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Bill Slider #21
Headlong
Bill Slider and his team investigate the death of a prominent literary agent in this intriguing contemporary mystery.
When one of London's best-known literary agents is found dead in strange circumstances, having fallen headlong from his office window, DCI Slider is under pressure from the Borough Commander to confirm a case of accidental death. But when the evidence points to murder, Slider and his team find themselves uncovering some decidedly scandalous secrets in the suave and successful Ed Wiseman's past.
An embittered ex-wife. A discarded mistress. A frustrated would-be author. A disgruntled former employee. Many had reason to hold a grudge against the late lamented literary agent. But who would feel strongly enough to kill him? Any leads in the investigation seem only to result in more questions - not least of which is the identity of the elusive Calliope Hunt. Who is she - and what is her connection to the train of events?
When one of London's best-known literary agents is found dead in strange circumstances, having fallen headlong from his office window, DCI Slider is under pressure from the Borough Commander to confirm a case of accidental death. But when the evidence points to murder, Slider and his team find themselves uncovering some decidedly scandalous secrets in the suave and successful Ed Wiseman's past.
An embittered ex-wife. A discarded mistress. A frustrated would-be author. A disgruntled former employee. Many had reason to hold a grudge against the late lamented literary agent. But who would feel strongly enough to kill him? Any leads in the investigation seem only to result in more questions - not least of which is the identity of the elusive Calliope Hunt. Who is she - and what is her connection to the train of events?
256 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2019
43 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
169 books494 followersCynthia Harrod-Eagles (aka Emma Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bennett)
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 19, 2022
DCI Bill Slider and his crew are called to the death of literary agent Edward (Ed) Wiseman who appears to have fallen out of his first floor window (maybe second floor depending how you count them) onto a basement building site next door where he landed on a wheelbarrow of rubble.
Slider is under strict instructions from Borough Commander Carpenter to wrap this up as an accident ASAP. Also, under no circumstances is any dirt to stick to Calliope Hunt as his wife’s cousin is her godmother! Blimey, another super sensitive case. As it turns out the autopsy confirms that Wiseman had already been dead for about an hour before being pitched out of the window. So now there is a murder to investigate.
The list of suspects grows exponentially. It turns out that Wiseman was a prolific womaniser and, while charming company, he had left a trail of broken hearts, scorned women and angry husbands/boyfriends and fathers in his wake. Which one of them was upset enough to kill him?
This was an enjoyable cosy with no gratuitous violence, abuse or animal harm. It’s pleasant for a change!
Slider is under strict instructions from Borough Commander Carpenter to wrap this up as an accident ASAP. Also, under no circumstances is any dirt to stick to Calliope Hunt as his wife’s cousin is her godmother! Blimey, another super sensitive case. As it turns out the autopsy confirms that Wiseman had already been dead for about an hour before being pitched out of the window. So now there is a murder to investigate.
The list of suspects grows exponentially. It turns out that Wiseman was a prolific womaniser and, while charming company, he had left a trail of broken hearts, scorned women and angry husbands/boyfriends and fathers in his wake. Which one of them was upset enough to kill him?
This was an enjoyable cosy with no gratuitous violence, abuse or animal harm. It’s pleasant for a change!
January 11, 2019
A good, solid police procedural and the discovery of a new good series.
It's the first one I read in this series and was really happy to have read it.
It was engaging and entertaining, a well written and with likable cast of characters.
The mystery was good, no plot hole, and it keep you guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading another installment in this series.
Recommended
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC
It's the first one I read in this series and was really happy to have read it.
It was engaging and entertaining, a well written and with likable cast of characters.
The mystery was good, no plot hole, and it keep you guessing till the end.
I look forward to reading another installment in this series.
Recommended
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC
January 30, 2019
Headlong by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is the 21st in the DCI Bill Slider series however it does read well as a standalone. Ed Wiseman, a 67-year-old literary agent, is found dead in the construction site next to his home and office. The death is deemed accidental in the beginning of the investigation but soon looks like murder. DCI Slider's bosses pressure him to keep the whole thing out of the newspapers and to resolve the case quickly. The potential list of suspects soon grows due to the fact that Ed Wiseman was very popular with the ladies, all of the ladies. This is a good old-fashioned police procedural that flows well and is entertaining. I look forward to reading other novels in the series. Highly recommended. Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 9, 2019
First Sentence: Slider jumped into the car, and Atherton peeled away from the kerb and back in the traffic in a movement so sleek and smooth, a dolphin would have tried to mate with it.
A famous literary critic's body is found in the cellar of the construction site next door to his home. Although DCI Bill Slider's Borough Commander would like a quick verdict of "accidental death" to close the case and gives strict orders that unknown Calliope Hunt is not to be questioned, Slider isn't convinced the death was an accident. A plethora of possible suspect means Slider and his team have their work cut out for them, while Bill is also concerned about his wife and truly dealing with being a father.
The very first sentence demonstrates why Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is such a pleasure to read. For having a way with words, she has no equal. Her metaphors are wonderful and perfect—'One hundred-and fifty-plus years represents a lot of history for a building, and in value and status these had gone up and down like a Harrods lift at sale time.' She slips in delightful bits of humor along the way—"'I expect you're wondering why you're here,' said Carpenter. Existentialism at this hour of the morning? Various facetious answers flitted through Slider's mind…"And then there's Porson, Slider's boss, and the king of a malaprop—'Too many thieves spoil the broth. It all gets … wafty.'
That CH-E has set the story amongst the world of publishing is fun. One does suspect that the characters represent people she has known, or that they are an amalgamation of them. She really does provide a fascinating look into that world. Harrod-Eagles is also very good with details and with setting the scene. She describes the location in which the characters find themselves placing one right alongside them.
The "what's wrong with this picture" scenarios are so well done and can cause one to consider the details of one's own, everyday life. It's the forensic details that determine the path of the plot—it is a mystery, after all—but still, it is nicely done, and the devils-advocate banter between Slider and Atherton is clever and more realistic, in some ways, than were it one character with internal musings. One can also appreciate that although Slider and Atherton are the leads, there is a realism in the way Slider's team is an ensemble cast with each having their role in the investigation.
The realness of the story is satisfying and understandable; possible problems at home, possible reassignment at work. These are things to which one can easily relate. She also presents a very realistic view of a police investigation as often being a hard slog of minutia and focusing on the mundane. How well done is it that when the killer is exposed, one almost feels sympathy for them.
"Headlong" isn't a book of gunfire or car chases, but of great characters and solid police work with an ending to make one smile.
HEADLONG (PolProc-Bill Slider-England-Contemp) - VG
Harrod-Eagles, Cynthia – 11th in series
Severn House – 2018
A famous literary critic's body is found in the cellar of the construction site next door to his home. Although DCI Bill Slider's Borough Commander would like a quick verdict of "accidental death" to close the case and gives strict orders that unknown Calliope Hunt is not to be questioned, Slider isn't convinced the death was an accident. A plethora of possible suspect means Slider and his team have their work cut out for them, while Bill is also concerned about his wife and truly dealing with being a father.
The very first sentence demonstrates why Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is such a pleasure to read. For having a way with words, she has no equal. Her metaphors are wonderful and perfect—'One hundred-and fifty-plus years represents a lot of history for a building, and in value and status these had gone up and down like a Harrods lift at sale time.' She slips in delightful bits of humor along the way—"'I expect you're wondering why you're here,' said Carpenter. Existentialism at this hour of the morning? Various facetious answers flitted through Slider's mind…"And then there's Porson, Slider's boss, and the king of a malaprop—'Too many thieves spoil the broth. It all gets … wafty.'
That CH-E has set the story amongst the world of publishing is fun. One does suspect that the characters represent people she has known, or that they are an amalgamation of them. She really does provide a fascinating look into that world. Harrod-Eagles is also very good with details and with setting the scene. She describes the location in which the characters find themselves placing one right alongside them.
The "what's wrong with this picture" scenarios are so well done and can cause one to consider the details of one's own, everyday life. It's the forensic details that determine the path of the plot—it is a mystery, after all—but still, it is nicely done, and the devils-advocate banter between Slider and Atherton is clever and more realistic, in some ways, than were it one character with internal musings. One can also appreciate that although Slider and Atherton are the leads, there is a realism in the way Slider's team is an ensemble cast with each having their role in the investigation.
The realness of the story is satisfying and understandable; possible problems at home, possible reassignment at work. These are things to which one can easily relate. She also presents a very realistic view of a police investigation as often being a hard slog of minutia and focusing on the mundane. How well done is it that when the killer is exposed, one almost feels sympathy for them.
"Headlong" isn't a book of gunfire or car chases, but of great characters and solid police work with an ending to make one smile.
HEADLONG (PolProc-Bill Slider-England-Contemp) - VG
Harrod-Eagles, Cynthia – 11th in series
Severn House – 2018
January 24, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for allowing me to preview this book.
This is a British police procedural starring Detective Inspector Bill Slider, the latest in a long series. I was excited to read it, as I have been a fan of this series for years. The characters are realistic and likeable, and the writing is crisp and full of dry humor. I especially like the way the Chief Inspector always uses Spoonerisms when he talks, and all of the chapter titles are puns.
In this case, a famous literary agent has seemingly taken a nose dive from his window, and Bill Slider and his team must decide if it was an accident or something more sinister. Of course, it becomes clear that he was murdered, and then the team must interview all of his associates to determine who helped him out the window. How DI Slider figures out whodunit is quite ingenious, and the very end of the book is satisfying.
I would urge anybody who likes police procedurals, whodunits, and humorous mysteries to try this series.
This is a British police procedural starring Detective Inspector Bill Slider, the latest in a long series. I was excited to read it, as I have been a fan of this series for years. The characters are realistic and likeable, and the writing is crisp and full of dry humor. I especially like the way the Chief Inspector always uses Spoonerisms when he talks, and all of the chapter titles are puns.
In this case, a famous literary agent has seemingly taken a nose dive from his window, and Bill Slider and his team must decide if it was an accident or something more sinister. Of course, it becomes clear that he was murdered, and then the team must interview all of his associates to determine who helped him out the window. How DI Slider figures out whodunit is quite ingenious, and the very end of the book is satisfying.
I would urge anybody who likes police procedurals, whodunits, and humorous mysteries to try this series.
January 24, 2019
Ed Wiseman may have been a big deal literary agent but he was not a nice man. DCI Bill Slider and DS Jim Atherton find themselves up against a brick wall when they try to untangle the man's life and identify his murderer. This is a fairly typical procedural which is enlivened by the relationship between Slider and Atherton. I'd not read others in the series but that wasn't a problem- this was fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. Always a pleasure to work out the answers along with the detectives.
January 2, 2019
Edward Wiseman, a well-known literary agent is found dead at a construction project next door to his home. DCI Bill Slider is assigned to the case and department brass wants it determined to be accidental death as soon as possible. However, Slider can't ignore his hunch that Wiseman is a victim of murder.
I've read many of the books in this long-running series, but the book would be just as enjoyable to readers who are new to the series. The clever title fits the murder and is also the title of a book Wiseman wanted to publish before his untimely death. This is just one example of the author's expertise with language. The book is filled with witty language and wordplay, especially in the banter between Slider and his friend and colleague DS Jim Atherton.
The case featured in the story is interesting, with more than one viable suspects. There was one aspect that seemed unbelievable to me in that a key witness was off limits for questioning, due to her tie to a department bigwig. Other than that, I was engaged in the case and was surprised at the outcome.
This series has always shown a nice mix of Slider's work and home life. This book in particular realistically deals with balancing work and family when both parents have a career outside the home, and I enjoyed this aspect of the story. There are surprises on the personal side in the book that I look forward to see play out in future books.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Severn House. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
I've read many of the books in this long-running series, but the book would be just as enjoyable to readers who are new to the series. The clever title fits the murder and is also the title of a book Wiseman wanted to publish before his untimely death. This is just one example of the author's expertise with language. The book is filled with witty language and wordplay, especially in the banter between Slider and his friend and colleague DS Jim Atherton.
The case featured in the story is interesting, with more than one viable suspects. There was one aspect that seemed unbelievable to me in that a key witness was off limits for questioning, due to her tie to a department bigwig. Other than that, I was engaged in the case and was surprised at the outcome.
This series has always shown a nice mix of Slider's work and home life. This book in particular realistically deals with balancing work and family when both parents have a career outside the home, and I enjoyed this aspect of the story. There are surprises on the personal side in the book that I look forward to see play out in future books.
I received this book from NetGalley, through the courtesy of Severn House. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
October 14, 2018
4 and 1 / 2 stars
I read the Kindle edition.
DCI Bill Slider and DS Jim Atherton respond to the call of an “accidental” death. The man is Ed Wiseman, a famous literary agent. Slider‘s bosses are insisting that he the death an accident. Slider reviews the scene and is not sure it was an accident.
When the pathologist returns a finding of death by blows to the head before the fall occurred, Slider now has a murder on his hands. He and Atherton begin interviewing witnesses, including Wiseman’s ex-wife, assistant, friends and associates. Is the killer the ex-wife? The rejected novelist? The father of a young woman Wiseman went out with? The former employee that was let go? Or is it the somewhat talentless and volatile girlfriend?
The intense investigation goes on. Interminably it seems at times. They interview all the potential suspects, then interview them again. Suddenly, a man confesses to the murder. They arrest him, for among other things, attacking one of the officers. He refuses to speak other than say that he killed Ed Wiseman over and over. Slider, Atherton and the others have their doubts.
The top brass still insist that the young woman who was among those currently “dated” by Wiseman is off limits. This frustrates Slider to no end as he has narrowed the list of suspects considerably. Slider carefully re-examines the material that he and his team have collected. Suddenly, he has it! The identity of the killer becomes clear.
In a sad revelation, Slider and a colleague go to arrest the killer.
Ms. Harrod-Eagles writes a darn good novel. I really like the way she interjects sly humor into the exchanges between the police officers, especially Slider and Atherton. This is a police procedural in the truest sense of the words. The book concentrates on the minutiae of day to day police work; the slogging through financials, CCTV tapes, interviews and all the rest. The police discuss the case among themselves trying to ascertain who is telling the truth and who is lying. The reader gets the picture of the story in a straight line. That is to say one event follows another in a logical manner. I liked that the author also put in her story details about Slider’s wife Jo and Atherton’s girlfriend. There was not so much information, however, that it intruded on the story. Wonderful novel! Keep writing them, Ms. Harrod-Eagles.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
I read the Kindle edition.
DCI Bill Slider and DS Jim Atherton respond to the call of an “accidental” death. The man is Ed Wiseman, a famous literary agent. Slider‘s bosses are insisting that he the death an accident. Slider reviews the scene and is not sure it was an accident.
When the pathologist returns a finding of death by blows to the head before the fall occurred, Slider now has a murder on his hands. He and Atherton begin interviewing witnesses, including Wiseman’s ex-wife, assistant, friends and associates. Is the killer the ex-wife? The rejected novelist? The father of a young woman Wiseman went out with? The former employee that was let go? Or is it the somewhat talentless and volatile girlfriend?
The intense investigation goes on. Interminably it seems at times. They interview all the potential suspects, then interview them again. Suddenly, a man confesses to the murder. They arrest him, for among other things, attacking one of the officers. He refuses to speak other than say that he killed Ed Wiseman over and over. Slider, Atherton and the others have their doubts.
The top brass still insist that the young woman who was among those currently “dated” by Wiseman is off limits. This frustrates Slider to no end as he has narrowed the list of suspects considerably. Slider carefully re-examines the material that he and his team have collected. Suddenly, he has it! The identity of the killer becomes clear.
In a sad revelation, Slider and a colleague go to arrest the killer.
Ms. Harrod-Eagles writes a darn good novel. I really like the way she interjects sly humor into the exchanges between the police officers, especially Slider and Atherton. This is a police procedural in the truest sense of the words. The book concentrates on the minutiae of day to day police work; the slogging through financials, CCTV tapes, interviews and all the rest. The police discuss the case among themselves trying to ascertain who is telling the truth and who is lying. The reader gets the picture of the story in a straight line. That is to say one event follows another in a logical manner. I liked that the author also put in her story details about Slider’s wife Jo and Atherton’s girlfriend. There was not so much information, however, that it intruded on the story. Wonderful novel! Keep writing them, Ms. Harrod-Eagles.
I want to thank NetGalley and Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this absolutely great book for me to read, enjoy and review.
December 3, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House Publishing for an eGalley of this novel.
I'm not sure exactly how many Bill Slider mysteries there are in this series, but I've never had any problem with knowing where the characters stand even if I read the books out of chronological order. If you enjoy this one as much as I did you will be glad to know you have many other novels left to explore.
This is a straightforward police procedural and readers get to find and evaluate the evidence right along with the members of Detective Chief Inspector Slider's team. The first thing the team has to figure out is how this death happened so they will know if they are investigating an accident, a suicide, or a murder. Forensic evidence answers that question so now comes the task of untangling a motive for murder of a man that everyone seems to have held in such high regard. Watching that information come to light was a rewarding reading experience.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is one of my favorite authors and in her books I often find something that makes me smile. In this one Slider is thinking that he doesn't have time to read many books, but when he does read one "he liked something where the plot unfolded in a straight line and the action didn't jig back and forth between characters, times and sometimes even dimensions". Interestingly enough that happens to be the type of mystery novels I prefer to read also. Even more interestingly, that is exactly the style of writing you will get from a Cynthia Harrod-Eagles novel. It's always nice when things work out like that.
I'm not sure exactly how many Bill Slider mysteries there are in this series, but I've never had any problem with knowing where the characters stand even if I read the books out of chronological order. If you enjoy this one as much as I did you will be glad to know you have many other novels left to explore.
This is a straightforward police procedural and readers get to find and evaluate the evidence right along with the members of Detective Chief Inspector Slider's team. The first thing the team has to figure out is how this death happened so they will know if they are investigating an accident, a suicide, or a murder. Forensic evidence answers that question so now comes the task of untangling a motive for murder of a man that everyone seems to have held in such high regard. Watching that information come to light was a rewarding reading experience.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is one of my favorite authors and in her books I often find something that makes me smile. In this one Slider is thinking that he doesn't have time to read many books, but when he does read one "he liked something where the plot unfolded in a straight line and the action didn't jig back and forth between characters, times and sometimes even dimensions". Interestingly enough that happens to be the type of mystery novels I prefer to read also. Even more interestingly, that is exactly the style of writing you will get from a Cynthia Harrod-Eagles novel. It's always nice when things work out like that.
January 21, 2019
In Headlong, the latest DCI Bill Slider and DS Jim Atherton book from Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, they’ve been called to the scene of what appears to be an unfortunate accident, and as the deceased was an important society figure, it seems like a no-brainer to keep the publicity from getting out of hand. Slider’s boss says it’s an accident. The big big boss says it’s an accident. So why does Bill Slider have that feeling that they’re wrong? That Ed Wiseman didn’t fall out of his apartment window “by accident.” Because he’s Bill Slider, that’s why. Slider sees things at the crime scene that bother him, and he takes the reader right along with him. He has to explain all this to his boss, of course. It does not go well. But given Ms. Harrod-Eagles’ penchant for humor -- check the chapter headings – he gets to utter a version of the famous line – “he didn’t fall – he was pushed.” And of course, this being our Bill, in his 21st case, he’s right. The game’s afoot.
The deceased has a reputation as quite the ladies’ man. There’s an ex-wife, and lots of girlfriends. Did he ruffle someone’s girlish feathers, anger a jealous husband, or not come through with enough royalties for one of his authors (as a famous literary agent, that’s ground for murder, right there). Everyone loved him, says all the witnesses -- male and female. Well, somebody didn’t, says Bill.
The author is a master at presenting compelling murderous scenarios, likely suspects, building up alibis, truths, and lies. There’s the aforementioned friends, employees, and ex-lovers. Throw in a disgruntled wannabe writer, who’s crazy enough to have done it. And then there’s the Latest Young Thing who’s got a book she’s shopping around -- and to whom dear old Ed became smitten. What’s a DCI to do? Keep digging, of course, through lots of interviews and discussions of timelines. Finally, a witness provides information about a vital piece of evidence, and the wheels of justice grind to a satisfying ending.
In between we get a look at the Slider/Atherton home life, with Joanna and Emily. The little things that make these books so wonderful to read. Atherton’s still torn between settling down and not settling down. Bill and Joanna still juggle what the roles of father and mother should rightfully be, when both have important careers. That readers will care about all this after so many books is a testament to the author’s skill.
There’s news on the Slider home front, too, which I look forward to hearing more about. And maybe, just maybe, Jim Atherton will finally make up his mind.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy of the book in advance of publication, in exchange for this review.
The deceased has a reputation as quite the ladies’ man. There’s an ex-wife, and lots of girlfriends. Did he ruffle someone’s girlish feathers, anger a jealous husband, or not come through with enough royalties for one of his authors (as a famous literary agent, that’s ground for murder, right there). Everyone loved him, says all the witnesses -- male and female. Well, somebody didn’t, says Bill.
The author is a master at presenting compelling murderous scenarios, likely suspects, building up alibis, truths, and lies. There’s the aforementioned friends, employees, and ex-lovers. Throw in a disgruntled wannabe writer, who’s crazy enough to have done it. And then there’s the Latest Young Thing who’s got a book she’s shopping around -- and to whom dear old Ed became smitten. What’s a DCI to do? Keep digging, of course, through lots of interviews and discussions of timelines. Finally, a witness provides information about a vital piece of evidence, and the wheels of justice grind to a satisfying ending.
In between we get a look at the Slider/Atherton home life, with Joanna and Emily. The little things that make these books so wonderful to read. Atherton’s still torn between settling down and not settling down. Bill and Joanna still juggle what the roles of father and mother should rightfully be, when both have important careers. That readers will care about all this after so many books is a testament to the author’s skill.
There’s news on the Slider home front, too, which I look forward to hearing more about. And maybe, just maybe, Jim Atherton will finally make up his mind.
Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for a copy of the book in advance of publication, in exchange for this review.
January 24, 2019
When Ed Wiseman, one of London's best-known literary agents, dies after a headlong fall from his office window into a nearby construction site, Detective Chief Inspector Bill Slider is under pressure from the Borough Commander to confirm a case of accidental death. But the evidence and autopsy soon indicate Wiseman was murdered. Slider and his team find plenty of potential suspects and scandalous secrets in the victim's past. These include Wiseman's ex-wife, some past lovers, a frustrated would-be author, and a disgruntled former employee. But would any of them feel strongly enough to kill Wiseman? And then there is the forbidden subject of the mysterious Calliope Hunt. Who is she and what is her connection to Wiseman? Slider and his team systematically eliminate each of the suspects and it is up to Slider to confront the killer into making a confession. On the personal front, Slider's wife Joanna is peeved about something and the puzzled husband has to walk a delicate balance to keep things happy on the homefront.
This was another solid and enjoyable entry in the long-running DCI Slider police procedural series.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Severn House with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
This was another solid and enjoyable entry in the long-running DCI Slider police procedural series.
I received an eARC via Netgalley and Severn House with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.
January 8, 2019
Ed Wiseman, a connoisseur of women, is found dead underneath his office window 3 storeys above.
Was it an accident, suicide, or something more sinister? Murder!
Ed Wiseman a 67 year old book editor gets more women than i do and i'm half his age. Where did he find the stamina?
A good straight-forward police procedural set in England.
This is book 21 of Bill Slider Mystery, my first. Maybe that was why i didn't fully connect with Bill his co workers and personal life. Book 1 was written in 1992 not sure i have the patients to go that far back. Plus the writing style didn't make it the smoothest of reads. Most of his books are around 220 pages so i will give it another shot.
Was it an accident, suicide, or something more sinister? Murder!
Ed Wiseman a 67 year old book editor gets more women than i do and i'm half his age. Where did he find the stamina?
A good straight-forward police procedural set in England.
This is book 21 of Bill Slider Mystery, my first. Maybe that was why i didn't fully connect with Bill his co workers and personal life. Book 1 was written in 1992 not sure i have the patients to go that far back. Plus the writing style didn't make it the smoothest of reads. Most of his books are around 220 pages so i will give it another shot.
October 17, 2020
It’s funny.. It’s cosy.. with tight, clever plots.. what’s not to enjoy? Ok.. some of the jokes are a bit fishy, I allude to the start of the book, Dolphins and Salmon cliches in particular. Maybe there’s an angler in the Author’s close circle ⭕️??
She’s definitely an Animal lover 🖤 that’s a Win for me.
I’ve read and loved this series from the get go!
Pretty much a guaranteed four star read every time.
She’s definitely an Animal lover 🖤 that’s a Win for me.
I’ve read and loved this series from the get go!
Pretty much a guaranteed four star read every time.
December 20, 2018
I've enjoyed a couple of these mysteries, and this one wasn't bad, but was not as good as the others I've read.
October 11, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Severn House for an advance copy ofHeadlong, the twenty first police procedural to feature Chief Inspector Bill Slider of The Met.
When literary agent Ed Wiseman falls to his death the Brass, in the form of Commander Carpenter and his convoluted link to the dead man, are desperate for it to be declared accidental. Slider has his doubts but is wise enough to toe the party line until the post-mortem proves murder. Wiseman was a popular figure, especially with the opposite sex, but as the team start to investigate cracks start to appear in his veneer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Headlong which is exactly the kind of novel I like, a straightforward police procedural told in the third person in a linear fashion where the detectives start with nothing but a body and gradually gather enough information to make an arrest. I was glued to the pages from start to finish as I followed the team’s progress and speculated along with them. There isn’t much new in the plot with the victim being a renowned womaniser leaving a trail of hurt women and seething husbands behind him or as we know them, viable suspects. It is, however, very well done with suspicions raised at every turn. I did guess some of the developments but not enough to destroy my interest.
What I like about Ms Harrod-Eagles’ writing is her wry observations on her characters and their situations. They are always apt and to the point giving the reader so much more information than is actually stated. I also love Bill Slider who is so British in his approach to life, slightly subversive and not overly eager to unquestioningly accept orders and yet dedicated to his job.
Headlong is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
When literary agent Ed Wiseman falls to his death the Brass, in the form of Commander Carpenter and his convoluted link to the dead man, are desperate for it to be declared accidental. Slider has his doubts but is wise enough to toe the party line until the post-mortem proves murder. Wiseman was a popular figure, especially with the opposite sex, but as the team start to investigate cracks start to appear in his veneer.
I thoroughly enjoyed Headlong which is exactly the kind of novel I like, a straightforward police procedural told in the third person in a linear fashion where the detectives start with nothing but a body and gradually gather enough information to make an arrest. I was glued to the pages from start to finish as I followed the team’s progress and speculated along with them. There isn’t much new in the plot with the victim being a renowned womaniser leaving a trail of hurt women and seething husbands behind him or as we know them, viable suspects. It is, however, very well done with suspicions raised at every turn. I did guess some of the developments but not enough to destroy my interest.
What I like about Ms Harrod-Eagles’ writing is her wry observations on her characters and their situations. They are always apt and to the point giving the reader so much more information than is actually stated. I also love Bill Slider who is so British in his approach to life, slightly subversive and not overly eager to unquestioningly accept orders and yet dedicated to his job.
Headlong is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
November 4, 2018
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles’ DCI Slider series is one of my favorite reads. The author has an uncanny ability of understanding the peculiarities of both men and women and using them to create an excellant modern Crime fiction. Incorporating the challenging demands of work and family life into her stories make them more appealing. The reader can experience the joys and hardships that the police force feels while trying to solve a crime. I particularly liked this story since it allowed me to learn about writers and the literal world of their agents.
My critique was based an ARC that was provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
My critique was based an ARC that was provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
April 28, 2019
Excellent, as always.
I love Bill Slider. Cynthia Harrod-Eagle's Slider novels are always wise, witty, and compassionate.
The death of womanising, Bon vivour literary agent, Ed Wiseman, was thought at first to be an accident.
But when the post-mortem proved otherwise, Slider had the brass insisting he couldn't interview a young woman who was a connection of said brass's wife. He had multiple suspects, many with a sense of their own importance, and was getting nowhere fast.
The solution comes suddenly, but has been clear from the beginning of the case. The evidence all fits, and it is only left to Slider to carry out the arrest -always a little troubling for him as he has an empathetic nature. But he does it anyway, because he also has a sense of responsibility. Highly recommended.
I love Bill Slider. Cynthia Harrod-Eagle's Slider novels are always wise, witty, and compassionate.
The death of womanising, Bon vivour literary agent, Ed Wiseman, was thought at first to be an accident.
But when the post-mortem proved otherwise, Slider had the brass insisting he couldn't interview a young woman who was a connection of said brass's wife. He had multiple suspects, many with a sense of their own importance, and was getting nowhere fast.
The solution comes suddenly, but has been clear from the beginning of the case. The evidence all fits, and it is only left to Slider to carry out the arrest -always a little troubling for him as he has an empathetic nature. But he does it anyway, because he also has a sense of responsibility. Highly recommended.
February 14, 2019
I love everything about this series. I've been devoted to Bill Slider since his first appearance in Orchestrated Death and have such a clear imagine of him that I'd recognize him coming down the street, although hi very ordinariness plays a strong role in making him the successful policeman/person that he is. So - I love Bill, his "firm" (especially Atherton, his closest friend in the police world) and Joanna (his musician lover and now wife), the puns as chapter headings and the wonderful puns showing up in the conversational exchanges among members of his department. Even his relationship with his new son, George, adds to the pleasure. Along the way, the author includes lots of information about the natural background.
January 21, 2019
Refreshingly old-fashioned police procedural
This is the eleventh in the author’s Bill Slider series and follows a tried and tested formula with a familiar group of police characters.
The chapter titles are pithy, and the novel is dusted with a generous selection of imaginative analogies; to whit, ‘Atherton peeled away from the kerb and back into the traffic in a movement so sleek and smooth, a dolphin would have tried to mate with it’, (first paragraph).
When a famous literary agent is found dead three floors below an open window, the top brass is anxious to have the case wrapped up quickly as an unfortunate accident. This is not, however, Slider's way and once he gets the bit between his teeth, the only question is whether the victim jumped or was pushed.
With an eclectic mix of ‘interested parties' and Slider's sensitive family life, this novel has plenty of tension and mystery to keep the reader interested, and it moves along at a brisk trot.
Altogether a pleasant change from the grittier crime novels which pepper the genre. If you like good, old-fashioned policing, you will enjoy this enormously.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
This is the eleventh in the author’s Bill Slider series and follows a tried and tested formula with a familiar group of police characters.
The chapter titles are pithy, and the novel is dusted with a generous selection of imaginative analogies; to whit, ‘Atherton peeled away from the kerb and back into the traffic in a movement so sleek and smooth, a dolphin would have tried to mate with it’, (first paragraph).
When a famous literary agent is found dead three floors below an open window, the top brass is anxious to have the case wrapped up quickly as an unfortunate accident. This is not, however, Slider's way and once he gets the bit between his teeth, the only question is whether the victim jumped or was pushed.
With an eclectic mix of ‘interested parties' and Slider's sensitive family life, this novel has plenty of tension and mystery to keep the reader interested, and it moves along at a brisk trot.
Altogether a pleasant change from the grittier crime novels which pepper the genre. If you like good, old-fashioned policing, you will enjoy this enormously.
Pashtpaws
Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.
May 6, 2019
What a joy to read a Bill Slider police procedural!! Too bad Harrod-Eagles doesn’t write more of them. A nifty plot with an interesting victim. Lovely humor in the writing and the usual cast. It made me very happy, sadly not long enough!
May 23, 2021
Voto libro: 3.5
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
May 22, 2024
First crime book by this author I have read. Love her writing and the easy banter between the characters. Look forward to reading more of the Bill Slider series.
October 2, 2020
I love this series so much.
February 4, 2019
4.5* for another very witty, clever Bill Slider mystery. Some series wear thin; this one still shines.
October 23, 2018
Thank you NetGalley and Severn House for the eARC.
I can't praise the Bill Slider series highly enough! This 21st outing is another fantastic read.
Famous literary agent Ed Wiseman has fallen to his death and Slider is basically being told by his bosses to pronounce the death an accident, but his instinct tells him it wasn't. As usual, he's right and we have another superb police procedural, filled with interesting and colorful suspects and a (to me) bit of a surprising culprit. The last chapter is so heartwarming, I do enjoy the fact that Slider isn't a brooding, unhappy character, but a decent man who has a normal, satisfying family life.
The writing is also extremely good, the wit throughout the series is like catnip to me, these books lift my spirits, despite the murders! Highly recommended, can't wait for the next book!
I can't praise the Bill Slider series highly enough! This 21st outing is another fantastic read.
Famous literary agent Ed Wiseman has fallen to his death and Slider is basically being told by his bosses to pronounce the death an accident, but his instinct tells him it wasn't. As usual, he's right and we have another superb police procedural, filled with interesting and colorful suspects and a (to me) bit of a surprising culprit. The last chapter is so heartwarming, I do enjoy the fact that Slider isn't a brooding, unhappy character, but a decent man who has a normal, satisfying family life.
The writing is also extremely good, the wit throughout the series is like catnip to me, these books lift my spirits, despite the murders! Highly recommended, can't wait for the next book!
January 5, 2022
Potevo certo farmi scappare la Harrod Eagles?
No ovviamente. Anche perché questo è il suo primo romanzo tradotto in italiano.
Capite?
Se prima dovevo aspettare le misere traduzioni di una cugina, seppur brava,ma oberata di lavoro e quindi rea di fare più che altro riassunti, adesso ho tra le mani lei, la signora del giallo, raffinata e crudele come solo le grandi scrittrici possono essere.
Eh si miei cari.
La conosco molto bene.
Di fama più che altro, proprio in virtù della mia sfrenata e misteriosa passione per il giallo d'oltreoceano, americano ma sopratutto britannico.
Cosa ha di caratteristico questa autrice non è facile raccontarlo.
Sicuramente un ironia feroce e per nulla edulcorata.
Una capacità descrittiva straordinaria e una voluttà nell'evidenziare i vizi e le virtù di noi miseri mortali.
Eppure, anche una certa dolcezza, mai melensa ma elegante cosi come elegante è la sua scrittura.
Lo avevo compreso nelle maldestra traduzioni con Google translator, ma solo adesso ho potuto davvero apprezzarne le sfumature.
Tutto grazie alla mirabile traduzione a opera di Paola Tombolini.
Fatemi spendere due parole sulla sua bravura.
Tradurre un testo britannico non è affatto facile.
Ha delle sfumature, delle piccolezze che vanno capite, comprese e mostrate al pubblico.
Gli inglesi oddio li amo anche per questo, hanno l'abitudine di giocare con assonanze e significati.
Tanto che ogni loro opera diventa un vero e proprio gioco semantico aumentando la dose della loro mostruosa ironia.
Il loro humor diventa cosi tagliente e al tempo stesso cosi soave e musicale da poter passare indenne al vaglio della permalosità umana.
Insomma ci prendono in giro, mettono alla berlina noi porveri umani e i nostri difetti, e senza farci accorgere diventiamo macchiette.
Ecco che Headlong racchiude proprio questo sagace spirito.
A partire dalla morte, bizzarra e crudele nella sua assurdità.
E dai protagonisti a tratti improbabili o candidamente crudeli.
Eppure la trama non si direbbe nulla di sconvolgente.
La solita storiaccia tra potere e passioni sfrenate, tra egoismi lasciati passare per vezzi del talento e un mondo, letterario stavolta, al limite della stravaganza.
E in quelle pieghe che noi priviamo un brivido che non ci lascia andare quando ci troviamo di fronte a un essere fatto di meravigliosi legami con il cielo, buttarsi via per ottenere un premio, un riconoscimento o solo un grammo di attenzione. Uomini definiti meravigliosi che in realtà non sono altro che narcisisti patologici.
E donne che si lasciamo usare, troppo prese dietro alle loro illusorie follie.
E scrittori cosi tragici da sembrare usciti in una di quelle commedie dell'arte cosi tristi, cosi patetiche che dopo un sorriso strappano una lacrima e un sospiro. Uomini, cosi fragili e cosi presi dietro alla chimera di annullare la loro insoddisfazione con riconoscimento, con la droga del successo e dell'apparenza.
E' tragico Headlong.
Triste e pieno di patetica rassegnazione.
Eppure è magico perché dietro quella penna cattiva, senza pietà, la Harrod Eagles non può esimersi dal versare una lacrima.
E cosi la scena finale, in mezzo alla desolazione più avvilente, lascia un grido di speranza, qualcosa di morbido, di amaro e prezioso accarezza un volto agghiacciato da un orrore, reso più orribile proprio dalla sua banalità.
Uno di quel libri capolavori che difficilmente si scordano, capaci di inserire leggiadria e la ricercatezza anche in mezzo al corrotto e allo squallore.
Leggetelo.
Sarà un esperienza che non dimenticherete facilmente.
E tu Golem porta a noi assetati di bellezza tutti i romanzi di Bil Slider.
Facci sognare ancora!
No ovviamente. Anche perché questo è il suo primo romanzo tradotto in italiano.
Capite?
Se prima dovevo aspettare le misere traduzioni di una cugina, seppur brava,ma oberata di lavoro e quindi rea di fare più che altro riassunti, adesso ho tra le mani lei, la signora del giallo, raffinata e crudele come solo le grandi scrittrici possono essere.
Eh si miei cari.
La conosco molto bene.
Di fama più che altro, proprio in virtù della mia sfrenata e misteriosa passione per il giallo d'oltreoceano, americano ma sopratutto britannico.
Cosa ha di caratteristico questa autrice non è facile raccontarlo.
Sicuramente un ironia feroce e per nulla edulcorata.
Una capacità descrittiva straordinaria e una voluttà nell'evidenziare i vizi e le virtù di noi miseri mortali.
Eppure, anche una certa dolcezza, mai melensa ma elegante cosi come elegante è la sua scrittura.
Lo avevo compreso nelle maldestra traduzioni con Google translator, ma solo adesso ho potuto davvero apprezzarne le sfumature.
Tutto grazie alla mirabile traduzione a opera di Paola Tombolini.
Fatemi spendere due parole sulla sua bravura.
Tradurre un testo britannico non è affatto facile.
Ha delle sfumature, delle piccolezze che vanno capite, comprese e mostrate al pubblico.
Gli inglesi oddio li amo anche per questo, hanno l'abitudine di giocare con assonanze e significati.
Tanto che ogni loro opera diventa un vero e proprio gioco semantico aumentando la dose della loro mostruosa ironia.
Il loro humor diventa cosi tagliente e al tempo stesso cosi soave e musicale da poter passare indenne al vaglio della permalosità umana.
Insomma ci prendono in giro, mettono alla berlina noi porveri umani e i nostri difetti, e senza farci accorgere diventiamo macchiette.
Ecco che Headlong racchiude proprio questo sagace spirito.
A partire dalla morte, bizzarra e crudele nella sua assurdità.
E dai protagonisti a tratti improbabili o candidamente crudeli.
Eppure la trama non si direbbe nulla di sconvolgente.
La solita storiaccia tra potere e passioni sfrenate, tra egoismi lasciati passare per vezzi del talento e un mondo, letterario stavolta, al limite della stravaganza.
E in quelle pieghe che noi priviamo un brivido che non ci lascia andare quando ci troviamo di fronte a un essere fatto di meravigliosi legami con il cielo, buttarsi via per ottenere un premio, un riconoscimento o solo un grammo di attenzione. Uomini definiti meravigliosi che in realtà non sono altro che narcisisti patologici.
E donne che si lasciamo usare, troppo prese dietro alle loro illusorie follie.
E scrittori cosi tragici da sembrare usciti in una di quelle commedie dell'arte cosi tristi, cosi patetiche che dopo un sorriso strappano una lacrima e un sospiro. Uomini, cosi fragili e cosi presi dietro alla chimera di annullare la loro insoddisfazione con riconoscimento, con la droga del successo e dell'apparenza.
E' tragico Headlong.
Triste e pieno di patetica rassegnazione.
Eppure è magico perché dietro quella penna cattiva, senza pietà, la Harrod Eagles non può esimersi dal versare una lacrima.
E cosi la scena finale, in mezzo alla desolazione più avvilente, lascia un grido di speranza, qualcosa di morbido, di amaro e prezioso accarezza un volto agghiacciato da un orrore, reso più orribile proprio dalla sua banalità.
Uno di quel libri capolavori che difficilmente si scordano, capaci di inserire leggiadria e la ricercatezza anche in mezzo al corrotto e allo squallore.
Leggetelo.
Sarà un esperienza che non dimenticherete facilmente.
E tu Golem porta a noi assetati di bellezza tutti i romanzi di Bil Slider.
Facci sognare ancora!
February 26, 2019
When the body of prominent literary agent Ed Wiseman is found among the debris on an excavation site directly below a window in his London home, DCI Bill Slider is, er, landed with the case. It’s a mixed blessing, since more than one person in the upper echelons of the Met is anxious not only to resolve the case quickly, but also to conclude that it was a simple case of death by misadventure.
Appearances certainly suggest that Wiseman’s death was an accident. The obvious theory is that he may have heard a noise and gone to his study window to investigate. Possibly he leaned too far out and simply lost his balance, falling three stories to the excavation site next door, where he landed on debris and construction equipment and died. In short, a case of curiousity killed the capitalist.
But Slider has his doubts. Wiseman’s chair was pushed back in to his desk. Why would he bother if he had simply gone to look out the window, expecting to return to his desk immediately? His glasses were found in the rubble of the construction site where he died; but he only wore them for reading; why would he have taken them to the window? Moreover, a glass of brandy found on his desk seems to Slider just a bit too pat, as if the scene had been staged. However much some people might want Wiseman’s death to be a simple accident, or even suicide, the pathologist puts paid to that theory: the victim been hit in the head and killed at least an hour before being pushed out the window. A clear case of murder.
There’s no shortage of suspects. The list includes the victim’s ex-wife, herself a literary agent; her present husband, who took understandable exception to Wiseman dating his daughter from his first marriage; an author and her film producer husband, and two other authors, a captivating young woman with absolutely no literary talent, and an equally untalented (and much less captivating) bruiser who penned fantasy fiction, and who had been badgering Wiseman to find him a publisher for his lamentable efforts. Each of them has a motive for wanting Wiseman dead, and none have alibis. DCI Bill Slider has his work cut out for him.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is no stranger to readers of crime fiction. She long ago secured her place as a prolific creator of well-crafted puzzle mysteries, leavened by her mischievous (and sometimes dark) sense of humour and a penchant for wicked word-play. But dealing with the fate of a literary agent, Headlong also gives the author an opportunity to comment on the various sea changes in publishing that have taken place over the past thirty years, as well as to express her opinions on some of the more trendy forms of speculative fiction that are prominent these days, and Harrod-Eagles doesn’t hold back. The result is an informed and entertaining novel that will strike a chord with her many followers. Headlong is a welcome addition to a literary world that too often focuses on explicit violence and forensic detail, rather than careful plot structuring, and crime fiction fans in search of a traditional puzzle, peppered with clues and red herrings (along with more than the occasional chuckle), will be well pleased.
________
§Since 2005 Jim Napier's reviews and interviews have appeared in several Canadian newspapers and on various crime fiction and literary websites, including his own award-winning review site, Deadly Diversions. His debut crime novel Legacy was published in the Spring of 2017, and the second in the series, Reunion, is scheduled for release in 2019.
Appearances certainly suggest that Wiseman’s death was an accident. The obvious theory is that he may have heard a noise and gone to his study window to investigate. Possibly he leaned too far out and simply lost his balance, falling three stories to the excavation site next door, where he landed on debris and construction equipment and died. In short, a case of curiousity killed the capitalist.
But Slider has his doubts. Wiseman’s chair was pushed back in to his desk. Why would he bother if he had simply gone to look out the window, expecting to return to his desk immediately? His glasses were found in the rubble of the construction site where he died; but he only wore them for reading; why would he have taken them to the window? Moreover, a glass of brandy found on his desk seems to Slider just a bit too pat, as if the scene had been staged. However much some people might want Wiseman’s death to be a simple accident, or even suicide, the pathologist puts paid to that theory: the victim been hit in the head and killed at least an hour before being pushed out the window. A clear case of murder.
There’s no shortage of suspects. The list includes the victim’s ex-wife, herself a literary agent; her present husband, who took understandable exception to Wiseman dating his daughter from his first marriage; an author and her film producer husband, and two other authors, a captivating young woman with absolutely no literary talent, and an equally untalented (and much less captivating) bruiser who penned fantasy fiction, and who had been badgering Wiseman to find him a publisher for his lamentable efforts. Each of them has a motive for wanting Wiseman dead, and none have alibis. DCI Bill Slider has his work cut out for him.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is no stranger to readers of crime fiction. She long ago secured her place as a prolific creator of well-crafted puzzle mysteries, leavened by her mischievous (and sometimes dark) sense of humour and a penchant for wicked word-play. But dealing with the fate of a literary agent, Headlong also gives the author an opportunity to comment on the various sea changes in publishing that have taken place over the past thirty years, as well as to express her opinions on some of the more trendy forms of speculative fiction that are prominent these days, and Harrod-Eagles doesn’t hold back. The result is an informed and entertaining novel that will strike a chord with her many followers. Headlong is a welcome addition to a literary world that too often focuses on explicit violence and forensic detail, rather than careful plot structuring, and crime fiction fans in search of a traditional puzzle, peppered with clues and red herrings (along with more than the occasional chuckle), will be well pleased.
________
§Since 2005 Jim Napier's reviews and interviews have appeared in several Canadian newspapers and on various crime fiction and literary websites, including his own award-winning review site, Deadly Diversions. His debut crime novel Legacy was published in the Spring of 2017, and the second in the series, Reunion, is scheduled for release in 2019.
May 14, 2021
Il cadavere di un uomo viene ritrovato in un cantiere edile.
Le autorità accorrono e sembra che sia un incidente.
Però qualcosa non torna. Possibile che la vittima non avesse nemici? Che fosse amato e benvoluto da tutti, ricco e soddisfatto professionalmente, circondato da belle donne e abbia deciso di togliersi la vita?
Tutto troppo perfetto per non indagare sulla prematura scomparsa di Ed Wiseman.
E Bill Slider vuole scoprire la verità, per la vittima e per se stesso.
Come in Assassinio sull’Orient Express di Agatha Christie, anche in questo romanzo sembra che non ci sia nessuno che voglia morto Ed Wiseman o che abbia un motivo per toglierlo prematuramente dalla circolazione.
Ha un lavoro ben avviato.
Ha donne che lo adorano e che lo venerano e gli uomini sono suoi amici.
Ha amici sinceri.
Ha collaboratori fidati.
Ha ex compagne che sono diventate amiche alla fine della loro relazione.
Ha tutto.
Allora la sua morte è stato solo un incidente?
Man mano che Bill Slider e i suoi collegati fanno domande, le risposte però riportano una realtà diversa. Si svelano le invidie. Si fanno avanti i rancori. E tutto si offusca. E l’incidente si trasforma in altro.
Chi è stato?
L’autrice riesce a descrive i vari passaggi con molta fluidità, descrivendo le varie procedure della polizia, la nascita e la morte delle varie ipotesi, i collegamenti fra le varie testimonianze.
E man mano che la storia va avanti, anche il lettore inizia a fare ipotesi e a scartare i nomi dei sospettati, chiedendosi quanto sia pericolosa la vita di un agente letterario.
A parte alcuni momenti in cui sembra che la narrazione sembri in stallo, e i personaggi ripetono sempre le stesse azioni, senza guardare alle altre opzioni che hanno a disposizione e che ignorano volutamente, la lettura è appassionante e ben sviluppata, lasciando aperti vari finali possibili e solamente chi sarà più attento arriverà ad incastrare il colpevole prima di Bill Slider.
Tre i dettagli che sono stati trascurati nel corso delle indagini, la cui omissione però riescono a svelare al lettore chi possa essere il colpevole… ma non posso svelarvi quali sono, anzi vi invito a leggere il romanzo per trovarli anche voi.
Una bella storia per apprezzare l’autrice e i suoi scritti.
Le autorità accorrono e sembra che sia un incidente.
Però qualcosa non torna. Possibile che la vittima non avesse nemici? Che fosse amato e benvoluto da tutti, ricco e soddisfatto professionalmente, circondato da belle donne e abbia deciso di togliersi la vita?
Tutto troppo perfetto per non indagare sulla prematura scomparsa di Ed Wiseman.
E Bill Slider vuole scoprire la verità, per la vittima e per se stesso.
Come in Assassinio sull’Orient Express di Agatha Christie, anche in questo romanzo sembra che non ci sia nessuno che voglia morto Ed Wiseman o che abbia un motivo per toglierlo prematuramente dalla circolazione.
Ha un lavoro ben avviato.
Ha donne che lo adorano e che lo venerano e gli uomini sono suoi amici.
Ha amici sinceri.
Ha collaboratori fidati.
Ha ex compagne che sono diventate amiche alla fine della loro relazione.
Ha tutto.
Allora la sua morte è stato solo un incidente?
Man mano che Bill Slider e i suoi collegati fanno domande, le risposte però riportano una realtà diversa. Si svelano le invidie. Si fanno avanti i rancori. E tutto si offusca. E l’incidente si trasforma in altro.
Chi è stato?
L’autrice riesce a descrive i vari passaggi con molta fluidità, descrivendo le varie procedure della polizia, la nascita e la morte delle varie ipotesi, i collegamenti fra le varie testimonianze.
E man mano che la storia va avanti, anche il lettore inizia a fare ipotesi e a scartare i nomi dei sospettati, chiedendosi quanto sia pericolosa la vita di un agente letterario.
A parte alcuni momenti in cui sembra che la narrazione sembri in stallo, e i personaggi ripetono sempre le stesse azioni, senza guardare alle altre opzioni che hanno a disposizione e che ignorano volutamente, la lettura è appassionante e ben sviluppata, lasciando aperti vari finali possibili e solamente chi sarà più attento arriverà ad incastrare il colpevole prima di Bill Slider.
Tre i dettagli che sono stati trascurati nel corso delle indagini, la cui omissione però riescono a svelare al lettore chi possa essere il colpevole… ma non posso svelarvi quali sono, anzi vi invito a leggere il romanzo per trovarli anche voi.
Una bella storia per apprezzare l’autrice e i suoi scritti.
February 2, 2019
This is a classic police procedural, where the focus of the story revolves around the main protagonist, Bill Slider, who heads up the murder squad. As the investigation progresses, we discover more facts about the dead man and his life. And along the way, we also get a ringside seat into Bill Slider’s life, too. I like the fact that he is married with a small son and between them, they sometimes struggle with childcare when work builds up. I also like the fact that he is happily married and a concerned boss who tries to do the best for the team working under him. He isn’t magnificently defiant to his irritable bosses, either. He keeps his head down and his sour thoughts to himself, which nonetheless make entertaining reading.
At the heart of the story is the murder, of course. And Harrod-Eagles once more delivers a nicely twisty mystery with all sorts of plausible suspects that give us interesting glimpses into the publishing world. I didn’t see the resolution coming, but it made absolute sense and I was also very taken with the sudden domestic bombshell that emerged at the end of the book, too.
Any niggles? Well, just one – there were some rather flashy noirish phrases in the early stages of the book that caught my attention, until they completely disappeared around the halfway mark. There should be either more of them, or none at all. That said, I’m conscious that this is an arc, so this issue may have been fixed by the time this book comes to publication. Recommended for fans of intelligent, well-written murder mysteries with not too much gore.
While I obtained an arc of Headlong from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
At the heart of the story is the murder, of course. And Harrod-Eagles once more delivers a nicely twisty mystery with all sorts of plausible suspects that give us interesting glimpses into the publishing world. I didn’t see the resolution coming, but it made absolute sense and I was also very taken with the sudden domestic bombshell that emerged at the end of the book, too.
Any niggles? Well, just one – there were some rather flashy noirish phrases in the early stages of the book that caught my attention, until they completely disappeared around the halfway mark. There should be either more of them, or none at all. That said, I’m conscious that this is an arc, so this issue may have been fixed by the time this book comes to publication. Recommended for fans of intelligent, well-written murder mysteries with not too much gore.
While I obtained an arc of Headlong from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10
December 25, 2019
Ms. Harrod-Eagles' Bill Slider series is a very cerebral mystery series. Bill Slider is a man who thinks, and thinks, and thinks. At the same time he manages to motivate his very impressive CID team, This team can do just about anything Bill asks them to, and they waste no time with unnecessary questions. I love everything about this series. Bill is a marvellous character, and his musician wife Joanna is the perfect counterpart for him. In this book Slider and his team are called in by the top brass to what appears to be an accidental death. A man has fallen out of his upstairs window to his death. He lands in a construction site with his head bashed in. Top brass inform Bill that it's open and shut and it's an accident. Hurry up and collect the required information and write it up. Why? Bill wonders, and the more he looks at the scene the more little niggles he gets. And of course, being such a deep thinker, he imagines all sorts of other scenarios. Once the autopsy results come back Bill and his team know its murder, so now it's sifting through a seemingly unlimited supply of suspects to find the killer. I found the book started a little slow, but the pace noticeably picked up about halfway through. As usual the book was not an easy one to figure out, and watching this professional team get the answers that they need is always a treat. But the biggest treat is Bill's boss, Porson. As usual he gets his adjectives, adverbs and just about everything else mixed up. It's hilarious to read what he says when he's got a full head of steam going on. Wonderful series, wonderful characters and always a darn good mystery. Slider never disappoints.
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