Harrow View House Preparatory School and the Department of Navigation, University of Southampton.
In 1943 he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company as an apprentice and sailed to Australia and New Zealand, but later transferred to the the Union Castle Company in order to visit a different part of the world.
He returned to England in 1949 where he was admitted to the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn and read for the Bar at the same time as he began to write. He was called to the Bar in 1953, and after one year's pupilage practiced law for a few terms during which time there to write full time.
His first book, a sea story for juveniles, was published in 1950.
His books have been published in many different countries and have been adapted for film, television, and radio.
He lived for a time in the country in a 17th century farmhouse, almost, but not quite overlooking Romney Marsh before he and his wife moved to Mallorca. They have two children.
Son of Graham Montague Jeffries
Roderic Jeffries was born in London in 1926 and was educated at Harrow View House Preparatory School and the Department of Navigation, University of Southampton.
In 1943 he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company as an apprentice and sailed to Australia and New Zealand, but later transferred to the the Union Castle Company in order to visit a different part of the world.
He returned to England in 1949 where he was admitted to the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn and read for the Bar at the same time as he began to write. He was called to the Bar in 1953, and after one year's pupilage practiced law for a few terms during which time there to write full time.
His first book, a sea story for juveniles, was published in 1950.
His books have been published in many different countries and have been adapted for film, television, and radio.
He lived for a time in the country in a 17th century farmhouse, almost, but not quite overlooking Romney Marsh before he and his wife moved to Mallorca. They have two children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 28, 2015
REVIEW: DEAD MAN'S BLUFF by Roderic Jeffries
Heartwarming, delightfully convoluted, peopled win characters both enduring and pesky, DEAD MAN'S BLUFF is pure classic British country mystery, penned by an author of more than 160 novels. The juxtaposition of dedicated rural detection vs. sophisticated city Detective Superintendent driven to success is scintillating, and impels the storyline. This mystery is so cleverly done as to keep readers guessing. Roderic Jeffries ocean author worth reading, any time.
Heartwarming, delightfully convoluted, peopled win characters both enduring and pesky, DEAD MAN'S BLUFF is pure classic British country mystery, penned by an author of more than 160 novels. The juxtaposition of dedicated rural detection vs. sophisticated city Detective Superintendent driven to success is scintillating, and impels the storyline. This mystery is so cleverly done as to keep readers guessing. Roderic Jeffries ocean author worth reading, any time.
August 7, 2016
This was a quick read, but no less enjoyable because of that.
Roderic Jeffries writing style is somewhere between Agatha Christie and a Heartbeat episode. His characters are charming, if not always likable, with their own little quirks and foibles. How much more involved sleuthing was in the days prior to computer networks and mobile phones.
Several times I thought I knew where Jeffries was going, only to have the plot turn in another direction. I was proved right in the end with my suspicions, but it was a twisted route getting there.
Daniel Knott was a bad farmer and a worse husband. When his charred remains are found among the burnt-out farm buildings, the police feel the solution to the tragedy will be close at hand.
That is, until another body is found. It may have been identified as an agricultural salesman who had dodgy business dealings with Knott, but local Inspector Clayton is far from convinced.
Against his superior’s orders, Clayton digs deeper into the case. And what he finds will turn the whole case upside down....
A delightful, entertaining and absorbing read. An author I will be reading more of.
Thank you to NetGalley and Endeavour Press for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
Roderic Jeffries writing style is somewhere between Agatha Christie and a Heartbeat episode. His characters are charming, if not always likable, with their own little quirks and foibles. How much more involved sleuthing was in the days prior to computer networks and mobile phones.
Several times I thought I knew where Jeffries was going, only to have the plot turn in another direction. I was proved right in the end with my suspicions, but it was a twisted route getting there.
Daniel Knott was a bad farmer and a worse husband. When his charred remains are found among the burnt-out farm buildings, the police feel the solution to the tragedy will be close at hand.
That is, until another body is found. It may have been identified as an agricultural salesman who had dodgy business dealings with Knott, but local Inspector Clayton is far from convinced.
Against his superior’s orders, Clayton digs deeper into the case. And what he finds will turn the whole case upside down....
A delightful, entertaining and absorbing read. An author I will be reading more of.
Thank you to NetGalley and Endeavour Press for providing a digital ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
July 31, 2022
Two bodies are discovered in a burnt farm building. It is for D.I. Jim Clayton to investigate. But soon Scotland Yard detectives are brought in. But can Clayton determine the guilty party.
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1970
An entertaining mystery
Originally published in 1970
August 15, 2022
I’ve read this author before. Knew what to expect and this was pretty much within expectations, albeit at the lower end of them.
The book begins by introducing the readers to a thoroughly unpleasant man who soon enough ends up dead and then the investigation gets on the way.
One of those old-timey (or dated depends on your perspective) very British murder mysteries that Endeavor/Lume Press specializing in reviving for digital age. Not as charming as some, not as dated as others.
Set on a farm and very farm-centric. The plot eventually ends up in courts and from there on it’s a procedural gone legal drama. Not very exciting. Not really exciting at all, to be honest. Reads quickly, though, and was a freebie.
The book begins by introducing the readers to a thoroughly unpleasant man who soon enough ends up dead and then the investigation gets on the way.
One of those old-timey (or dated depends on your perspective) very British murder mysteries that Endeavor/Lume Press specializing in reviving for digital age. Not as charming as some, not as dated as others.
Set on a farm and very farm-centric. The plot eventually ends up in courts and from there on it’s a procedural gone legal drama. Not very exciting. Not really exciting at all, to be honest. Reads quickly, though, and was a freebie.
September 23, 2015
A delightful English mystery
Working abroad for years and having many different English workers, I enjoyed and understand this novel. Not sure that others would understand various words, phrases or actions
Working abroad for years and having many different English workers, I enjoyed and understand this novel. Not sure that others would understand various words, phrases or actions
November 27, 2016
Dead Man's Bluff by Roderic Jeffries is a mystery and thriller read.
Daniel Knott was a bad farmer and a worse husband. When his charred remains are found among the burnt-out farm buildings, the police feel the solution to the tragedy will be close at hand.
That is, until another body is found. It may have been identified as an agricultural salesman who had dodgy business dealings with Knott, but local Inspector Clayton is far from convinced.
Against his superior’s orders, Clayton digs deeper into the case.
What he discovers will tear initial suspicions, and the local community, into pieces…
A very good read with good characters. This one had me thinking. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Daniel Knott was a bad farmer and a worse husband. When his charred remains are found among the burnt-out farm buildings, the police feel the solution to the tragedy will be close at hand.
That is, until another body is found. It may have been identified as an agricultural salesman who had dodgy business dealings with Knott, but local Inspector Clayton is far from convinced.
Against his superior’s orders, Clayton digs deeper into the case.
What he discovers will tear initial suspicions, and the local community, into pieces…
A very good read with good characters. This one had me thinking. 4*. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book from netgalley.
Want to Read
July 26, 2022MyNextRead00
November 29, 2023
riveting
Very good book I enjoyed every page I enjoyed the jousting with the senior officer an extremely good story line
Very good book I enjoyed every page I enjoyed the jousting with the senior officer an extremely good story line
September 9, 2015
Not my style
I got this for free on Amazon. I just couldn't finish this one, it was putting me to sleep. I am finding out that stories based in the UK is definitely not my type of book.
I got this for free on Amazon. I just couldn't finish this one, it was putting me to sleep. I am finding out that stories based in the UK is definitely not my type of book.
March 5, 2016
This book drags.
I am not a fan of books about the UK with the London-based slang. To me me it is hard to read. This book seemed to drag on forever.
I am not a fan of books about the UK with the London-based slang. To me me it is hard to read. This book seemed to drag on forever.
February 11, 2018
A fine read. Very nicely developed characters. Good plot.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews