What do you think?
Rate this book
Chief Inspector Littlejohn #32
Toll the Bell for Murder
‘Pure British detective story’ – The New York Times
The curraghs in the Isle of Man are, as a rule, eerie and silent after dark, but that silence is shattered for the villagers of Mylecharaine one black night in April by a loud explosion followed by the violent ringing of the church bell.
The Vicar, Sullivan Lee, is discovered praying beside the murdered body of Sir Martin Skollick, the squire of Myrescogh. By the side of the body lies a sporting gun with both barrels fired. Archdeacon Kinrade summons his old friend Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard back to the Isle of Man. There, with the help of Inspector Knell of the Manx C.I.D., Littlejohn sheds light on the murdered man’s past misdeeds, his enemies, and his lady friends in particular, before Littlejohn has the answer to the mystery that started the church bell tolling across the curraghs that fateful night.
The curraghs in the Isle of Man are, as a rule, eerie and silent after dark, but that silence is shattered for the villagers of Mylecharaine one black night in April by a loud explosion followed by the violent ringing of the church bell.
The Vicar, Sullivan Lee, is discovered praying beside the murdered body of Sir Martin Skollick, the squire of Myrescogh. By the side of the body lies a sporting gun with both barrels fired. Archdeacon Kinrade summons his old friend Superintendent Littlejohn of Scotland Yard back to the Isle of Man. There, with the help of Inspector Knell of the Manx C.I.D., Littlejohn sheds light on the murdered man’s past misdeeds, his enemies, and his lady friends in particular, before Littlejohn has the answer to the mystery that started the church bell tolling across the curraghs that fateful night.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1959
143 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
George Bellairs
73 books101 followersAKA Hilary Landon
George Bellairs is the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager born in Heywood, near Rochdale, Lancashire, who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring the series' detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym Hilary Landon.
George Bellairs is the nom de plume of Harold Blundell, a crime writer and bank manager born in Heywood, near Rochdale, Lancashire, who settled in the Isle of Man on retirement. He wrote more than 50 books, most featuring the series' detective Inspector Littlejohn. He also wrote four novels under the alternative pseudonym Hilary Landon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
July 29, 2022
Starts with a BANG! The the local Vicar goes nuts and at 2.am ring's the church bell for murder. He's arrested for murder on Isle of man. So Littlejohn has to clear up the mess left behind.
June 10, 2025
Three and a half stars.
Not one of George's best books but still a good and easy read. It didn't have the humorous touches that some of the other stories have and which I enjoy so much.
Like many of his others, it is set in The Isle of Man and the topographical details are, I believe, very accurate as GB settled there for the latter part of his life.
The plot is not bad but there are a few far-fetched bits like a shotgun and cartridges being sold at a church jumble sale. Nevertheless quite enjoyable.
Not one of George's best books but still a good and easy read. It didn't have the humorous touches that some of the other stories have and which I enjoy so much.
Like many of his others, it is set in The Isle of Man and the topographical details are, I believe, very accurate as GB settled there for the latter part of his life.
The plot is not bad but there are a few far-fetched bits like a shotgun and cartridges being sold at a church jumble sale. Nevertheless quite enjoyable.
December 31, 2019
Sir Martin Skollick was an all-around scoundrel: imprisoned for two years for financial fraud, a womanizer, a bully. So it’s no surprise that he ends up shot to death. What is a surprise is that the humble vicar of Mylecharaine in the Isle of Man stands accused. Neither the Archdeacon of the Isle of Man nor Superintendent Thomas Littlejohn of Scotland Yard believe that Vicar Sullivan Lee is the real murderer. But then who is?
Author George Bellairs has littered this 32nd novel in the series with plenty of twists and turns. I never guessed who the culprit was, and I enjoyed the plot and the sly jokes on country life. Highly recommended.
Author George Bellairs has littered this 32nd novel in the series with plenty of twists and turns. I never guessed who the culprit was, and I enjoyed the plot and the sly jokes on country life. Highly recommended.
August 6, 2018
Atmospheric thriller.
The book is well written with an intriguing plot set on the Isle of Man. The country is well drawn and the description adds to the plot. I did guess one of the central characters involved in the murders but the end has a satisfying twist.
The book is well written with an intriguing plot set on the Isle of Man. The country is well drawn and the description adds to the plot. I did guess one of the central characters involved in the murders but the end has a satisfying twist.
December 28, 2024
A very good book but with rather a sudden ending.
May 29, 2019
Bell airs’ writing comes alive in the Isle of Man setting. He evokes both atmosphere and mystery in the landscape and connects his characters powerfully to the land. Littlejohn and his pals Knell and the Archdeacon move comfortably through the landscape, making connections and listening carefully to the people, the animals and the country.
It’s a male perspective, if a sensitive one. Nevertheless this is a ripping good yarn.
It’s a male perspective, if a sensitive one. Nevertheless this is a ripping good yarn.
August 28, 2019
This is the second George Bellairs Detective Littlejohn novel I have read and the first provided free to me by the George Bellairs Estate.
The novel is set in a gentler time in a beautifully realised location. Having never visited the Isle of Man I had no preconceived ideas but I feel I now have a good understanding of the land and the people, or at least what the land and people were like around sixty years ago!
Bellairs’ Littlejohn has been compared to Simenon’s Maigret but I think that relates more to the determination and gravity of the two main characters and the fact that they both smoke a pipe, but then everyone smoked a pipe in the first half of the 20th century! The similarities really end there, the Littlejohn books appear to be a lot less bleak in general and where Maigret is all about the characters, Littlejohn is much more to do with the puzzle. And this is a well devised puzzle with quite a few clues and some misdirection. The murders are interestingly devised with facts being revealed and the motives clarified in a natural way throughout the story as the book progresses, although the ending is remarkably abrupt to the extent that I wondered if there was a chapter missing from my e-book. However, as the denouement had been provided and there were no outstanding loose ends to tie up, I think now this was to be an intentionally shocking and poignant ending to the book, and I have to say that this had no impact on my enjoyment of the book.
The only other Inspector Littlejohn novel I have read, The Case of the Famished Parson, was written in 1949 and was quite light in tone and for the theme of the book possibly a little too comic in parts. Toll the Bell for Murder comes around 20 books farther along in the series and was written ten years later, and in the intervening period the content has become a little more serious and the detective appears more rounded and has developed a more defined personality. He commands respect wherever he goes, is very controlled and particular, and yet is scrupulously fair. However, he is also not afraid to enjoy himself and can turn off the policeman front when it is required. I think I’m starting to like him – bring on the next one!
The novel is set in a gentler time in a beautifully realised location. Having never visited the Isle of Man I had no preconceived ideas but I feel I now have a good understanding of the land and the people, or at least what the land and people were like around sixty years ago!
Bellairs’ Littlejohn has been compared to Simenon’s Maigret but I think that relates more to the determination and gravity of the two main characters and the fact that they both smoke a pipe, but then everyone smoked a pipe in the first half of the 20th century! The similarities really end there, the Littlejohn books appear to be a lot less bleak in general and where Maigret is all about the characters, Littlejohn is much more to do with the puzzle. And this is a well devised puzzle with quite a few clues and some misdirection. The murders are interestingly devised with facts being revealed and the motives clarified in a natural way throughout the story as the book progresses, although the ending is remarkably abrupt to the extent that I wondered if there was a chapter missing from my e-book. However, as the denouement had been provided and there were no outstanding loose ends to tie up, I think now this was to be an intentionally shocking and poignant ending to the book, and I have to say that this had no impact on my enjoyment of the book.
The only other Inspector Littlejohn novel I have read, The Case of the Famished Parson, was written in 1949 and was quite light in tone and for the theme of the book possibly a little too comic in parts. Toll the Bell for Murder comes around 20 books farther along in the series and was written ten years later, and in the intervening period the content has become a little more serious and the detective appears more rounded and has developed a more defined personality. He commands respect wherever he goes, is very controlled and particular, and yet is scrupulously fair. However, he is also not afraid to enjoy himself and can turn off the policeman front when it is required. I think I’m starting to like him – bring on the next one!
September 7, 2023
Littlejohn is called to the Isle of Man by his friend, the Archdeacon, to investigate a suspicious death. He's there unofficially (again) and his sidekick Cromwell is missing (a real loss). It's a tedious investigation which makes for a tedious story. I was glad to see the end of it. Despite a lacklustre plot, the setting is well done and there is the usual assortment of eccentrics among the characters.
February 8, 2017
This book, set on Isle of Man later in Littlejohn's career when he is Superintendent Littlejohn, showcases his investigative methods and astute conclusions. It could certainly be enjoyed as a stand alone and includes intriguing descriptions of the people who live there as well as detailed descriptions of the landscape. It is currently available from the Kindle Unlimited collection on Amazon.
July 20, 2025
Superintendent Littlejohn is back on the Isle of Man. Unofficially, of course.
Littlejohn's old friend Archdeacon Kinrade never hesitates to send for the Scotland Yard detective when there's a murder on the Isle. And Littlejohn appears to be able to take a few days off to help out whenever he's needed. He can't take Sergeant Cromwell with him, but local Inspector Knell is a good substitute.
In this case, the murdered man isn't a surprise to anyone. Sir Martin Skollick is a newcomer and has made himself unpopular with many of his new neighbors by demanding that they sell him land they don't want to sell. He believes anything is for sale for the right price. The conservative Manx residents disagree.
Then there's his love-life. He doesn't look like a ladies' man, being short, thin, and unprepossessing. Still, he likes women and they like him. Currently, he has a wife and at least two girlfriends. There are angry men who'd like to see him dead and jealous women would might not mind it, either.
The suspected murderer is a great shock to everyone. The Rev. Sullivan Lee is a quiet, timid man. His wife was killed in an air raid during the war and he never recovered. Sent to pastor a small church in the Curragh (low lands that have been drained and reclaimed from the sea) he's popular with his parrish, who pity his weaknesses.
The ladies of the church are preparing for a fund-raising jumble sale and someone has donated an ancient shotgun. The Rev. Lee checks it out and declares it to be in working condition, although it's obvious he barely knows one end of a gun from the other.
In the middle of the night, the neighborhood is awakened by the frantic tolling of the church bell. The Rev. Lee is hysterically calling for help. When they arrive, they find the body of Sir Martin, his face blown away by gunfire. The Rev Lee claims that he killed Sir Martin and then refuses to say more. No one believes him.
Littlejohn clears the Rev. Lee, but there's a murderer to catch and the field of suspects is wide. Sir Martin's wife is a still beautiful former opera singer who claims to be devoted to her unfaithful husband. One girlfriend is a hard-as-nails widow who says he loves her instead of his wife.
The third femme fatale is a farm girl who's more educated and sophisticated than her family. She became pregnant after an affair with Sir Martin and went to the mainland to have her baby. She insists he was excited about being a father and intended to ditch the other girlfriend and divorce his wife. The other two say she's lying, but Littlejohn isn't sure.
When there's another death, the locals are upset. The dead man did a bit of poaching, but he was widely liked. Did he see something (or someone) on the night of Sir Martin's murder? Was he a wanna-be blackmailer or was he trying to clear the Rev. Lee? Whatever he was doing got him killed.
Littlejohn sets a trap and catches a pair of suspects. One of them is dead and the other blames everything on the accomplice. When it's obvious the police don't believe the story, the suspect takes an easy way out.
I like the mysteries that Bellairs set on the Isle of Man because he loved the land and its people. I usually have little patience for long-winded descriptions, but I enjoy reading about the various parts of the island, with its wide variation in terrain and ecosystems. The Carragh is even more isolated than most of the island because the land is unsuitable for farming. It's beautiful in a bleak way, but it's a hard place to make a living. Post WWII, it's become popular with well-heeled retirees who like to fish, hunt, and drink.
This book is short on credibility. The motivations of some of the characters strike me as iffy. Still, people do strange things and it's dangerous to assume that something couldn't happen, because it probably HAS happened. It's a good read and that's all that matters to me.
Littlejohn's old friend Archdeacon Kinrade never hesitates to send for the Scotland Yard detective when there's a murder on the Isle. And Littlejohn appears to be able to take a few days off to help out whenever he's needed. He can't take Sergeant Cromwell with him, but local Inspector Knell is a good substitute.
In this case, the murdered man isn't a surprise to anyone. Sir Martin Skollick is a newcomer and has made himself unpopular with many of his new neighbors by demanding that they sell him land they don't want to sell. He believes anything is for sale for the right price. The conservative Manx residents disagree.
Then there's his love-life. He doesn't look like a ladies' man, being short, thin, and unprepossessing. Still, he likes women and they like him. Currently, he has a wife and at least two girlfriends. There are angry men who'd like to see him dead and jealous women would might not mind it, either.
The suspected murderer is a great shock to everyone. The Rev. Sullivan Lee is a quiet, timid man. His wife was killed in an air raid during the war and he never recovered. Sent to pastor a small church in the Curragh (low lands that have been drained and reclaimed from the sea) he's popular with his parrish, who pity his weaknesses.
The ladies of the church are preparing for a fund-raising jumble sale and someone has donated an ancient shotgun. The Rev. Lee checks it out and declares it to be in working condition, although it's obvious he barely knows one end of a gun from the other.
In the middle of the night, the neighborhood is awakened by the frantic tolling of the church bell. The Rev. Lee is hysterically calling for help. When they arrive, they find the body of Sir Martin, his face blown away by gunfire. The Rev Lee claims that he killed Sir Martin and then refuses to say more. No one believes him.
Littlejohn clears the Rev. Lee, but there's a murderer to catch and the field of suspects is wide. Sir Martin's wife is a still beautiful former opera singer who claims to be devoted to her unfaithful husband. One girlfriend is a hard-as-nails widow who says he loves her instead of his wife.
The third femme fatale is a farm girl who's more educated and sophisticated than her family. She became pregnant after an affair with Sir Martin and went to the mainland to have her baby. She insists he was excited about being a father and intended to ditch the other girlfriend and divorce his wife. The other two say she's lying, but Littlejohn isn't sure.
When there's another death, the locals are upset. The dead man did a bit of poaching, but he was widely liked. Did he see something (or someone) on the night of Sir Martin's murder? Was he a wanna-be blackmailer or was he trying to clear the Rev. Lee? Whatever he was doing got him killed.
Littlejohn sets a trap and catches a pair of suspects. One of them is dead and the other blames everything on the accomplice. When it's obvious the police don't believe the story, the suspect takes an easy way out.
I like the mysteries that Bellairs set on the Isle of Man because he loved the land and its people. I usually have little patience for long-winded descriptions, but I enjoy reading about the various parts of the island, with its wide variation in terrain and ecosystems. The Carragh is even more isolated than most of the island because the land is unsuitable for farming. It's beautiful in a bleak way, but it's a hard place to make a living. Post WWII, it's become popular with well-heeled retirees who like to fish, hunt, and drink.
This book is short on credibility. The motivations of some of the characters strike me as iffy. Still, people do strange things and it's dangerous to assume that something couldn't happen, because it probably HAS happened. It's a good read and that's all that matters to me.
September 8, 2018
Toll the Bell for Murder
By George Bellairs
This was first published in 1959 and is set in the village of Mylecharaine, in the north of the Isle of Man. One night a loud explosion is heard, waking the villagers, then Reverend Lee is ringing the Church Bell, nearly hysterical......the body of the cad, Sir Martin Skollick is there, with half his head missing. Shot.
Reverend Lee confesses to the killing and is jailed while the now Superintendent Littlejohn investigates, as he does not believe the Reverend is telling the truth.
Littlejohn is joined by the Archdeacon and Knell, in the search for answers but, then another murder, the shooting of the poacher, Casement.
What follows is a brilliantly written murder mystery, George Bellairs adds some of the Manx language and dialects and descriptions of the area, building the atmosphere of a beautiful but at times, bleak, countryside. His description of the Reverend Lee’s home is just depressing and a little sad. There are some gentle humorous moments too as in ‘ Knell scrambled about among the contents, sat on Sam’s lunch, which made strange noises as he squashed the hardboiled eggs’.
The reveal is a surprise right to the final chapters, with a few possible suspects along the way...male and female, to keep you guessing.
George Bellairs has created wonderfully rounded characters and at times a dark and emotional tale. Mr Bellairs deserves greater recognition as an original, classic crime novelist alongside Josephine Tey and Agatha Christie
By George Bellairs
This was first published in 1959 and is set in the village of Mylecharaine, in the north of the Isle of Man. One night a loud explosion is heard, waking the villagers, then Reverend Lee is ringing the Church Bell, nearly hysterical......the body of the cad, Sir Martin Skollick is there, with half his head missing. Shot.
Reverend Lee confesses to the killing and is jailed while the now Superintendent Littlejohn investigates, as he does not believe the Reverend is telling the truth.
Littlejohn is joined by the Archdeacon and Knell, in the search for answers but, then another murder, the shooting of the poacher, Casement.
What follows is a brilliantly written murder mystery, George Bellairs adds some of the Manx language and dialects and descriptions of the area, building the atmosphere of a beautiful but at times, bleak, countryside. His description of the Reverend Lee’s home is just depressing and a little sad. There are some gentle humorous moments too as in ‘ Knell scrambled about among the contents, sat on Sam’s lunch, which made strange noises as he squashed the hardboiled eggs’.
The reveal is a surprise right to the final chapters, with a few possible suspects along the way...male and female, to keep you guessing.
George Bellairs has created wonderfully rounded characters and at times a dark and emotional tale. Mr Bellairs deserves greater recognition as an original, classic crime novelist alongside Josephine Tey and Agatha Christie
April 21, 2018
Always an enjoyable book from George Bellairs
Always an enjoyable book from George Bellairs. You can always count on the book being great when the author is George Bellairs! He wrote so many books with inspector Littlejohn as the hero of the day that its been my books of choice of reading now for at least a month. Actually I've lost count of them all, but I believe I'm easily in the 20's. Some of the earlier books I wasn't able to find too read. There's about 4 I believe I'm not able to find in any library. I think I'll see if my local library can find them in book form. It doesn't matter what order they're read in really except for his advancement in the ranks. He ends at being a Superintendent, or is it a Chief Superintendent?!? Not sure when the ranks of the British police go higher up. Also all of Littlejohns cases on the Isle Of Mann where he makes a great friendship with the Archdeacon on his very first case there. From that point on he returns to solve several more murders. Like this one. Its another twisting & turning of who did the deed, or whom were "they". Littlejohn is back with Knells, & the Archdeacon to solve two murders & to free an innocent man.
Always an enjoyable book from George Bellairs. You can always count on the book being great when the author is George Bellairs! He wrote so many books with inspector Littlejohn as the hero of the day that its been my books of choice of reading now for at least a month. Actually I've lost count of them all, but I believe I'm easily in the 20's. Some of the earlier books I wasn't able to find too read. There's about 4 I believe I'm not able to find in any library. I think I'll see if my local library can find them in book form. It doesn't matter what order they're read in really except for his advancement in the ranks. He ends at being a Superintendent, or is it a Chief Superintendent?!? Not sure when the ranks of the British police go higher up. Also all of Littlejohns cases on the Isle Of Mann where he makes a great friendship with the Archdeacon on his very first case there. From that point on he returns to solve several more murders. Like this one. Its another twisting & turning of who did the deed, or whom were "they". Littlejohn is back with Knells, & the Archdeacon to solve two murders & to free an innocent man.
July 27, 2017
Superintendent Littlejohn returns to the Isle of Man for this 1959 investigation into the murder of the highly-unpopular Sir Martin Skollick who has been found, with half his head blown away by a shotgun, in the Rev. Sullivan Lee’s church.
Lee is arrested but no-one can bring themselves to believe he is guilty. Littlejohn’s investigations show that Skollick was a philanderer and a convicted criminal who had fallen out with most of his neighbours. There are potentially numerous suspects: his mistreated wife, several women he was involved with, neighbours, people he had swindled, and the local poacher, are among them.
Littlejohn interviews extensively, journeying round the brooding country of the curraghs, an isolated area of drained fenland.
There are lots of vividly-drawn characters ranging from the retired diva, Lady Skollick, to Finlo Casement, the shepherd and poacher.
There are red herrings a-plenty before the final, horrific revelation of the murderer.
Bellairs is in fine form, although this is one of the darker novels with only small flashes of humour.
Lee is arrested but no-one can bring themselves to believe he is guilty. Littlejohn’s investigations show that Skollick was a philanderer and a convicted criminal who had fallen out with most of his neighbours. There are potentially numerous suspects: his mistreated wife, several women he was involved with, neighbours, people he had swindled, and the local poacher, are among them.
Littlejohn interviews extensively, journeying round the brooding country of the curraghs, an isolated area of drained fenland.
There are lots of vividly-drawn characters ranging from the retired diva, Lady Skollick, to Finlo Casement, the shepherd and poacher.
There are red herrings a-plenty before the final, horrific revelation of the murderer.
Bellairs is in fine form, although this is one of the darker novels with only small flashes of humour.
July 16, 2017
Another great book from George Bellairs in his Littlejohn series, twists and humour as with all this series I've read so far however a unique book as are all his others. Written in the classic style of the Great British Detective as promised on the cover I was soon gripped by this adventure and loving every page. This case is set in the Isle of Mann and so we meet up with Inspector Knell and the Arch Deacon plus Knell and his 2nd cousin Maggie the Arch Deacon house lady get to continue their little fuied, or rather Maggie's. It was the Arch Deacon that requested the helping ✋hand of Littlejohn as one of his friends a Vicar had been arrested and accused of a murder of a rather unpleasant comeover as they call them on the Island called Sir Martin. If it was possible to blame Sir Martin he was and if not they would find away such was his popularity. A good whodunit as only Mr Bellairs can do them if you like them i think you will love this one or enjoy it anyhow.
June 13, 2022
Another Isle of Man mystery for Littlejohn. A small town hears some shots in the middle of the night and a minister discovered praying beside the body of a man whose head is nearly blown off. He's hysterical and seems to alternate between taking the blame (which most find unlikely) and sullen silence. Littlejohn is sent for and must solve the mystery with the help of Inspector Knell since Rev. Lee won't talk. Sir Martin, the murdered man, was disliked by nearly everybody who knew him, so there are no lack of suspects, including his alcoholic wife, a doctor in love with Sir Martin's wife, Sir Martin's lover, the woman with whom he had a child, and a poacher, among others. Littlejohn methodically talks to everyone, again and again, until he thinks he has a solution, which turns violent and deadly.
June 21, 2025
I wish all the books in the Inspector (now Superintendent) Littlejohn series were available through my public library. Bellairs style of storytelling and his characters fit my reading preferences.
In this story, Littlejohn has been called to the Isle of Man by his good friend the Archdeacon after the local vicar is jailed for a recent murder. Even though Littlejohn isn't there as a representative of Scotland Yard, his close professional relationship with the local constabulary allows him to participate -- really to lead -- the investigation.
The vicar refuses to say anything about the crime or his finding of the body, instead maintaining a stubborn silence even though no one truly thinks him guilty. It is only through circumstantial evidence that he finds himself incarcerated.
In this story, Littlejohn has been called to the Isle of Man by his good friend the Archdeacon after the local vicar is jailed for a recent murder. Even though Littlejohn isn't there as a representative of Scotland Yard, his close professional relationship with the local constabulary allows him to participate -- really to lead -- the investigation.
The vicar refuses to say anything about the crime or his finding of the body, instead maintaining a stubborn silence even though no one truly thinks him guilty. It is only through circumstantial evidence that he finds himself incarcerated.
April 29, 2018
Love it when George Bellair sets Inspector Littlejohn down in the Isle of Man to resolve another mystery. I love the atmosphere and beauty of the island and along with the delightful returning Manx characters, the setting always assures me a great read.
This could very well have rated 10 stars from me if it weren't, once again, for the awkward denouement in the ending. Bellairs, to my mind, has yet to master the art of a truly elegant and graceful ending. I'm waiting.
This could very well have rated 10 stars from me if it weren't, once again, for the awkward denouement in the ending. Bellairs, to my mind, has yet to master the art of a truly elegant and graceful ending. I'm waiting.
April 9, 2020
This 1959 entry in the Littlejohn saga finds him on the Isle of Man, where of course he is drawn into a local murder inquiry while trying to enjoy his holiday. The local color, plus a twisty plot that doesn't wander off in too many directions, makes this a solid thriller. As always, Bellairs has fun with character names, such as adding a cop named "Knell" in a book called "Toll the Bell for Murder."
March 11, 2021
This is the 13th Inspector (Superintendent) Littlejohn book I have read so I’m obviously a fan.
Littlejohn is back on his beloved Isle of Man, called back by his friend Archbishop Kinraid. Sir Skollick has been murdered and the Rev Lee is taking responsibility for the deed but otherwise is saying nothing.
Littlejohn has too many suspects who hated the victim and is a shade baffled right up to the end.
Always an enjoyable time spent with Littlejohn on the island with his friends.
Littlejohn is back on his beloved Isle of Man, called back by his friend Archbishop Kinraid. Sir Skollick has been murdered and the Rev Lee is taking responsibility for the deed but otherwise is saying nothing.
Littlejohn has too many suspects who hated the victim and is a shade baffled right up to the end.
Always an enjoyable time spent with Littlejohn on the island with his friends.
June 29, 2022
My admiration for Bellairs and Littlejohn, his detective creation, know no bounds. Another mystery set on the Isle of Man, the atmosphere is once again pitch perfect and the dark, mysterious nature of the landscape suits the story of a sordid crime solved adeptly once more. Red herrings abound, clues are brought together and ends tied up. Perfect classic detective story.
December 27, 2018
Tolling bells wake up the neighbors and they discover the vicar praying over a dead body. Archbishop Kinrade calls Inspector Littlejohn to the Isle of Man to help. Can he figure out what's going on before more people are murdered?
Good police procedural.
Good police procedural.
November 27, 2022
An extremely languid read. Of the Littlejohn Manx books I've read, this is the most elegiac. The atmosphere is absorbing. Makes me want to visit the Isle of Man. It's more of a slow moving adventure than a police procedural.
March 23, 2018
I liked the books set in the Isle of Man.
March 24, 2018
The beginning of Toll is bizarre, but not interesting. Most of the book is slow, and happenstance or serendipity play a large role in solving the crimes. It's readable, but not the best in series.
October 22, 2018
Isle of Man setting
Great atmosphere and characters. Who knew they had their own language? Really enjoyed the plot twists and outcome. Quite an unusual cast of characters.
Great atmosphere and characters. Who knew they had their own language? Really enjoyed the plot twists and outcome. Quite an unusual cast of characters.
December 31, 2018
Kindle Unlimited
July 11, 2020
A good one.
Not sure how all this worked out, who did what and why, but we did get to the end. Very complex.
Not sure how all this worked out, who did what and why, but we did get to the end. Very complex.
November 21, 2021
Classic Littlejohn
The Isle of Man, a murder and a smashing ending. Lots of local color and characters. Just go read and enjoy.
The Isle of Man, a murder and a smashing ending. Lots of local color and characters. Just go read and enjoy.
December 26, 2021
Excellent. Very engaging.
September 15, 2022
First two thirds very fun, feels a little forced at the end, but definitely makes me want to visit the Isle of Man.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews