Constable at the Gate

Constable Nick Mystery #18

by Nicholas Rhea

Rural Yorskhire. Dealing with the local population of this rural village shouldn’t provide too much crime. Yet the days are never boring for Constable Nick… Settled into his family life, he is now a popular resident of Aidensfield. Regularly approached when he’s off-duty to help his neighbours with their current emergencies. Rhea often finds himself in a situation where he must decipher the fact from the gossip. Rumours are rampant and scandalous, but he must remain objective to carry out his job. Easier said than done when you are living in a tight-knit community. Returning the wandering elderly villagers to their family and ensuring the local pubs close on time are part of his normal routine. Throw in a dramatic rescue of a much-loved pet and his work becomes exciting. But the exposing of a small burglary ring whilst searching for a truant child hunting for a mythical bird really makes his job unique. Constable at the Gate is a tale of life and work in a rural Yorkshire community that will make you laugh, cry and beg for more. ‘Stories of a constable on his village beat in North Yorkshire. All very gentle and far, far removed from the hurly burly of modern day city policing.’ – Daily Telegraph ‘A fascinating insight into the life of a rural constable … the book makes splendid reading,’ – Police Journal ‘The colourful as much as the criminal side of life is his professional lot, and in a whole series of attractively written anecdotes he reveals how the waywardness which leads both young and old into awkward individualism, as well as into evil, keeps him busy.’ – Countryman ‘Rhea’s real strengths are his sharp portraits of people, and absorbing detail of a country copper practising his craft … As with the Herriot series, the best humour comes from the author’s close understanding and affectionate portrayals of the character of Yorkshire country folk. Life as a North Riding copper must have been rich indeed.’ – Northern Echo ‘An account of the hilarious happenings to the county’s rural policemen over the years.’ – Yorkshire Post ‘Filled with Yorkshire characters to make you laugh and cry … shows rural life through the eyes of a village bobby.’ – Whitby Gazette ‘An excellent, well-written, humorous journey through the life of a village bobby.’ – Police Box Nicholas Rhea, now retired, spent 30 years in the force, having started as a Police Cadet for the North Riding Constabulary. His best-known work, the Constable series, provided the inspiration for the hugely popular TV series, Heartbeat and he remained involved with the series as a consultant until filming ended in 2009.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

170 pages, Paperback

First published November 13, 1997

About the author

A pseudonym used by Peter N. Walker

Reviews

[Mesh'la Cyar'ika · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read that's perfect for a warm summer evening or rainy weekend. The Constable series by Nicholas Rhea will provide you with comedy, mystery and drama. Perfect for any fans of Heartbeat.

[Betsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better books in the series. Not all are happy stories, but they are touching.

[Barry Scott]

Excellent

As always with Nick Rhea he reminds me of my time spent in the country on my grandfathers farm. He was a shepherd located in the north east of Scotland and I spent many high days and holidays there out with the sheep and visiting the local market towns. Perhaps not as quaint as the North Yorkshire moors but equally as enchanting and beautiful no matter what time of the year.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book!

As usual, Mr. Rhea has written an interesting and enjoyable book filled with the fascinating adventures of Constable Nick in the course of his law enforcement career. I highly recommend it to other mystery readers.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I had read every single Constable Nick Mystery and then I found this one-unread! Hooray! But I fear there are no more left for me and I have enjoyed them immensely. I may have to re-read some--and I will look into another series that the author wrote.

[Margie Trevillyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice light read to wash the palate between weightier books.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, easy read. Along the same lines at a James Herriot book but with much less attention to the private life of the writer.

[Hazel Friday · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was a bit different from books I normally read but very interesting.

[Josephine M Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent read.

I love the humanity of these books. The caring of these townspeople for each other. The insight into people from another country and culture. The good, the bad and the ugly that makes up who are in this world.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book

Another great collection of memories from his time as a village constable in Yorkshire. Well written with plenty of interesting characters and events. A perfect book to read when you want to relax for a couple of hours reading about times past.

[Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit disappointed - not as good as the others in the series IMO