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The Anglian Detective Agency #1
Some Particular Evil
**Newer cover edition. ASIN: B01LY2X5X3 taken from https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...**
Who killed Susan Nicholson?
Laurel Bowman has started a new life as a teacher on the isolated Suffolk coast while she tries to get over the murder of her sister. But it seems she cannot escape from death. Laurel is shocked to find that the headmaster's wife has been killed, and all the school staff are suspects. The detective in charge, idiosyncratic DI Frank Diamond, was involved in her sister's case. Together they start to unravel the truth. Soon the murderer strikes again and Laurel must fight, not just for justice, but for her life.
Who killed Susan Nicholson?
Laurel Bowman has started a new life as a teacher on the isolated Suffolk coast while she tries to get over the murder of her sister. But it seems she cannot escape from death. Laurel is shocked to find that the headmaster's wife has been killed, and all the school staff are suspects. The detective in charge, idiosyncratic DI Frank Diamond, was involved in her sister's case. Together they start to unravel the truth. Soon the murderer strikes again and Laurel must fight, not just for justice, but for her life.
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2016
88 people are currently reading
145 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 30, 2021
Set in 1970, this book was not particularly well written but I enjoyed it anyway. It was a good old fashioned crime, an up to date Agatha Christie style thriller. Even better for me was that it was set on the Suffolk coast and I knew all the places mentioned. Definitely will read the others in the series.
July 18, 2018
I couldn't get on with this at all and gave in at only 15%......it also had mistakes that aggravated me and made it hard going.
It seems to be written in quite an odd way where, for example, a character appears we've heard no mention of nor had any background on and a question is asked about his habits and of course, we knew nothing of him so it just baffled me altogether and I lost patience with it.
It's set in the late 60s/early 70s but the lead character, a sports mistress at a school was delighted to begin a new job and mentions she's happy her new school still believes in sports days and competition. I had thought this nonsense was only a recent issue, not one back then.
She persistently drops commas which made some sentences read in a totally different way -"An image of Frank Diamond appeared admiration in his eyes" or "So Stuart was a twitcher he'd never have guessed." She also uses American spelling as well, a bugbear of mine. The dialogue seemed stilted to me as well. It didn't come across as how people really talk to each other at all.
I did like the cover on my version but sadly nothing else worked for me.
It seems to be written in quite an odd way where, for example, a character appears we've heard no mention of nor had any background on and a question is asked about his habits and of course, we knew nothing of him so it just baffled me altogether and I lost patience with it.
It's set in the late 60s/early 70s but the lead character, a sports mistress at a school was delighted to begin a new job and mentions she's happy her new school still believes in sports days and competition. I had thought this nonsense was only a recent issue, not one back then.
She persistently drops commas which made some sentences read in a totally different way -"An image of Frank Diamond appeared admiration in his eyes" or "So Stuart was a twitcher he'd never have guessed." She also uses American spelling as well, a bugbear of mine. The dialogue seemed stilted to me as well. It didn't come across as how people really talk to each other at all.
I did like the cover on my version but sadly nothing else worked for me.
October 20, 2021
good old fashioned serial murder romp
Easy to get into and lots of great characters. Feels a bit old fashioned; bit Agatha Christie rather than Val McDermid but the unveiling and motive of the murderer is gradual and keeps you reading. Lauren, the main character is a likeable strong woman and the two Detectives have an endearing relationship. There is a pleasant injection of humour throughout.
Overall it works and I’ll be reading the sequel.
Easy to get into and lots of great characters. Feels a bit old fashioned; bit Agatha Christie rather than Val McDermid but the unveiling and motive of the murderer is gradual and keeps you reading. Lauren, the main character is a likeable strong woman and the two Detectives have an endearing relationship. There is a pleasant injection of humour throughout.
Overall it works and I’ll be reading the sequel.
July 22, 2018
I found this a delightful book, if you like books about murder that is, but its so much more than just murder, I was drawn into the lives of Detective Frank Diamond, Sergeant Stuart Elderkin and Miss Laurel Bowman, brilliant characters and a exciting story which I didn't want to put down,Vera Morris is definitely a name to look out for.
July 10, 2018
"Tied with too neat a bow"
The first book in any series is the hardest in many ways. You need to introduce the characters you hope will capture the imagination of the reader. Who knows how many books will follow? The initial supporting cast might prove dispensable. Some will survive and others will fall by the wayside. Laurel and Frank are strong characters and I can see a future for them. As for the supporting cast? Those wearing white hats provided a rather stereotypical image of England in a bygone era. The neat bow tied in the final chapter didn't match the hard-edged approach in the rest of the book. Every thriller needs a black-hearted villain and this story provided that. The injection of pace as the police closed in on the serial killer kept me riveted to the page until I'd reached the end. Will I continue to read the series? Probably not, unless Laurel and Frank strike out on their own and rejoin the modern world.
The first book in any series is the hardest in many ways. You need to introduce the characters you hope will capture the imagination of the reader. Who knows how many books will follow? The initial supporting cast might prove dispensable. Some will survive and others will fall by the wayside. Laurel and Frank are strong characters and I can see a future for them. As for the supporting cast? Those wearing white hats provided a rather stereotypical image of England in a bygone era. The neat bow tied in the final chapter didn't match the hard-edged approach in the rest of the book. Every thriller needs a black-hearted villain and this story provided that. The injection of pace as the police closed in on the serial killer kept me riveted to the page until I'd reached the end. Will I continue to read the series? Probably not, unless Laurel and Frank strike out on their own and rejoin the modern world.
December 30, 2024
Binge read this, absolutely fantastic and set in the area of Suffolk I know really well. I've walked in the places it is set so it was particularly vivid to me.
Really looking forward to continuing this series. Set in the 70s it features police officer Frank Diamond and School Teacher Laurel Bowman as they solve a series of murders.
Really looking forward to continuing this series. Set in the 70s it features police officer Frank Diamond and School Teacher Laurel Bowman as they solve a series of murders.
June 15, 2018
Interesting story if a bit improbable at times. The teacher turned sleuth was not subtle in questioning - not sure that would work in real life. I liked the characters even though the extended cast of characters does seem a bit far fetched.
January 4, 2023
I enjoyed this nice easy read set in the 1970s. It was set locally so I could imagine the settings. As the first novel in the series the characters were well rounded and developed well. The writing isn't the best but enjoyable none the less. I will probably look for others in the series
July 7, 2018
Easy read
This is a good read but drags a bit with the miss marp!e character representation. Recommend it for light enjoyment
This is a good read but drags a bit with the miss marp!e character representation. Recommend it for light enjoyment
July 29, 2018
A gripping yet light hearted detective story
I read this book while on holiday in Lowestoft. I had specifically chosen it because of its location. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story is gripping throughout and I was glued to the book all week. I had bought the second book before finishing the first. Unfortunately, that meant I kind of new how this one would end. This didn't spoil things for me though.
I read this book while on holiday in Lowestoft. I had specifically chosen it because of its location. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The story is gripping throughout and I was glued to the book all week. I had bought the second book before finishing the first. Unfortunately, that meant I kind of new how this one would end. This didn't spoil things for me though.
June 30, 2018
A fantastic reading
A very engaging writer! The characters are believable, the story line is full of twists and turns, plenty of red herrings. A super enjoyable book.
A great free kindle book to keep in the personal library.
Looking forward to reading the follow up books.
A very engaging writer! The characters are believable, the story line is full of twists and turns, plenty of red herrings. A super enjoyable book.
A great free kindle book to keep in the personal library.
Looking forward to reading the follow up books.
August 29, 2019
I picked up a proof copy of this book from a lucky dip box at Aldeburgh bookshop. Living in Aldeburgh and knowing everywhere described in the book made it incredibly enjoyable to read. A little far fetched at points but who wants to read a book about everyday real life.
July 29, 2023
A good read
Some really interesting characters, they took shape and each easily fell into their roles preparing for more to come.
Im happily taken by the hand for the journey and looking forward to our next adventure.
Some really interesting characters, they took shape and each easily fell into their roles preparing for more to come.
Im happily taken by the hand for the journey and looking forward to our next adventure.
October 15, 2018
Quite a lot of mistakes in this book and at times quite poorly written.
Also way too much chaff in places. Overly long.
Also way too much chaff in places. Overly long.
March 9, 2024
I am sorry to give this only 2 stars, but it wasn't nearly as good as The Running Grave and I only gave that 3. It wasn't a bad book. It was readable, but there was something terribly dated about it. Comparing the detective to Donovan would probably be meaningless to many readers and the school set up seemed very old-fashioned. Of course, Agatha Christie's novels are set in another era, but they give a lot of insight into social history, whereas this really did not. A great chunk of the experience between Bowen and Diamond (to use their future business name) was hidden from the reader, so it was hard to understand why they seemed to have only had a brief encounter yet act towards each other like an old married couple. The plot was very predictable. Although we aren't told Lauren's guilty secret until the very end, it was pretty obvious she wasn't going to end up in prison, and there were enough hints dropped about uncertainty about the main characters futures to guess they would get together in some form or another, and I even guessed what that form would be. The 'big reveal' about Angela, that no one but the police and the family knew, was a damp squib, just a mechanism to explain how Lauren was certain about Angela's killer. Everything was just a bit too convenient.
December 29, 2024
It's always good to discover a new author. This book was recommended to me by my local bookshop in Woodbridge, Suffolk. I wanted to read something by a local author set in Suffolk and this fit the bill perfectly. It is the first of a series: The Anglian Detective Agency. It's a variation on the closed room trope. In this case, not a room but an isolated private school near Dunwich, on the Suffolk coast. The narrator, Laurel Bowman, has just taken up a post as senior mistress at the school and has just learned that the headmaster's wife was raped and murdered recently. Something that was not mentioned at her interview. A new police detective has just taken over the case. Laurel has had previous dealings with him during the investigation of her sister's murder a few years earlier. I won't say more about the plot. The device of having a newly appointed member of staff tell the story is a good one, as she gets to know her colleagues at the same time as the reader. Clearly, one of them is the murderer. They each have their secrets, which are slowly revealed. I enjoyed the book and intend to read more in this series.
May 3, 2020
😊
Laurel Bowman had to break the news to her parents that the body she had to go and identify is in fact her younger sister. The family is devastated and Laurel is determined to find her killer.
Starting a new job at a school Laurel learns that the headmasters wife had been murdered previously. With the knowledge she admits she wouldn't have taken the job if she knew beforehand. The whole school staff are potential killer's. As the crime unravels more bodies show up. The connection? The headmaster deceased wife. It turns out she had a few enemies within the school staff, but why? As the investigation progresses it comes all too apparent the wife isn't as innocent as her husband claims her to be, but then again neither is the headmaster.
This book rambled on a wee bit. It started off kinda exciting with the telling of a murder in the first few pages then it all changed abruptly with a new murder and further murders on the cards. Took a wee while to get back into the book but it got more interesting nearer the end I got.
Laurel Bowman had to break the news to her parents that the body she had to go and identify is in fact her younger sister. The family is devastated and Laurel is determined to find her killer.
Starting a new job at a school Laurel learns that the headmasters wife had been murdered previously. With the knowledge she admits she wouldn't have taken the job if she knew beforehand. The whole school staff are potential killer's. As the crime unravels more bodies show up. The connection? The headmaster deceased wife. It turns out she had a few enemies within the school staff, but why? As the investigation progresses it comes all too apparent the wife isn't as innocent as her husband claims her to be, but then again neither is the headmaster.
This book rambled on a wee bit. It started off kinda exciting with the telling of a murder in the first few pages then it all changed abruptly with a new murder and further murders on the cards. Took a wee while to get back into the book but it got more interesting nearer the end I got.
August 4, 2025
Murder by the sea
lAurel takes up a new position in a private school, she had not been told about the be Headmasters wife being murdered. Fellow teaching staff were a strange bunch and strange things started to happen. lAurel and her inquisitive nature starts looking into everyone's background as attempted murder and bones washed up on the beach make her determined to find what was going up. lAurel confines in Inspector Frank Diamond and they try and sort the mystery out.
A very good read with twists and turns
lAurel takes up a new position in a private school, she had not been told about the be Headmasters wife being murdered. Fellow teaching staff were a strange bunch and strange things started to happen. lAurel and her inquisitive nature starts looking into everyone's background as attempted murder and bones washed up on the beach make her determined to find what was going up. lAurel confines in Inspector Frank Diamond and they try and sort the mystery out.
A very good read with twists and turns
November 4, 2018
I tend to always enjoy English detective fiction, but sadly this one was too much like an episode of midsummer murders too many deaths. It seems writers are getting the impression the only way to keep a readers attention is to have a death every couple of chapters.
Sadly this means it becomes too easy to work out the killer and their motive, this book sat in this category.
A good read well-developed characters but a plot that would sit better in a two-hour television drama.
Sadly this means it becomes too easy to work out the killer and their motive, this book sat in this category.
A good read well-developed characters but a plot that would sit better in a two-hour television drama.
September 25, 2023
Un libro che comincia molto bene ed appassiona fino ad oltre la metà ma poi presne una strana piega, i personaggi si sgonfiano, diviene prevedibile e sterza verso il preannunciato romanzetto rosa già visto tante volte. Alcune parti perdono mordente ed alcuni avvenimenti spiazzano per la loro irrragionevolezza. Peccato.
June 17, 2018
Five Star Read.
Very enjoyable read, loved the characters. Frank Diamond is a diamond. Loved the 70s setting. Being a first book found it very well written. A book you just know you are going to like from the 1st page.
Very enjoyable read, loved the characters. Frank Diamond is a diamond. Loved the 70s setting. Being a first book found it very well written. A book you just know you are going to like from the 1st page.
June 20, 2018
Jolly good read
Well written, interesting plot, well edited. Not entirely convinced by the characters. I also find it odd to set the story in 1970. But sufficiently interested to buy the next one.
Well written, interesting plot, well edited. Not entirely convinced by the characters. I also find it odd to set the story in 1970. But sufficiently interested to buy the next one.
July 31, 2018
Some Particular Evil by Vera Morris
I have 5 stars for this book , it was well written , exciting and thought provoking , it kept you guessing and wondering who and why , I am looking forward to the next book by this author .
I have 5 stars for this book , it was well written , exciting and thought provoking , it kept you guessing and wondering who and why , I am looking forward to the next book by this author .
February 6, 2019
Gripping
I sat up to past midnight reading this book. I am familiar with the Dunwich and the area in general but, although that added my enjoyment, I think the story itself would keep me turning the pages. I shall be reading the next Vera Morris very soon.
I sat up to past midnight reading this book. I am familiar with the Dunwich and the area in general but, although that added my enjoyment, I think the story itself would keep me turning the pages. I shall be reading the next Vera Morris very soon.
April 7, 2020
Wonderful
Loved it all the way through. The mystery of who the murderer was was very subtle, clues were given but did we recognise them? Truly marvellous plot. Thoroughly recommend it.
Loved it all the way through. The mystery of who the murderer was was very subtle, clues were given but did we recognise them? Truly marvellous plot. Thoroughly recommend it.
June 23, 2018
Wow so many murders, but a happy ending
June 25, 2018
Enjoyable
I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book, looking forward to reading more about Laurel and Frank and their now new friends
I enjoyed the twists and turns of this book, looking forward to reading more about Laurel and Frank and their now new friends
June 27, 2018
Great read. A few goods twists
I loved this book. Has a good story line and a few nice twists
Would recommend it to anyone. Looking forward to the next one
I loved this book. Has a good story line and a few nice twists
Would recommend it to anyone. Looking forward to the next one
June 29, 2018
A rare treat of a book .
English crime story at its best .Well written, characters have depth . A thoroughly enjoyable tale .
Super book for a holiday read
English crime story at its best .Well written, characters have depth . A thoroughly enjoyable tale .
Super book for a holiday read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews