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Inspector John Crow #4
Murder for Money
Looking for a classic murder mystery from an acclaimed crime writer? Discover Inspector Crow of Scotland Yard. Enjoy a beautifully told story from a time before smart phones and DNA testing. Full of twists and turns, this will have you gripped from start to finish. THIS BOOK WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AS “BLOOD MONEY.” “Lively police investigation” Observer “Plenty of suspects and fast action with a surprising ending.” Barbara “Puzzling enough for the most ardent of mystery readers” Deadly Pleasures Charlie Rutland, a womanising journalist, is found brutally murdered. He worked for a muck-raking gossip magazine and therefore had many enemies. Detective Crow is assigned to Yorkshire where he must eliminate a long list of suspects. And where does the German businessman Conrad Gunther fit in? Mysterious lights at Lockyer Tarn, a homeless man hiding out on the Yorkshire Dales, a stolen Volvo and a former Gestapo officer are all seemingly linked in some manner. And then the British spy services get involved . . . Will Crow have his investigation shut down before he can catch the murderer. This fast-paced mystery will have you enthralled from the start. Set in England in the late 1960s/early 70s, this is the fourth book to feature Inspector John Crow. More coming soon. DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY WRITER Perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson. Roy Lewis is one of the most critically acclaimed crime writers of his generation. PRAISE FOR ROY LEWIS MYSTERIES “Each Lewis seems to better the last. Here is an intriguing puzzle and likely police work and a fine picture of Northumbrian society and countryside.” The Times “Roy Lewis has demonstrated an enviable range both in geography and style…a nice neat story.” The Financial Times “Lots of cunning complications embracing conservation and financial fiddles.” The Guardian “A thorough, unpretentious and immensely solid piece of work with an interesting and likeable hero.” Times Literary Supplement “Chilly drama with some stirring cliff hanger.” Sunday Telegraph THE DETECTIVE Skeletally-built, mild-mannered Inspector John Crow is established in the Murder Squad in London and constantly meets hostility when he is called upon to work on murder cases in regional crime squads in Wales and the Midlands. He displays strong moral feelings, and a sensitivity which brings him into conflict with regional staff as he doggedly and successfully pursues the truth in cases where he is called in. INSPECTOR JOHN CROW BOOKS Book 1: A LOVER TOO MANY Book 2: ERROR OF JUDGMENT Book 3: THE WOODS MURDER Book 4: MURDER FOR MONEY Book 5: MURDER IN THE MINE Book 6: A COTSWOLDS MURDER Book 7: A FOX HUNTING MURDER Book 8: A DARTMOOR MURDER ERIC WARD BOOKS Book 1: THE SEDLEIGH HALL MURDER Book 2: THE FARMING MURDER Book 3: THE QUAYSIDE MURDER Book 4: THE DIAMOND MURDER <
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1960
643 people are currently reading
92 people want to read
About the author
Roy Lewis
175 books74 followersJohn Royston Lewis, who published his fiction under the name Roy Lewis, was a prominent English crime writer who wrote more than 60 novels. He was also a teacher, and he taught Law for 10 years before being appointed as One of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Further & Higher Education. He lived in the north of England where many of his novels are set.
Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 23, 2018
Charlie Rutland, a womanising journalist, is found brutally murdered. He worked for a muck-raking magazine and had many enemies. DCI Crow and DI Wilson have been given the case to solve. They have a long list of suspects: a German industrialist, a woman's jealous partner and a shady boss. Will Crow and Wilson be able to solve this case?
This book was originally published as Blood Money. I like crime stories that are set in the 1960's where they didn't have forensic evidence and the advanced technology that we have today. All they had was just basic instinct to rely on. This book is full of twists and turns. I did not guess correctly who the killer was. A well written plot that's gripping from the beginning and the pace is fast set. I like Crow and Wilson, they work well together. A thoroughly enjoyable read. This is the fourth book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Roy Lewis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was originally published as Blood Money. I like crime stories that are set in the 1960's where they didn't have forensic evidence and the advanced technology that we have today. All they had was just basic instinct to rely on. This book is full of twists and turns. I did not guess correctly who the killer was. A well written plot that's gripping from the beginning and the pace is fast set. I like Crow and Wilson, they work well together. A thoroughly enjoyable read. This is the fourth book in this series.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Joffe Books and the author Roy Lewis for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 23, 2018
Murder For Money, first published in 1973 as Blood Money, is the fourth novel to feature Chief Inspector John Crow of Scotland Yard’s Murder team and has thrills, spills and chills aplenty to keep the reader entertained for the duration. As is evident when we look back to the 70s, we really have moved forward in terms of technological advancement, fingerprints and DNA all of which help the police to collar a suspect. Without these reliable methods, the police must do a lot more legwork to solve a crime. It makes for a very entertaining read which is straightforward to follow and has many a surprise.
Despite this being the fourth in the series, we still know very little about the mysterious John Crow, but whereas this would usually bring forth criticism I actually found it quite refreshing as I find I'm getting tired and dissatisfied with the tropes characters in crime fiction are usually based around - issues with sobriety, family and authority and laden with emotional baggage to name but a few of those traits I regularly come across. This is a well written and plotted novel, and Crow is more intelligent than it first appears to outsiders, a bit like how Columbo would dress scruffily to lull his suspect into a false sense of security! Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.
Despite this being the fourth in the series, we still know very little about the mysterious John Crow, but whereas this would usually bring forth criticism I actually found it quite refreshing as I find I'm getting tired and dissatisfied with the tropes characters in crime fiction are usually based around - issues with sobriety, family and authority and laden with emotional baggage to name but a few of those traits I regularly come across. This is a well written and plotted novel, and Crow is more intelligent than it first appears to outsiders, a bit like how Columbo would dress scruffily to lull his suspect into a false sense of security! Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Joffe Books for an ARC.
November 24, 2018
THIS BOOK WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AS “BLOOD MONEY.”
Yellow journalism, or the yellow press, is a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers. Techniques may include exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.
Charlie Rutland, a journalist for an unscrupulous magazine, is found brutally murdered. He wasn't a likeable man, and he had made many enemies over the years. A little blackmailing wasn't beneath him, neither was taking up with the barkeeper's wife.
During the 60's there were no smart phones, no DNA identification, nothing but sheer determination to see that justice was served for the victims of horrendous crimes.
When Crow finds a solid lead why is his superior telling Crow to drop it? Who is Dance? What organization does he represent? And why are they keeping him away from his prime suspect?
There are twists wrapped around twists and turns that keep the reader going in circles. This is a well-written suspenseful page turner that will keep you not only engaged, but riveted to the story.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Promotions / Jill Burkinshaw for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
Yellow journalism, or the yellow press, is a type of journalism that presents little or no legitimate well-researched news and instead uses eye-catching headlines to sell more newspapers. Techniques may include exaggerations of news events, scandal-mongering, or sensationalism.
Charlie Rutland, a journalist for an unscrupulous magazine, is found brutally murdered. He wasn't a likeable man, and he had made many enemies over the years. A little blackmailing wasn't beneath him, neither was taking up with the barkeeper's wife.
During the 60's there were no smart phones, no DNA identification, nothing but sheer determination to see that justice was served for the victims of horrendous crimes.
When Crow finds a solid lead why is his superior telling Crow to drop it? Who is Dance? What organization does he represent? And why are they keeping him away from his prime suspect?
There are twists wrapped around twists and turns that keep the reader going in circles. This is a well-written suspenseful page turner that will keep you not only engaged, but riveted to the story.
Many thanks to the author / Joffe Books / Netgalley / Books n All Promotions / Jill Burkinshaw for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
November 21, 2018
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of Murder for Money, the fourth novel to feature Chief Inspector John Crow of Scotland Yard’s Murder team, originally published in 1973.
John Crow is sent to Yorkshire to investigate the murder of muck raking journalist, Charles Rutland who has been on assignment there. The task is not easy as Rutland, an unpleasant man with an unpleasant job, had many enemies and nobody, not even his employers, is sure exactly what he was working on.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder for Money (originally published as Blood Money) which is a clever tale of dirty secrets and the past haunting the present. I was hooked on the plot from start to finish and it held my attention throughout. Obviously there is little in the way of forensics so the plot relies on deductive reasoning and interviewing. It’s well done and makes you realise that in those days the police had no way of proving or disproving many statements made (i.e. no CCTV or computerised systems). It gives the novel a certain innocence in some ways but makes the detectives’ suspicious minds more apparent in others. Great stuff.
As usual in these older novels there isn’t much in the way of characterisation so all we really know about John Crow is that he is a smart, uxorious man with a rather strange physical appearance. From time to time I enjoy stepping back in time to this kind of plot driven novel where I can concentrate on events and don’t have to bother with annoying characters or their dodgy motivations. It’s straightforward entertainment and this is a good example.
Murder for Money is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
John Crow is sent to Yorkshire to investigate the murder of muck raking journalist, Charles Rutland who has been on assignment there. The task is not easy as Rutland, an unpleasant man with an unpleasant job, had many enemies and nobody, not even his employers, is sure exactly what he was working on.
I thoroughly enjoyed Murder for Money (originally published as Blood Money) which is a clever tale of dirty secrets and the past haunting the present. I was hooked on the plot from start to finish and it held my attention throughout. Obviously there is little in the way of forensics so the plot relies on deductive reasoning and interviewing. It’s well done and makes you realise that in those days the police had no way of proving or disproving many statements made (i.e. no CCTV or computerised systems). It gives the novel a certain innocence in some ways but makes the detectives’ suspicious minds more apparent in others. Great stuff.
As usual in these older novels there isn’t much in the way of characterisation so all we really know about John Crow is that he is a smart, uxorious man with a rather strange physical appearance. From time to time I enjoy stepping back in time to this kind of plot driven novel where I can concentrate on events and don’t have to bother with annoying characters or their dodgy motivations. It’s straightforward entertainment and this is a good example.
Murder for Money is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
December 29, 2018
Firstly, thank you to Joffe Books for the advance copy of this book. This is my unbiased review and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you like a good old fashioned murder mystery this is definitely for you. This is book 4 of a series that is being republished by Joffe Books and is not only set in the 1960's but was written at that time so you need to bear that in mind while reading as things have changed a lot since that time.
A man pays for sex but treats the woman badly which has her partner seeking revenge. He is found dead but what looks, at first like a simple case of assault turns out to be anything but and Inspector Crow has his work cut out finding clues and following leads.
This is a complex story with many tangled threads and surprising twists as Crow tries to work out what is being covered up.
It is a steadily moving book with enough to keep the reader's interest.
If you like a good old fashioned murder mystery this is definitely for you. This is book 4 of a series that is being republished by Joffe Books and is not only set in the 1960's but was written at that time so you need to bear that in mind while reading as things have changed a lot since that time.
A man pays for sex but treats the woman badly which has her partner seeking revenge. He is found dead but what looks, at first like a simple case of assault turns out to be anything but and Inspector Crow has his work cut out finding clues and following leads.
This is a complex story with many tangled threads and surprising twists as Crow tries to work out what is being covered up.
It is a steadily moving book with enough to keep the reader's interest.
August 23, 2019
Murder for Money is book four in the Inspector John Crow series by Roy Lewis. When journalist Charlie Rutland founded murdered Inspector John Crow became involved in the investigation. At first, the case looks Charlie Rutland a killed during a jealous rage. However, more Inspector John Crow investigates the more twisted the investigation becomes. The readers of Murder for Money will follow Inspector John Crow investigation to find out who killed Charlie Rutland.
Murder for Money is another excellent book in this fantastic series by Roy Lewis. I love the way, Roy Lewis portrays Inspector John Crow and his interaction with all the characters. Murder for Money is well written and researched by Roy Lewis. I like the Roy Lewis description of the setting of this book.
The readers of Murder for Money will learn about the role of Scotland Yard in regional murder investigations during the 1960's England. Also, the readers of Murder for Money will learn the consequences of greed.
I recommend this book.
Murder for Money is another excellent book in this fantastic series by Roy Lewis. I love the way, Roy Lewis portrays Inspector John Crow and his interaction with all the characters. Murder for Money is well written and researched by Roy Lewis. I like the Roy Lewis description of the setting of this book.
The readers of Murder for Money will learn about the role of Scotland Yard in regional murder investigations during the 1960's England. Also, the readers of Murder for Money will learn the consequences of greed.
I recommend this book.
December 26, 2018
‘Murder For Money’ is the fourth book in the bestselling series featuring Detective Chief Inspector John Crow. I have read, reviewed and really enjoyed reading the previous three books and so I was excitedly looking forward to getting my hands on a copy of ‘Murder For Money’. I was not to be disappointed. I absolutely loved reading ‘Murder For Money’ but more about that in a bit.
What can I say about Detective Chief Inspector John Crow? On first sight I can well imagine that he is ever so slightly intimidating. He is tall, thin, bald and he has such a piercing gaze that even the hardest of criminals feels unsettled. Crow seems to have a gut instinct that is almost always accurate and he has an uncanny knack of being able to spot when he is being told a fib. If something doesn’t feel right to him then he won’t give up investigating until he has satisfied his own curiosity and he has investigated every possible lead. Crow is tenacious, hard working, stubborn and he doesn’t seem to care if he upsets anybody. For him the victim and the subsequent investigation comes first. I wouldn’t say that Crow is instantly likeable and in fact it has taken until now (the fourth book) for me to warm to him. Crow isn’t exactly very sociable and I would say that he has few friends, but he is fiercely loyal to and defensive of those he considers to be friends.
In my opinion ‘Murder For Money’ is very well written. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and once he has you in his grip, then he doesn’t let you go. In other words, this book has plenty to keep your attention all the way through. The story hits the ground running and for me, it maintains the pace throughout. The chapters are also relatively short which is more convenient if like me, you don’t like having to break off from reading when you are only part way through a chapter.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book and in fact I was addicted to the story by the end of the first page. The story starts in such a way that I will remember for a long time to come. I just had to keep reading to see who the murderer was. The more I read, the more addicted to the story I became and the more I had to read on. The book isn’t particularly that long and so it didn’t take me that long to fly through it. I was most disappointed to realise that I had finished the book. I was enjoying the story, the author’s writing style and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue for longer than it actually did.
I loved the way in which the author described the characters. In fact the murder victim was so well described and his behaviour was so appalling that instead of asking ‘who killed the victim and why?’, the police should have asked ‘Who didn’t have a reason to kill the victim?’. That way the list of people would be a lot shorter. Charlie Rutland had annoyed so many people that there were an abundance of people who had reasons to kill him.
Reading ‘Murder For Money’ was much like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. On occasion, I smugly thought that I had worked who the killer was and what their motivation was only to discover that I had completely got the wrong end of the stick and it was somebody else entirely.
To conclude, it’s true to say that I very much enjoyed reading ‘Murder For Money’ and for me, it is easily the best book of the series to far. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. I would definitely recommend this author and this series to other readers. One note of warning though, readers should remember that originally this series was published during the late Sixties and the early Seventies when attitudes and circumstances were a lot different. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
What can I say about Detective Chief Inspector John Crow? On first sight I can well imagine that he is ever so slightly intimidating. He is tall, thin, bald and he has such a piercing gaze that even the hardest of criminals feels unsettled. Crow seems to have a gut instinct that is almost always accurate and he has an uncanny knack of being able to spot when he is being told a fib. If something doesn’t feel right to him then he won’t give up investigating until he has satisfied his own curiosity and he has investigated every possible lead. Crow is tenacious, hard working, stubborn and he doesn’t seem to care if he upsets anybody. For him the victim and the subsequent investigation comes first. I wouldn’t say that Crow is instantly likeable and in fact it has taken until now (the fourth book) for me to warm to him. Crow isn’t exactly very sociable and I would say that he has few friends, but he is fiercely loyal to and defensive of those he considers to be friends.
In my opinion ‘Murder For Money’ is very well written. The author’s writing style is such that you can’t fail to be drawn into the story and once he has you in his grip, then he doesn’t let you go. In other words, this book has plenty to keep your attention all the way through. The story hits the ground running and for me, it maintains the pace throughout. The chapters are also relatively short which is more convenient if like me, you don’t like having to break off from reading when you are only part way through a chapter.
It didn’t take me long at all to get into this book and in fact I was addicted to the story by the end of the first page. The story starts in such a way that I will remember for a long time to come. I just had to keep reading to see who the murderer was. The more I read, the more addicted to the story I became and the more I had to read on. The book isn’t particularly that long and so it didn’t take me that long to fly through it. I was most disappointed to realise that I had finished the book. I was enjoying the story, the author’s writing style and the characters so much that I just wanted the book to continue for longer than it actually did.
I loved the way in which the author described the characters. In fact the murder victim was so well described and his behaviour was so appalling that instead of asking ‘who killed the victim and why?’, the police should have asked ‘Who didn’t have a reason to kill the victim?’. That way the list of people would be a lot shorter. Charlie Rutland had annoyed so many people that there were an abundance of people who had reasons to kill him.
Reading ‘Murder For Money’ was much like being on an at times scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. On occasion, I smugly thought that I had worked who the killer was and what their motivation was only to discover that I had completely got the wrong end of the stick and it was somebody else entirely.
To conclude, it’s true to say that I very much enjoyed reading ‘Murder For Money’ and for me, it is easily the best book of the series to far. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Here’s hoping that we don’t have too long to wait. I would definitely recommend this author and this series to other readers. One note of warning though, readers should remember that originally this series was published during the late Sixties and the early Seventies when attitudes and circumstances were a lot different. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 21, 2018
4 stars
Charlie Rutland works as a journalist for a tabloid called Scathe. It is a newspaper that walks a fine line between true journalism and a libelous scandal sheet. Charlie’s boss is a man who thinks himself much smarter and craftier than he really is.
When Charlie’s body is found beaten to death in his rented bungalow, DCI Crow and his partner DI Wilson are assigned the case. Crow and Wilson soon learn that Rutland was not a likeable fellow and many had reason to wish him harm.
A stolen car, a German industrialist, a woman’s jealous partner and a shady boss as well as others all play a part in the story that follows.
The identity of the murderer came as a surprise to me. It was not who I thought it was – at all. I had to chuckle at the brilliance of the twist in the plot.
This book is set in the 1960’s before the forensic advantages that we have today. The police had to rely on interviews, shoe leather and fingerprints. It makes for a very different experience than the detective stories set in the present. It is refreshing in a way. It is very well written and plotted and it flows nicely. It is a good and interesting story. While the reader strongly suspects that they know who the killer is following the police investigation is fascinating and intriguing. DCI Crow is savvy and very easy to underestimate. His casual questions are often taken at face value and their importance is overlooked. This is my second book by Roy Lewis and I liked this one better than the other book that I read. I’m very glad that I gave him another chance.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
Charlie Rutland works as a journalist for a tabloid called Scathe. It is a newspaper that walks a fine line between true journalism and a libelous scandal sheet. Charlie’s boss is a man who thinks himself much smarter and craftier than he really is.
When Charlie’s body is found beaten to death in his rented bungalow, DCI Crow and his partner DI Wilson are assigned the case. Crow and Wilson soon learn that Rutland was not a likeable fellow and many had reason to wish him harm.
A stolen car, a German industrialist, a woman’s jealous partner and a shady boss as well as others all play a part in the story that follows.
The identity of the murderer came as a surprise to me. It was not who I thought it was – at all. I had to chuckle at the brilliance of the twist in the plot.
This book is set in the 1960’s before the forensic advantages that we have today. The police had to rely on interviews, shoe leather and fingerprints. It makes for a very different experience than the detective stories set in the present. It is refreshing in a way. It is very well written and plotted and it flows nicely. It is a good and interesting story. While the reader strongly suspects that they know who the killer is following the police investigation is fascinating and intriguing. DCI Crow is savvy and very easy to underestimate. His casual questions are often taken at face value and their importance is overlooked. This is my second book by Roy Lewis and I liked this one better than the other book that I read. I’m very glad that I gave him another chance.
I want to thank NetGalley and Joffe Books for forwarding to me a copy of this very good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
November 28, 2018
I'm working my way through these republished books by Roy Lewis and I have to say that he is growing on me with each book. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the descriptions of the Yorkshire landscapes are spot on, making this northerner very happy.
Inspector Crow is called in to investigate when a muck-raking journalist is beaten to death in the bungalow he has been renting. It soon becomes apparent that he was making free with the landlady of a local pub and the lady's partner is soon in the frame for his murder, especially when Crow finds out that he has done a bunk and left the landlady to cope alone.
But all is not what it seems in Mr Lewis' books and, when the post-mortem shows that there may have been two people who attacked Charlie Rutland, then Crow has to widen his net. Then word comes down from on high that Crow should leave the investigation alone, just when Crow has discovered that there may be other people involved in the murder (like a German industrialist with a lot of clout). Crow has to sway with this new wind but that doesn't stop him from finding the person who dealt the fatal blow and who is not the person I had in mind for the murderer. Good old-fashioned police-work.
Inspector Crow is called in to investigate when a muck-raking journalist is beaten to death in the bungalow he has been renting. It soon becomes apparent that he was making free with the landlady of a local pub and the lady's partner is soon in the frame for his murder, especially when Crow finds out that he has done a bunk and left the landlady to cope alone.
But all is not what it seems in Mr Lewis' books and, when the post-mortem shows that there may have been two people who attacked Charlie Rutland, then Crow has to widen his net. Then word comes down from on high that Crow should leave the investigation alone, just when Crow has discovered that there may be other people involved in the murder (like a German industrialist with a lot of clout). Crow has to sway with this new wind but that doesn't stop him from finding the person who dealt the fatal blow and who is not the person I had in mind for the murderer. Good old-fashioned police-work.
November 30, 2018
Synopsis
Detective John Crow is called to the Yorkshire countryside to investigate the brutal murder of Charlie Rutland, a womanising journalist visiting the area. Crow has his work cut out for him as there is a long, growing list of suspects and a 'pile' of puzzle pieces that he can't seem to fit together.
Just as Crow is getting somewhere there's the sudden involvement of the British Spy services who seem desperate to shut down the investigation by any means necessary.
Can Crow and his team put the pieces together and catch the killer or will the investigation be shut down?
Review
I completely adore the writing style of Roy Lewis. His plots are intricate and brilliantly put together and yet told simply and straight forward, no complicated sub-stories or lengthy character descriptions - just pure and brilliant crime story telling. We get snippets of Detective Crow's personal life but just enough to make him likable, the rest is gained by inference from his moral actions and his non-judgemental manner in dealing with people.
What Lewis does spend time detailing is the settings, he perfectly captures the beauty of Yorkshire countryside and the grimness of the town/cities.
As I said in my review of The Woods Murder - Reading a Detective Crow novel takes me back to watching old detective shows on a Sunday afternoon with my Grandparents. It's like participating in a who dun it? where the list of suspects and motives is long, leading you down an uncertain and twisty path of guessing who the murderer was only to reveal it was the least likely suspect at the very last-minute. Reading this book is like playing a game, it's even better if you have a reading buddy to discuss your ideas with a certain points.
Perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.
Detective John Crow is called to the Yorkshire countryside to investigate the brutal murder of Charlie Rutland, a womanising journalist visiting the area. Crow has his work cut out for him as there is a long, growing list of suspects and a 'pile' of puzzle pieces that he can't seem to fit together.
Just as Crow is getting somewhere there's the sudden involvement of the British Spy services who seem desperate to shut down the investigation by any means necessary.
Can Crow and his team put the pieces together and catch the killer or will the investigation be shut down?
Review
I completely adore the writing style of Roy Lewis. His plots are intricate and brilliantly put together and yet told simply and straight forward, no complicated sub-stories or lengthy character descriptions - just pure and brilliant crime story telling. We get snippets of Detective Crow's personal life but just enough to make him likable, the rest is gained by inference from his moral actions and his non-judgemental manner in dealing with people.
What Lewis does spend time detailing is the settings, he perfectly captures the beauty of Yorkshire countryside and the grimness of the town/cities.
As I said in my review of The Woods Murder - Reading a Detective Crow novel takes me back to watching old detective shows on a Sunday afternoon with my Grandparents. It's like participating in a who dun it? where the list of suspects and motives is long, leading you down an uncertain and twisty path of guessing who the murderer was only to reveal it was the least likely suspect at the very last-minute. Reading this book is like playing a game, it's even better if you have a reading buddy to discuss your ideas with a certain points.
Perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.
January 20, 2019
This is an entertaining police procedural murder mystery set in 1960's England.
DCI Crow and his trusty sidekick Inspector Wilson get sent to Yorkshire to look into the murder of an investigative reporter working for a sleazy gossip magazine. At first it looks like the work of a jealous boyfriend of a woman the reporter had been bedding. The inquiry expands beyond that relationship to take in blackmail, mysterious trips to Germany, a missing car found in a lake with the body of a stranger in it, Nazi war criminals, and so on.
Crow is a competent tough-as-nails cop who runs an efficient murder squad team. He's not afraid to push back against interference from his boss who orders him to back off questioning a powerful German businessman.
The story moves at a steady pace, maybe some would call it sedate. There's no psychological suspense or even any exciting car chases; it's pure procedural. A methodical connect-the-dots puzzle.
The story reflects the times, it's the cold War and WW2 is still in the English collective memory. There's no such thing as a female police officer and of course there's no DNA or mobile phones (as readers are warned at the beginning). There's a minimum of English slang and there's a glossary at the back of the book to address that.
Recommended as an easy-to-read whodunit, with several interesting red herrings.
I received my review copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley. The comments are my own.
DCI Crow and his trusty sidekick Inspector Wilson get sent to Yorkshire to look into the murder of an investigative reporter working for a sleazy gossip magazine. At first it looks like the work of a jealous boyfriend of a woman the reporter had been bedding. The inquiry expands beyond that relationship to take in blackmail, mysterious trips to Germany, a missing car found in a lake with the body of a stranger in it, Nazi war criminals, and so on.
Crow is a competent tough-as-nails cop who runs an efficient murder squad team. He's not afraid to push back against interference from his boss who orders him to back off questioning a powerful German businessman.
The story moves at a steady pace, maybe some would call it sedate. There's no psychological suspense or even any exciting car chases; it's pure procedural. A methodical connect-the-dots puzzle.
The story reflects the times, it's the cold War and WW2 is still in the English collective memory. There's no such thing as a female police officer and of course there's no DNA or mobile phones (as readers are warned at the beginning). There's a minimum of English slang and there's a glossary at the back of the book to address that.
Recommended as an easy-to-read whodunit, with several interesting red herrings.
I received my review copy of the book from the publisher via Netgalley. The comments are my own.
November 23, 2018
Number 4 in the Inspector John Crow series.
I am enjoying my encounters with Crow and his cases more and more.
This time he has been sent to Yorkshire to investigate the murder of a journalist Charlie Rutland, an unlikeable man who digs up dirt on people in order to expose them in the name of journalism.
Rutland was found beaten to death with a poker in the hall of a property he was renting.
Crow sets about discovering what the man was working on.
The plot draws you in, as Crow investigates the possibility of links to a nazi war criminal now working for the government, a jealous husband, stolen cars.
The possible reasons and number of suspects grow and just when you think you have solved it, in a stroke of genius a totally unexpected twist is thrown in and the murderer is revealed.
I certainly didn`t guess!
A really good whodunnit with a totally believable plot and worthy of 5 stars.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, I am looking forward to the next in the series.
I am enjoying my encounters with Crow and his cases more and more.
This time he has been sent to Yorkshire to investigate the murder of a journalist Charlie Rutland, an unlikeable man who digs up dirt on people in order to expose them in the name of journalism.
Rutland was found beaten to death with a poker in the hall of a property he was renting.
Crow sets about discovering what the man was working on.
The plot draws you in, as Crow investigates the possibility of links to a nazi war criminal now working for the government, a jealous husband, stolen cars.
The possible reasons and number of suspects grow and just when you think you have solved it, in a stroke of genius a totally unexpected twist is thrown in and the murderer is revealed.
I certainly didn`t guess!
A really good whodunnit with a totally believable plot and worthy of 5 stars.
Thanks to Joffe books for the opportunity to read this as an ARC, I am looking forward to the next in the series.
December 5, 2018
1960 Murder Mystery Brought Back by Joffe Publishing
Brilliantly fresh writing that treats the reader as an intellect and allows the reader to become invested in his characters quickly.. This book was written in late 1960s and the Author Roy Lewis is no longer with us. Mr Lewis has such command on story telling and has well over 50 novels to his name. Amazon has 4 on prime and I have read them all. Joffe Publishing states at the end of this book that more will be available in the future. The 4 books I read were all 5 stars and recommend that readers who like Detective murder mysteries would truly enjoy these.
Brilliantly fresh writing that treats the reader as an intellect and allows the reader to become invested in his characters quickly.. This book was written in late 1960s and the Author Roy Lewis is no longer with us. Mr Lewis has such command on story telling and has well over 50 novels to his name. Amazon has 4 on prime and I have read them all. Joffe Publishing states at the end of this book that more will be available in the future. The 4 books I read were all 5 stars and recommend that readers who like Detective murder mysteries would truly enjoy these.
February 21, 2019
I listened to an audio book of Blood Money by Roy LEWIS and found it a good read.
There was a very intricate plot with twists and turns which required much attention. LEWIS' attention to detail was exemplary, and his descriptions of the weather and country side were exactly the size a book should have. Most books about Yorkshire go on and on about the hills and dales and heather and rain - LEWIS has the talent to use just the right amount so not as to distract the reader.
Highly recommended.
There was a very intricate plot with twists and turns which required much attention. LEWIS' attention to detail was exemplary, and his descriptions of the weather and country side were exactly the size a book should have. Most books about Yorkshire go on and on about the hills and dales and heather and rain - LEWIS has the talent to use just the right amount so not as to distract the reader.
Highly recommended.
December 31, 2018
This book is set and written in the 1960's so you need to remember that when your reading it. That things were different back then. They didn't have everything we do and always talk the same way. This is the 4th book I believe in the however it is still just as good alone I don't know if it was it matters about the other 3 books I kind of would like to read them however. though it ended abruptly it was wonderful.
February 7, 2019
I have read several of this author's Arnold Langdon books and greatly enjoyed them. I have also read a couple of the Eric Ward series and quite liked those. Sadly this book seems shallow and reads like the background notes for a play - possibly a tv film. Ifelt there was little depth in it and no characters strong enough to engage either liking or dislike. Admittedly the other books by Lewis I read maybe 30-40 years ago. Tastes change.
February 28, 2024
I was a bit unsure about the Inspector John Crow series after reading the first book, "A Lover Too Many," and finding it enjoyable but definitely below Roy Lewis's usual excellent standard. But the following books have all been fantastic - expertly plotted and paced and brimming with fascinating characters. In "Murder for Money," Inspector Crow has to solve a murder connected with potentially very sensitive historical events. It's a cracking read.
November 20, 2018
Charlie Rutland, magazine writer, is investigating what he believes will turn out to be a big story, in Yorkshire. Totally unaware of the danger he is in. Unfortunately for D.I. Crow there does seem to be quite a few suspects for Rutland's killing.
An enjoyable well-written mystery written in the 1960's.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
An enjoyable well-written mystery written in the 1960's.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
January 26, 2019
Once again Detective Crow and his straitlaced style of investigating take center stage, unraveling a deep conspiracy, and a murder with unusual twists, that baffles the mind.
A crime of opportunity or was it planned these are the puzzling things that Detective Wilson and Crow had to work out. Very intriguing, captivating and truly entertaining.
A crime of opportunity or was it planned these are the puzzling things that Detective Wilson and Crow had to work out. Very intriguing, captivating and truly entertaining.
September 21, 2019
Gripping and twisting
A murder in Yorkshire . Few clues , as usual , however facts are gathered . Interesting looks back to the history of war. CI Crow and DS Wilson work diligently to pull things together . The final solution a surprise .
Silly glossary .
A murder in Yorkshire . Few clues , as usual , however facts are gathered . Interesting looks back to the history of war. CI Crow and DS Wilson work diligently to pull things together . The final solution a surprise .
Silly glossary .
November 28, 2018
Amazing story. Chief Inspector Crow sets out to find a murderer and, again,is led astray. He is so very human and his past - as was many people's at that time - was influenced by the 2nd world war. This prejudice was both a problem and a boon in solving his latest murders.
November 28, 2018
An intriguing mystery story that takes you back to the 60’s when policing was totally different than it is today. An extremely well written book with a character that you either love or hate. Thanks to Joffe Books for giving me the opportunity to read this superb book.
December 2, 2018
Good book!
This book was a fascinating police procedural with a good plot full of twists and turns, interesting characters and a surprise ending. I highly recommend this to other mystery readers.
This book was a fascinating police procedural with a good plot full of twists and turns, interesting characters and a surprise ending. I highly recommend this to other mystery readers.
January 21, 2019
Another great story
Another great story featuring Inspector Crowe and the methods he had to use before the advanced in technology that are in place now. Lots of twists and turns an unexpected ending.
Another great story featuring Inspector Crowe and the methods he had to use before the advanced in technology that are in place now. Lots of twists and turns an unexpected ending.
September 29, 2019
Crow spends a fair amount of time thrashing about, deliberately avoiding asking the right questions, and generally on the wrong track. When he 'gets it', and the links are very vague, his ability to force govt officials way above his pay-grade to do his bidding isn't credible. Readable, but just.
December 11, 2018
Murder For Money
This book kept me guessing. I was sorry when I reached the end. I felt it ended to abruptly.
Nevertheless I enjoyed it.
This book kept me guessing. I was sorry when I reached the end. I felt it ended to abruptly.
Nevertheless I enjoyed it.
December 23, 2018
A muddling tale
This book was interesting although the story development was a muddling mess at times. It was drifting off in one direction then suddenly turned in another.
This book was interesting although the story development was a muddling mess at times. It was drifting off in one direction then suddenly turned in another.
December 24, 2018
Find the motive
Thoughtful, methodical, even old fashioned, investigation of a complex crime with ties to the past, informing the plot and the resolution.
Thoughtful, methodical, even old fashioned, investigation of a complex crime with ties to the past, informing the plot and the resolution.
February 4, 2019
Murder for Money
A very intertwined story. A real mystery. You think you know the murderer but then everything changes. Loved the format.
A very intertwined story. A real mystery. You think you know the murderer but then everything changes. Loved the format.
May 31, 2019
I always enjoy these. Quick easy reads. Well written.
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