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Simon Serrailler #10
The Benefit of Hindsight
Serrailler must confront his demons as Lafferton experiences a series of shocking crimes in this 10th book in Susan Hill’s shattering crime series.
Susan Hill stuns readers once again in The Benefit of Hindsight, the 10th book in her celebrated mystery series. Now recuperated after the violent incident that cost him his arm—and nearly his life—DCS Serrailler has returned to work, though he prefers to spend his spare time sketching the medieval angels being restored on the cathedral roof. With crime rates down, Lafferton has been quiet, until one night when two men open their front door to a distressing scene. Serrailler makes a serious error of judgment when handling the incident, and the stress of this, combined with the ongoing trauma of losing his arm, takes its toll. In the tradition of the fabulous mysteries of Ruth Rendell and P. D. James, The Benefit of Hindsight is Susan Hill’s best work yet—a chilling new addition to a highly acclaimed series.
Susan Hill stuns readers once again in The Benefit of Hindsight, the 10th book in her celebrated mystery series. Now recuperated after the violent incident that cost him his arm—and nearly his life—DCS Serrailler has returned to work, though he prefers to spend his spare time sketching the medieval angels being restored on the cathedral roof. With crime rates down, Lafferton has been quiet, until one night when two men open their front door to a distressing scene. Serrailler makes a serious error of judgment when handling the incident, and the stress of this, combined with the ongoing trauma of losing his arm, takes its toll. In the tradition of the fabulous mysteries of Ruth Rendell and P. D. James, The Benefit of Hindsight is Susan Hill’s best work yet—a chilling new addition to a highly acclaimed series.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
346 people are currently reading
2097 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hill
180 books2,265 followersSusan Hill was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire in 1942. Her hometown was later referred to in her novel A Change for the Better (1969) and some short stories especially "Cockles and Mussels".
She attended Scarborough Convent School, where she became interested in theatre and literature. Her family left Scarborough in 1958 and moved to Coventry where her father worked in car and aircraft factories. Hill states that she attended a girls’ grammar school, Barr's Hill. Her fellow pupils included Jennifer Page, the first Chief Executive of the Millennium Dome. At Barrs Hill she took A levels in English, French, History and Latin, proceeding to an English degree at King's College London. By this time she had already written her first novel, The Enclosure which was published by Hutchinson in her first year at university. The novel was criticised by The Daily Mail for its sexual content, with the suggestion that writing in this style was unsuitable for a "schoolgirl".
Her next novel Gentleman and Ladies was published in 1968. This was followed in quick succession by A Change for the Better, I'm the King of the Castle, The Albatross and other stories, Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, A Bit of Singing and Dancing and In the Springtime of Year, all written and published between 1968 and 1974.
In 1975 she married Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and they moved to Stratford upon Avon. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977 and their second daughter, Clemency, was born in 1985. Hill has recently founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, which has published one work of fiction per year.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author by this name.
She attended Scarborough Convent School, where she became interested in theatre and literature. Her family left Scarborough in 1958 and moved to Coventry where her father worked in car and aircraft factories. Hill states that she attended a girls’ grammar school, Barr's Hill. Her fellow pupils included Jennifer Page, the first Chief Executive of the Millennium Dome. At Barrs Hill she took A levels in English, French, History and Latin, proceeding to an English degree at King's College London. By this time she had already written her first novel, The Enclosure which was published by Hutchinson in her first year at university. The novel was criticised by The Daily Mail for its sexual content, with the suggestion that writing in this style was unsuitable for a "schoolgirl".
Her next novel Gentleman and Ladies was published in 1968. This was followed in quick succession by A Change for the Better, I'm the King of the Castle, The Albatross and other stories, Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, A Bit of Singing and Dancing and In the Springtime of Year, all written and published between 1968 and 1974.
In 1975 she married Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and they moved to Stratford upon Avon. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977 and their second daughter, Clemency, was born in 1985. Hill has recently founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, which has published one work of fiction per year.
Librarian's Note: There is more than one author by this name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
August 13, 2019
This is the 10th in the Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler of Lafferton CID series, which is more family character driven drama in which crime and its repercussions occur as part of everyday life. It is structured to feel like a snapshot of people, their lives, and community with less emphasis on resolutions and conclusion, with the narrative just phasing out at the end. A wealthy professional gay couple, Tim and Ade, are victims of well organised art thefts at their isolated farm. In an effort to make the criminal gang feel complacent so they can be nabbed, Simon makes the strategic operational decision to order a media blackout on the crime. It has been some time since Simon lost his arm and almost his life in a violent previous incident, having spent time in Scotland to recover since, and serving as a police advisor in the Caribbean. He is now back in place in CID, trying to whip his team, into shape.
Simon's sister, Dr Cat Deerbon is married to Kieron, the Chief Constable and Simon's boss. She is now settled into the private sector after making the decision to leave the troubled and pressured environment of the NHS. Carrie is married to hedge fund trader, Colin, a man who has never wanted children. Carrie has become pregnant, facing a husband that is indifferent, she is depressed and utterly convinced that there is something seriously wrong with her baby. Cat has concerns over the mental health of Carrie, and since no problems have been detected in scans, is sure that Carrie is worrying over absolutely nothing. The rich philanthropist, Declan McDermid, has directed some funding towards the police, specifically Bobby vans, aimed at countering some of the cuts in policing budgets. Declan and his wife, Cindy, are at a PR event launching the Bobby vans, with a lonely Cindy connecting with Cat, expressing an interest in becoming a private sector patient of Cat's. In a narrative that explores family dynamics, murders and a Simon reluctant to address his mental health issues, professional policing and medical decisions are made amidst a authentic picture of real life dilemmas, only to come under the spotlight after the benefit of hindsight.
Susan Hill gives us an excellent addition to the series, it is well written, and immerses the reader in the complex lives of the characters she develops. There is a real sense of community, and much of it is set in the middle class milieu of the Serrailler family, Simon drawing the medieval angels in the process of being restored at the cathedral in his spare time, with Richard continuing to be a source of difficulty and frustration for Cat and Simon, and a Sam that is working out what he wants to do in life whilst working as a porter in a hospital. This is an engaging read, with well constructed characters, with various interesting threads that develop in the novel, just do not expect it to be your usual crime read. Many thanks to Random House Vintage for an ARC.
Simon's sister, Dr Cat Deerbon is married to Kieron, the Chief Constable and Simon's boss. She is now settled into the private sector after making the decision to leave the troubled and pressured environment of the NHS. Carrie is married to hedge fund trader, Colin, a man who has never wanted children. Carrie has become pregnant, facing a husband that is indifferent, she is depressed and utterly convinced that there is something seriously wrong with her baby. Cat has concerns over the mental health of Carrie, and since no problems have been detected in scans, is sure that Carrie is worrying over absolutely nothing. The rich philanthropist, Declan McDermid, has directed some funding towards the police, specifically Bobby vans, aimed at countering some of the cuts in policing budgets. Declan and his wife, Cindy, are at a PR event launching the Bobby vans, with a lonely Cindy connecting with Cat, expressing an interest in becoming a private sector patient of Cat's. In a narrative that explores family dynamics, murders and a Simon reluctant to address his mental health issues, professional policing and medical decisions are made amidst a authentic picture of real life dilemmas, only to come under the spotlight after the benefit of hindsight.
Susan Hill gives us an excellent addition to the series, it is well written, and immerses the reader in the complex lives of the characters she develops. There is a real sense of community, and much of it is set in the middle class milieu of the Serrailler family, Simon drawing the medieval angels in the process of being restored at the cathedral in his spare time, with Richard continuing to be a source of difficulty and frustration for Cat and Simon, and a Sam that is working out what he wants to do in life whilst working as a porter in a hospital. This is an engaging read, with well constructed characters, with various interesting threads that develop in the novel, just do not expect it to be your usual crime read. Many thanks to Random House Vintage for an ARC.
October 3, 2019
4 - 5 stars
After a temporary blip with the previous novel this series is well and truly back on track. Over the years the storytelling has undoubtedly changed. The focus used to be on the crimes that Simon Serailler was investigating and although the extended family were always important elements, now the focus is family AND crime. Dr Cat Deerbon, Simon’s sister played an equal role in this book which, as the title suggests deals with the benefit of hindsight, something I’m sure we’ve all wished for from time to time.
Simon was still suffering from the effects of his injuries following undercover work which is the theme of book 8. He was probably suffering from some form of PTSD and certainly was having panic attacks. Following a sophisticated burglary at the home of Adrian Holland and Tim Letts Simon took a decision to black out news of the robbery in the hope of enticing them to commit further crimes which might lead to their apprehension. This decision had disastrous consequences and so with the benefit of hindsight he clearly would not have taken that route. Although initially angry at his consequent punishment from Chief Constable Kieron Bright (also his brother in law) Simon realised that Kieron was right. There was a very moving scene in London when Simon tried to save the life of a 15 year old stabbing victim where he wept copious tears which he felt had a therapeutic effect, although it was clearly not enough. This scene was a chilling reminder of the awful knife crime that affects parts of our beautiful capital, so was extremely topical, sadly.
The dual theme of the book centred on Cat. She has always been a wonderful and immensely likeable character throughout this series giving her patients and her family the TLC they needed. The story of Carrie and Colin Pegwell puzzled me but was resolved to some degree at the finale of the book. Cat also realised that hindsight might (although I suspect it was unlikely) she may have taken a different path.
It was also good to see that another lovely character, Cat’s son Sam seemed to have found his niche and made important decisions about his future. The family was always at the centre of Simon’s world and the stories now reflect that even more. The end with the death of the aged cat Mephisto was quite moving, especially Felix singing a verse from Morning has broken. I felt the death of the cat was symbolic and perhaps of what will become clear in book 11.
As always with Susan Hill, the book was beautifully written. There were some glorious descriptions. I particularly love the continuous referral to the gothic cathedral in Lafferton which like many we are so lucky to have, makes an imposing presence on the people and the landscape. The characters were well crafted and easy to picture. A most enjoyable read.
After a temporary blip with the previous novel this series is well and truly back on track. Over the years the storytelling has undoubtedly changed. The focus used to be on the crimes that Simon Serailler was investigating and although the extended family were always important elements, now the focus is family AND crime. Dr Cat Deerbon, Simon’s sister played an equal role in this book which, as the title suggests deals with the benefit of hindsight, something I’m sure we’ve all wished for from time to time.
Simon was still suffering from the effects of his injuries following undercover work which is the theme of book 8. He was probably suffering from some form of PTSD and certainly was having panic attacks. Following a sophisticated burglary at the home of Adrian Holland and Tim Letts Simon took a decision to black out news of the robbery in the hope of enticing them to commit further crimes which might lead to their apprehension. This decision had disastrous consequences and so with the benefit of hindsight he clearly would not have taken that route. Although initially angry at his consequent punishment from Chief Constable Kieron Bright (also his brother in law) Simon realised that Kieron was right. There was a very moving scene in London when Simon tried to save the life of a 15 year old stabbing victim where he wept copious tears which he felt had a therapeutic effect, although it was clearly not enough. This scene was a chilling reminder of the awful knife crime that affects parts of our beautiful capital, so was extremely topical, sadly.
The dual theme of the book centred on Cat. She has always been a wonderful and immensely likeable character throughout this series giving her patients and her family the TLC they needed. The story of Carrie and Colin Pegwell puzzled me but was resolved to some degree at the finale of the book. Cat also realised that hindsight might (although I suspect it was unlikely) she may have taken a different path.
It was also good to see that another lovely character, Cat’s son Sam seemed to have found his niche and made important decisions about his future. The family was always at the centre of Simon’s world and the stories now reflect that even more. The end with the death of the aged cat Mephisto was quite moving, especially Felix singing a verse from Morning has broken. I felt the death of the cat was symbolic and perhaps of what will become clear in book 11.
As always with Susan Hill, the book was beautifully written. There were some glorious descriptions. I particularly love the continuous referral to the gothic cathedral in Lafferton which like many we are so lucky to have, makes an imposing presence on the people and the landscape. The characters were well crafted and easy to picture. A most enjoyable read.
April 10, 2020
Like all long running series, I've become attached to the characters. Simon, Cat, their beyond difficult elderly father and this book catches us up on them all. I'm going to be an outlier with my review because I was a little disappointed in this the latest. A robbery, a murder, a medical crisis and a heartbreaking scenario, all that could have been handled differently in hindsight.
For me the plot was scattered, back and forth, but it was the depth I was missing. Her novels are usually tightly plotted, but I didn't feel that was the case within this one.. It seemed rushed and lacking in emotion. Even with the benefit of hindsight, where mistakes made were gone over, it seemed these were just shrugged off. Of course, it could just be me, entirely possible and this will not put me off reading the next in series when it comes out. Everyone has an off day or two. I've certainly had plenty.
ARC from Edelweiss.
For me the plot was scattered, back and forth, but it was the depth I was missing. Her novels are usually tightly plotted, but I didn't feel that was the case within this one.. It seemed rushed and lacking in emotion. Even with the benefit of hindsight, where mistakes made were gone over, it seemed these were just shrugged off. Of course, it could just be me, entirely possible and this will not put me off reading the next in series when it comes out. Everyone has an off day or two. I've certainly had plenty.
ARC from Edelweiss.
January 25, 2020
EXCERPT: The cat had reappeared on the top step. Cat went up and rang and knocked hard again. The sounds died away, and then the echo of the sounds. The entrance hall was probably high ceilinged and spacious, without furniture or soft flooring. There was no answering sound. The cat brushed against her leg.
And then she heard something. Or perhaps not. Or perhaps.
It had come from the house, a voice but not a voice. A sound that might have been a cry, something that was possibly not human. Another cat. The cat that was outside the door now had its paws up against it and was asking to be let in. Then the cry again. Cat turned the brass handle and the door opened easily.
The cat shot between her legs and raced up the stairs leading from what was, exactly as she had imagined, a wide, handsome hall with a cupola above that let in the light, and black and white tiles in lozenge shapes on the floor. It was the perfect imitation of a grand English country house except everything was new, shiny, clean.
But she had only a moment to take it in because she heard the sound again, a muffled, strangulated noise, coming from above. She took out her phone and kept it firmly in her hand as she ran up the stairs. On the landing the ginger cat was now wailing, but behind that noise and the faint muffled murmur, there was a strange and disturbing silence, which had a depth to it that signalled more than the emptiness of a house whose occupiers had gone out.
Two doors were standing open. One led into a small room fitted out as a library with a curious mixture of matching leather bound books, spines exactly aligned and which looked as if they had never been taken from the shelves, let alone read, and a hotchpotch of paperbacks. But no one was in the room and it seemed undisturbed until Cat noticed two small alcoves with shelves for ornaments. The shelves were empty.
The cat was trying to trip her up now, weaving in and out of her legs, then leading her through an open door opposite.
It was a handsome, brilliantly lit sitting room with another cupola and a row of tall sashed windows. Cat took in the sight of a woman lying on the floor, a lot of blood, and a man tied to a straight backed chair, with more blood, on his head and face, and a gag tight round his mouth. His eyes were half open, and he moaned before his head slumped suddenly to one side.
The cat was back at her feet now,distraught, eyes huge, still wailing.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
On the face of it DC Simon Serrailler has had time to recuperate after the violent incident that cost him his arm, and nearly his life. He is back in harness at Lafferton CID, but is spending his spare time high up in the cathedral roof, making drawings of some medieval angels which are being restored.
Lafferton is going through a quiet patch, so far as crime is concerned, until one rainy night two local men open their front door to a couple seeking shelter. A serious error of judgment in the investigation puts Simon’s reputation on the line and calls into question how full his recovery has really been.
In her new role as a private GP, Simon’s sister Cat’s medical and counselling skills are tested by terrible and unexpected events at the homes of two very different Lafferton women. Simon and Cat’s unreliable father, Richard, has returned to live nearby, in a luxury apartment for the well-heeled over 60s. He’s soon up to his usual tricks.
In this, the tenth Simon Serrailler crime novel, Simon must battle his own demons as Lafferton struggles to cope with a series of crimes that threaten the very sanctity of hearth and home.
MY THOUGHTS: I may have said this multiple times before, but I love Susan Hill's writing. Her characters are very ordinary while being absolutely extraordinary. Don't expect a racy plot, or high drama. Her writing is measured, comfortable, and absolutely brilliant. It would be hard to find an author as adept as Hill at setting a scene, creating an atmosphere.
The Benefit of Hindsight is the tenth in the Simon Serrailler series, and yet the plot is so fresh that it could be the first. I have read two thirds of the book this afternoon, despite the fact that I should have been doing other things. I find her writing compelling and absorbing. Her characters are old friends. Much loved old friends.
I have read all ten books in this series, and loved them all. I sincerely hope that she is hard at work on the next in this series. I can't wait to meet up with Simon, his family, lovers, friends and work mates again.
I recommend that you read this series from the beginning, otherwise you'll not understand the various dynamics between the characters. It is worth reading. I unreservedly recommend this series, this author.
❤❤❤❤❤
THE AUTHOR: Susan Hill was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire in 1942. Her hometown was later referred to in her novel A Change for the Better (1969) and some short stories especially "Cockles and Mussels".
She attended Scarborough Convent School, where she became interested in theatre and literature. Her family left Scarborough in 1958 and moved to Coventry where her father worked in car and aircraft factories. Hill states that she attended a girls’ grammar school, Barr's Hill. Her fellow pupils included Jennifer Page, the first Chief Executive of the Millennium Dome. At Barrs Hill she took A levels in English, French, History and Latin, proceeding to an English degree at King's College London. By this time she had already written her first novel, The Enclosure which was published by Hutchinson in her first year at university. The novel was criticised by The Daily Mail for its sexual content, with the suggestion that writing in this style was unsuitable for a "schoolgirl".
Her next novel Gentleman and Ladies was published in 1968. This was followed in quick succession by A Change for the Better, I'm the King of the Castle, The Albatross and other stories, Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, A Bit of Singing and Dancing and In the Springtime of Year, all written and published between 1968 and 1974.
In 1975 she married Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and they moved to Stratford upon Avon. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977 and their second daughter, Clemency, was born in 1985. Hill has recently founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, which has published one work of fiction per year.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed my copy of The Benefit of Hindsight by Susan Hill, published by Chatto & Windus,
Penguin Random House, from Waitomo District Library, although I plan on buying my own copy to add to my collection. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter and my webpage.
And then she heard something. Or perhaps not. Or perhaps.
It had come from the house, a voice but not a voice. A sound that might have been a cry, something that was possibly not human. Another cat. The cat that was outside the door now had its paws up against it and was asking to be let in. Then the cry again. Cat turned the brass handle and the door opened easily.
The cat shot between her legs and raced up the stairs leading from what was, exactly as she had imagined, a wide, handsome hall with a cupola above that let in the light, and black and white tiles in lozenge shapes on the floor. It was the perfect imitation of a grand English country house except everything was new, shiny, clean.
But she had only a moment to take it in because she heard the sound again, a muffled, strangulated noise, coming from above. She took out her phone and kept it firmly in her hand as she ran up the stairs. On the landing the ginger cat was now wailing, but behind that noise and the faint muffled murmur, there was a strange and disturbing silence, which had a depth to it that signalled more than the emptiness of a house whose occupiers had gone out.
Two doors were standing open. One led into a small room fitted out as a library with a curious mixture of matching leather bound books, spines exactly aligned and which looked as if they had never been taken from the shelves, let alone read, and a hotchpotch of paperbacks. But no one was in the room and it seemed undisturbed until Cat noticed two small alcoves with shelves for ornaments. The shelves were empty.
The cat was trying to trip her up now, weaving in and out of her legs, then leading her through an open door opposite.
It was a handsome, brilliantly lit sitting room with another cupola and a row of tall sashed windows. Cat took in the sight of a woman lying on the floor, a lot of blood, and a man tied to a straight backed chair, with more blood, on his head and face, and a gag tight round his mouth. His eyes were half open, and he moaned before his head slumped suddenly to one side.
The cat was back at her feet now,distraught, eyes huge, still wailing.
ABOUT THIS BOOK:
On the face of it DC Simon Serrailler has had time to recuperate after the violent incident that cost him his arm, and nearly his life. He is back in harness at Lafferton CID, but is spending his spare time high up in the cathedral roof, making drawings of some medieval angels which are being restored.
Lafferton is going through a quiet patch, so far as crime is concerned, until one rainy night two local men open their front door to a couple seeking shelter. A serious error of judgment in the investigation puts Simon’s reputation on the line and calls into question how full his recovery has really been.
In her new role as a private GP, Simon’s sister Cat’s medical and counselling skills are tested by terrible and unexpected events at the homes of two very different Lafferton women. Simon and Cat’s unreliable father, Richard, has returned to live nearby, in a luxury apartment for the well-heeled over 60s. He’s soon up to his usual tricks.
In this, the tenth Simon Serrailler crime novel, Simon must battle his own demons as Lafferton struggles to cope with a series of crimes that threaten the very sanctity of hearth and home.
MY THOUGHTS: I may have said this multiple times before, but I love Susan Hill's writing. Her characters are very ordinary while being absolutely extraordinary. Don't expect a racy plot, or high drama. Her writing is measured, comfortable, and absolutely brilliant. It would be hard to find an author as adept as Hill at setting a scene, creating an atmosphere.
The Benefit of Hindsight is the tenth in the Simon Serrailler series, and yet the plot is so fresh that it could be the first. I have read two thirds of the book this afternoon, despite the fact that I should have been doing other things. I find her writing compelling and absorbing. Her characters are old friends. Much loved old friends.
I have read all ten books in this series, and loved them all. I sincerely hope that she is hard at work on the next in this series. I can't wait to meet up with Simon, his family, lovers, friends and work mates again.
I recommend that you read this series from the beginning, otherwise you'll not understand the various dynamics between the characters. It is worth reading. I unreservedly recommend this series, this author.
❤❤❤❤❤
THE AUTHOR: Susan Hill was born in Scarborough, North Yorkshire in 1942. Her hometown was later referred to in her novel A Change for the Better (1969) and some short stories especially "Cockles and Mussels".
She attended Scarborough Convent School, where she became interested in theatre and literature. Her family left Scarborough in 1958 and moved to Coventry where her father worked in car and aircraft factories. Hill states that she attended a girls’ grammar school, Barr's Hill. Her fellow pupils included Jennifer Page, the first Chief Executive of the Millennium Dome. At Barrs Hill she took A levels in English, French, History and Latin, proceeding to an English degree at King's College London. By this time she had already written her first novel, The Enclosure which was published by Hutchinson in her first year at university. The novel was criticised by The Daily Mail for its sexual content, with the suggestion that writing in this style was unsuitable for a "schoolgirl".
Her next novel Gentleman and Ladies was published in 1968. This was followed in quick succession by A Change for the Better, I'm the King of the Castle, The Albatross and other stories, Strange Meeting, The Bird of Night, A Bit of Singing and Dancing and In the Springtime of Year, all written and published between 1968 and 1974.
In 1975 she married Shakespeare scholar Stanley Wells and they moved to Stratford upon Avon. Their first daughter, Jessica, was born in 1977 and their second daughter, Clemency, was born in 1985. Hill has recently founded her own publishing company, Long Barn Books, which has published one work of fiction per year.
DISCLOSURE: I borrowed my copy of The Benefit of Hindsight by Susan Hill, published by Chatto & Windus,
Penguin Random House, from Waitomo District Library, although I plan on buying my own copy to add to my collection. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review and others are also published on Twitter and my webpage.
June 7, 2023
This was my 100th book for the year!
The Benefit of Hindsight is the 10th book in the Simon Serrailer series. I always enjoy this series because there are usually a few cases being investigated, so it stays exciting. In addition, there’s always a lot going on with the Serrailer family.
Simon is back to work full time after convalescing in Scotland in the last book (where he still managed to take on a case). His new case involves two planned robberies. His sister, Kat, is taking on her new job with a few bumps, but still she is happy. Unfortunately their father comes back from France and is once again involved with the family. I say unfortunately because I really dislike his character! He is a miserable and awful person. He really doesn’t fit in the family.
Somehow, Simon seems to be transitioning to his new arm rather well. I feel like it would be more difficult than it is. I guess Simon is just an amazing person who can carry on no matter what comes his way!
There is only one more book in this series that I can get ahold of right now. I wonder what will happen next!
The Benefit of Hindsight is the 10th book in the Simon Serrailer series. I always enjoy this series because there are usually a few cases being investigated, so it stays exciting. In addition, there’s always a lot going on with the Serrailer family.
Simon is back to work full time after convalescing in Scotland in the last book (where he still managed to take on a case). His new case involves two planned robberies. His sister, Kat, is taking on her new job with a few bumps, but still she is happy. Unfortunately their father comes back from France and is once again involved with the family. I say unfortunately because I really dislike his character! He is a miserable and awful person. He really doesn’t fit in the family.
Somehow, Simon seems to be transitioning to his new arm rather well. I feel like it would be more difficult than it is. I guess Simon is just an amazing person who can carry on no matter what comes his way!
There is only one more book in this series that I can get ahold of right now. I wonder what will happen next!
July 19, 2019
After a serious dip in the last book, I'm delighted that Susan Hill has pulled things back together in this episode of what is becoming the Serrailler Saga. Her usual multistory technique takes in a range of stories and emotions but I don't want to give any spoilers as there are some surprises here for long-time followers of this series. Cat, to my relief, is back to her empathetic self despite having left the NHS, and there's an interesting unifying theme about judgments in a professional capacity that links to the title. Once again, don't come to this expecting a conventional crime/police procedural: this is about people who happen to be police officers and doctors where character includes but is beyond profession. Excellent, subtle, elegant.
Many thanks to Random House/Vintage for an ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to Random House/Vintage for an ARC via NetGalley.
October 11, 2019
The massively underrated Susan Hill returns to form with the gripping and gritty tenth instalment in the long-running, critically acclaimed Simon Serrailler crime fiction series, and I must say I am overjoyed that the standard has risen to what it was a couple of books ago when I sadly had to face the possibility that one of my all-time favourite set of police procedural's was rapidly losing steam and at its natural conclusion. Fear not - she is back. From the opening pages, we are drawn into an absorbing, exquisitely constructed mystery with plenty of pep and pizazz and a cast who feel like friends now we have been in this together for the long haul. The plethora of twists and turns, peaks and troughs are well thought out propelling the narrative forward in style and holding you more captive with each additional turn of the page.
Anyone who appreciates multifaceted and sophisticated, detail-oriented stores will simply adore these books. Given they are part of a series I recommend reading them in chronological order as intended simply to get the most out of them, however, that is certainly not a necessity and it would be the perfect time to take the plunge now that Ms Hill has penned the most addictive entertaining instalment to date; it makes me incredibly excited that Simon is back in business and that we will be reacquainted again for another thrilling adventure in the not so distant future. This is crime writing at its finest; raw, gutsy, undiluted, potent and written with a wonderful flair that is difficult to describe until you experience it for oneself. Many thanks to Chatto & Windus for an ARC.
Anyone who appreciates multifaceted and sophisticated, detail-oriented stores will simply adore these books. Given they are part of a series I recommend reading them in chronological order as intended simply to get the most out of them, however, that is certainly not a necessity and it would be the perfect time to take the plunge now that Ms Hill has penned the most addictive entertaining instalment to date; it makes me incredibly excited that Simon is back in business and that we will be reacquainted again for another thrilling adventure in the not so distant future. This is crime writing at its finest; raw, gutsy, undiluted, potent and written with a wonderful flair that is difficult to describe until you experience it for oneself. Many thanks to Chatto & Windus for an ARC.
December 23, 2020
I really liked the 10th installment of this crime series. Much more a psychological story of difficulties faced by the characters of Serailler and his family, and the difficulties and dangers of both policemen and the medical establishment, than a straight crime novel. Several crimes and problems are highlighted, and what can happen when mistakes in judgment are made. I'm looking forward to the next one.
August 1, 2019
I love the Simon Serailler series and this was my favourite for a while, it's focus being on Simon and family, his ongoing recovery from previous trauma and his ability or not to settle back into work.
Lafferton, the setting for this is always somewhere I'd quite like to live- Susan Hill gives a beautifully descriptive sense of it. In this instalment it is the target of a group of robbers, who use seemingly gentle methods until disturbed...
The Benefit of Hindsight does exactly as it sounds, telling a story where every decision has consequences that are unclear until the end. Simon is struggling with his mental health, several occurrences threaten to fracture his newly reformed family and meanwhile his father lurks. Serailler senior is both one of the most abhorrent yet fascinating characters I've read - the ongoing family drama is hugely compelling.
Add to that cleverly woven mystery elements and this, for me, puts this series somewhere near the top of my literary crime favourites.
Recommended. Read in order to get the best out of it- I still reel a little when I remember the end of book one...
Lafferton, the setting for this is always somewhere I'd quite like to live- Susan Hill gives a beautifully descriptive sense of it. In this instalment it is the target of a group of robbers, who use seemingly gentle methods until disturbed...
The Benefit of Hindsight does exactly as it sounds, telling a story where every decision has consequences that are unclear until the end. Simon is struggling with his mental health, several occurrences threaten to fracture his newly reformed family and meanwhile his father lurks. Serailler senior is both one of the most abhorrent yet fascinating characters I've read - the ongoing family drama is hugely compelling.
Add to that cleverly woven mystery elements and this, for me, puts this series somewhere near the top of my literary crime favourites.
Recommended. Read in order to get the best out of it- I still reel a little when I remember the end of book one...
December 18, 2020
Another Simon Serailler book under the belt. With this episode, Simon has returned to his position as DCS with the Lafferton police having completed his physical recovery from the injuries suffered when he went undercover in the past. But he is not quite the same man as we gradually come to see in his reactions and relationships during this story.
As always there are multiple strands that create the novel, some interrelated, some freestanding plot lines. Also as expected, the writing is excellent with excellent descriptions of people and places. One difference I found was a choppier feel to the narrative. Now that I have finished, I think much of that can be laid at Simon’s feet. While he is not always on stage, he is the influence behind the action and here his influence was different than in the past. The prose may reflect a change in his view and approach to life. I won’t recount the plot here as GR provides one.
But my rating is still excellent. I continue to recommend this series and I do want to know what awaits Simon and his sister Cat and her family in the future.
As always there are multiple strands that create the novel, some interrelated, some freestanding plot lines. Also as expected, the writing is excellent with excellent descriptions of people and places. One difference I found was a choppier feel to the narrative. Now that I have finished, I think much of that can be laid at Simon’s feet. While he is not always on stage, he is the influence behind the action and here his influence was different than in the past. The prose may reflect a change in his view and approach to life. I won’t recount the plot here as GR provides one.
But my rating is still excellent. I continue to recommend this series and I do want to know what awaits Simon and his sister Cat and her family in the future.
December 1, 2019
A good start, and a WTF ending. A half book. (no spoilers)
This series had seemed to run down in recent books, and the last one flirted with transphobia...but this one appeared to be Hill finding her way again...until suddenly it just ended. No resolution. No real detective work. It’s like time just ran out, and she turned in what she had, and the publisher printed it. I’d love a Susan Hill serial, but if I’m buying a novel, I’d like it to be, well, complete.
This series had seemed to run down in recent books, and the last one flirted with transphobia...but this one appeared to be Hill finding her way again...until suddenly it just ended. No resolution. No real detective work. It’s like time just ran out, and she turned in what she had, and the publisher printed it. I’d love a Susan Hill serial, but if I’m buying a novel, I’d like it to be, well, complete.
April 12, 2020
This was a low action, evenly paced book. There was no detailed police investigation, no scenes that required adrenaline. Simon is back from leave from events in the previous book and probably shouldn’t be on duty. It didn’t seem logical to me that a media blackout of a burglary would be ordered for the reasons given. Cat sees her patients, tries to talk to Simon (what else is new), and spends a little time with her father (again, what else is new). The pregnant couple completely irritated me. They were oblivious to any aspect of pregnancy, birth, and babies. The brightest part of the story for me was Sam, but that was only a small part. The saddest part was Mephisto. Overall, this was just a so-so entry in the series.
April 2, 2020
Please note that I received this book via NetGalley. This did not affect my rating or review.
I am so annoyed at myself. So I like most of Susan Hill books so I saw this on NetGalley and went gimme without realizing this is part of a series. I really wish that NetGalley would let you send books back. Totally my fault, and for now on I am going to cross-reference books on Goodreads to just check for things like that. That all said, I can't really help here at all. Since this is book # 10 I was totally confused about past events and who was what and why things were important. I loved the cover though! Seriously though this dragged for me at times and I found myself rushing through it.
"The Benefit of Hindsight" follows DCS Serrailler after he has has returned to work after losing one of his arms. With crime rates down, Lafferton has been quiet, until one night when two men open their front door to a distressing scene. Serrailler makes a serious error of judgment when handling the incident, and the stress of this, combined with the ongoing trauma of losing his arm, takes its toll.
So Serrailler seems like an okay character. I don't know what to say here since this is the first book starring him I have read. All of the characters seem fine and have past and current connections. I did like that Serrailler messes up and the book follows through on the theme on in hindsight what could he have done better.
I did like the writing and thought the flow was fine. I just was not engaged since I came into this series at book #10 and did not care about the characters in the same way I would have if I started off with book #1. Because of this, I am going to go back and read this series and will update this review after I finish books #1-9.
I am so annoyed at myself. So I like most of Susan Hill books so I saw this on NetGalley and went gimme without realizing this is part of a series. I really wish that NetGalley would let you send books back. Totally my fault, and for now on I am going to cross-reference books on Goodreads to just check for things like that. That all said, I can't really help here at all. Since this is book # 10 I was totally confused about past events and who was what and why things were important. I loved the cover though! Seriously though this dragged for me at times and I found myself rushing through it.
"The Benefit of Hindsight" follows DCS Serrailler after he has has returned to work after losing one of his arms. With crime rates down, Lafferton has been quiet, until one night when two men open their front door to a distressing scene. Serrailler makes a serious error of judgment when handling the incident, and the stress of this, combined with the ongoing trauma of losing his arm, takes its toll.
So Serrailler seems like an okay character. I don't know what to say here since this is the first book starring him I have read. All of the characters seem fine and have past and current connections. I did like that Serrailler messes up and the book follows through on the theme on in hindsight what could he have done better.
I did like the writing and thought the flow was fine. I just was not engaged since I came into this series at book #10 and did not care about the characters in the same way I would have if I started off with book #1. Because of this, I am going to go back and read this series and will update this review after I finish books #1-9.
February 29, 2020
I'm still working my way through Hill's back catalogue but the Simon Serrailler series is one I'm really enjoying. I definitely need to go back to the beginning though as there is someone who turns up towards the end of this that I imagine was ins ome of the more earlier books and I want to know more.
This one is quite the mix of Simon's story and that of his sister Cat. I think she has a fairly equal billing in this with her new job at the Concierge surgery. I really enjoyed both sides of this. Again I might have to go back to the beginning and compare but while there are several crimes in this story and some crime detection, it's more about Simon's life and how his issues are affecting everything. There isn't really a proper resolution to the crime part of the plot. I'm okay with that as I enjoy reading about him and Cat. I love all the characters from the family, even their father who does not seem to be a nice person at all.
It's a fairly quick read and kept my attention all the way through. Another hit and hopefully I'll have caught up by the next one.
This one is quite the mix of Simon's story and that of his sister Cat. I think she has a fairly equal billing in this with her new job at the Concierge surgery. I really enjoyed both sides of this. Again I might have to go back to the beginning and compare but while there are several crimes in this story and some crime detection, it's more about Simon's life and how his issues are affecting everything. There isn't really a proper resolution to the crime part of the plot. I'm okay with that as I enjoy reading about him and Cat. I love all the characters from the family, even their father who does not seem to be a nice person at all.
It's a fairly quick read and kept my attention all the way through. Another hit and hopefully I'll have caught up by the next one.
July 28, 2019
I’m pleased to say that this series is back up to its usual excellent standard after the rather disappointing The Comforts of Home. There is a very solid crime story, with Susan Hill’s trademark explorations of other themes and other stories involving her main characters.
Simon is back at work and we finally get a look at the process of mental and emotional recovery from severe trauma, which is faintly echoed in the story of the emotional struggles of one of Cat’s new patients. Both are very well done, with Hill’s usual combination of forensic observation and compassion, as is the development of the family story. The title refers to the judgements professionals have to make with insufficient information and their consequences, which Hill also deals with extremely well. I won’t reveal more to avoid spoilers, but I think she is back in her stride here, which for followers of this excellent series is probably all that need be said.
Susan Hill is a very fine writer and the Serrailler books are novels investigating human emotions, relationships and motivations with crimes running through the narrative rather than just Crime Novels. This is a fine example and is very warmly recommended.
(My thanks to Random House for an ARC via NetGalley.)
Simon is back at work and we finally get a look at the process of mental and emotional recovery from severe trauma, which is faintly echoed in the story of the emotional struggles of one of Cat’s new patients. Both are very well done, with Hill’s usual combination of forensic observation and compassion, as is the development of the family story. The title refers to the judgements professionals have to make with insufficient information and their consequences, which Hill also deals with extremely well. I won’t reveal more to avoid spoilers, but I think she is back in her stride here, which for followers of this excellent series is probably all that need be said.
Susan Hill is a very fine writer and the Serrailler books are novels investigating human emotions, relationships and motivations with crimes running through the narrative rather than just Crime Novels. This is a fine example and is very warmly recommended.
(My thanks to Random House for an ARC via NetGalley.)
November 16, 2019
Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com
Another absorbing, excellently written crime novel in the Simon Serrailer series. As always, the characters are brilliantly well developed and, although not always completely likable – there are definitely elements to both Simon and Cat’s personalities that grate on me at times – they are convincing, and returning to read more about them is like returning to a comforting, old friend.
The plot is complex and intriguing; there are various elements that seem as if they might be unrelated but come together as the novel continues, and some that I thought really would be related to the crime one way or another, and actually weren’t. The story doesn’t just focus on the crime elements but also on family developments and character building in general, and the fact that both Cat and Simon are so involved in the local area means as the reader you continue to get a real sense of the Lafferton community.
I really enjoyed this novel, and it’s definitely a must-read for fans of this series.
Another absorbing, excellently written crime novel in the Simon Serrailer series. As always, the characters are brilliantly well developed and, although not always completely likable – there are definitely elements to both Simon and Cat’s personalities that grate on me at times – they are convincing, and returning to read more about them is like returning to a comforting, old friend.
The plot is complex and intriguing; there are various elements that seem as if they might be unrelated but come together as the novel continues, and some that I thought really would be related to the crime one way or another, and actually weren’t. The story doesn’t just focus on the crime elements but also on family developments and character building in general, and the fact that both Cat and Simon are so involved in the local area means as the reader you continue to get a real sense of the Lafferton community.
I really enjoyed this novel, and it’s definitely a must-read for fans of this series.
December 29, 2024
I loved every minute of this book. The premise, according to various reviews and book blurbs, is that Simon, as a detective, and his sister, Cat, as a physician, both make errors in judgement. I think this is a bit misleading, once reading this. There is not always a black or white answer to each case, though things become clearer as the story goes on, and the dust settles, and the results of their decisions become apparent. Hence, the title of the book.But upon making decisions, we can only weigh all of the information we have and move forward, but how much of our decisions are influenced and shaded by our pasts and our present lives and moods and circumstances? This series never lets me down.
September 29, 2019
With thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an open and honest review.
I am a big fan of the Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serailler series and have read all 10 books and short stories. They are sophisticated crime novels that focus not just on crime but Simon and his family. Sister Dr Cat Deerbon, brother in law (and boss) Keiron, and her sons Sam and Felix. it is always nice to pick up a book from a long running series, it is like meeting old friends.
The prose is beautifully written and I love that the reader gets to understand the victims life before any incidents occur.
In the latest book both Simon and Cat learn what decisions they would make with the benefit of hindsight.
One evening a man and woman knock on Tim and Ade`s door to use their home phone. Later Tim and Ade receive opera tickets from the couple to thank them. However whilst they were away their house is burgled and antiques worth thousands were stolen. When Simon investigated he made the operational decision not to report the burglary to the media. However this was a mistake when local businessman and philanthropist Declan McDermid and his wife Cindy came home during the burglary. The burglars killed Cindy and severely injured Declan.
Carrie was pregnant but she had sixth sense throughout the pregnancy that the baby would die. Carrie has a healthy baby girl but she has problems bonding and refuses to name her daughter. Cat is sure that Carrie has postnatal depression but she is worried that the baby is too still and sleepy.
On the home front Simon meets an old flame goes on a date with one of his DC`s Fern Monroe. There is a lot more to the story but the plot is too intricate to explain. I was a little disappointed that the case was concluded a bit too abruptly but it didn't spoil the story for me.
I am glad to say Susan Hill.is back in top form after the previous book The Comforts of Home. I cannot recommend this series highly enough, I can't wait for the next book.
I am a big fan of the Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serailler series and have read all 10 books and short stories. They are sophisticated crime novels that focus not just on crime but Simon and his family. Sister Dr Cat Deerbon, brother in law (and boss) Keiron, and her sons Sam and Felix. it is always nice to pick up a book from a long running series, it is like meeting old friends.
The prose is beautifully written and I love that the reader gets to understand the victims life before any incidents occur.
In the latest book both Simon and Cat learn what decisions they would make with the benefit of hindsight.
One evening a man and woman knock on Tim and Ade`s door to use their home phone. Later Tim and Ade receive opera tickets from the couple to thank them. However whilst they were away their house is burgled and antiques worth thousands were stolen. When Simon investigated he made the operational decision not to report the burglary to the media. However this was a mistake when local businessman and philanthropist Declan McDermid and his wife Cindy came home during the burglary. The burglars killed Cindy and severely injured Declan.
Carrie was pregnant but she had sixth sense throughout the pregnancy that the baby would die. Carrie has a healthy baby girl but she has problems bonding and refuses to name her daughter. Cat is sure that Carrie has postnatal depression but she is worried that the baby is too still and sleepy.
On the home front Simon meets an old flame goes on a date with one of his DC`s Fern Monroe. There is a lot more to the story but the plot is too intricate to explain. I was a little disappointed that the case was concluded a bit too abruptly but it didn't spoil the story for me.
I am glad to say Susan Hill.is back in top form after the previous book The Comforts of Home. I cannot recommend this series highly enough, I can't wait for the next book.
January 9, 2020
I was slightly disappointed by this beautifully written book. For me, there is just not enough crime and a little too much about the Serrailer family. This is, however, a good book to get to know Simon better and I certainly hope that things will work out for him soon and he can put his brilliant mind to work again.
Thanks to Edelweiss for this digital review copy.
Thanks to Edelweiss for this digital review copy.
June 8, 2024
Setting: 'Lafferton', England; modern day.
This is the tenth book in the excellent series featuring Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler - as usual, I loved all the personal stories about Simon, his G.P. sister Cat (now working in private practice and married to Simon's boss, the Chief Constable - awkward!!) and their ever-truculent and recalcitrant father.
However, the main storylines - the professional art robbery, a murder committed during another burglary and Cat's dealings with a reluctant mother of a new-born baby - seemed largely overshadowed by the personal stories as Simon still struggles to get over the mental effects of his near-death experience and Cat tries to balance her new work and personal life, with none of the storylines being satisfactorily concluded by the end of the book. This was a bit of a disappointment for me but won't prevent me continuing with the series, even though this one only just scraped a 4-star rating for me - 7.5/10.
This is the tenth book in the excellent series featuring Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler - as usual, I loved all the personal stories about Simon, his G.P. sister Cat (now working in private practice and married to Simon's boss, the Chief Constable - awkward!!) and their ever-truculent and recalcitrant father.
However, the main storylines - the professional art robbery, a murder committed during another burglary and Cat's dealings with a reluctant mother of a new-born baby - seemed largely overshadowed by the personal stories as Simon still struggles to get over the mental effects of his near-death experience and Cat tries to balance her new work and personal life, with none of the storylines being satisfactorily concluded by the end of the book. This was a bit of a disappointment for me but won't prevent me continuing with the series, even though this one only just scraped a 4-star rating for me - 7.5/10.
July 29, 2019
If, like me, you’ve drifted in and out of the Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler series, don’t worry. It’s easy to pick up ‘The Benefit of Hindsight’, the tenth in the series, and head straight back to Lafferton, populated by the likes of Simon’s sister Dr Cat Deerbon, her children, various police personnel and a smattering of village folk.
The first few chapters of the novel introduce us to two couples lucky enough to live in beautiful homes. However, their dwellings are the targets of an unknown sophisticated thief who has chosen them for their bounty and their secluded positions. The modus operandi of his gang is a quick and thorough in and out when the occupants are away for the evening. Sadly, robbery becomes murder when one couple return home unexpectedly early and Serrailler and his team are intent on tracking them down for the rest of the novel.
Whilst this crime is the central narrative thread, as ever Susan Hill is interested in exploring people’s passions, foibles, motives and fears within the relationships that make up the story. Serrailler’s PTSD is one focus whilst the crippling premonitions that naïve expectant mother, Cassie, has is another. The former depiction is very convincing, both for the ways in which the panic attacks are described and the victim’s reaction to them. The latter portrayal, not so much. In truth, I was not really sure why this sub-plot was included. Is there, for example, more to Colin, Cassie’s husband, than we have been led to believe? If so, the reader will have to wait for revelations in book eleven.
I suspect that loyal Serrailler fans will love this new instalment whilst those less smitten will acknowledge this as a well-written tale, albeit one that ultimately feels unfinished. Perhaps that’s the point – the readership must always be kept wanting!
My thanks to NetGalley and Chatto & Windus London for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
The first few chapters of the novel introduce us to two couples lucky enough to live in beautiful homes. However, their dwellings are the targets of an unknown sophisticated thief who has chosen them for their bounty and their secluded positions. The modus operandi of his gang is a quick and thorough in and out when the occupants are away for the evening. Sadly, robbery becomes murder when one couple return home unexpectedly early and Serrailler and his team are intent on tracking them down for the rest of the novel.
Whilst this crime is the central narrative thread, as ever Susan Hill is interested in exploring people’s passions, foibles, motives and fears within the relationships that make up the story. Serrailler’s PTSD is one focus whilst the crippling premonitions that naïve expectant mother, Cassie, has is another. The former depiction is very convincing, both for the ways in which the panic attacks are described and the victim’s reaction to them. The latter portrayal, not so much. In truth, I was not really sure why this sub-plot was included. Is there, for example, more to Colin, Cassie’s husband, than we have been led to believe? If so, the reader will have to wait for revelations in book eleven.
I suspect that loyal Serrailler fans will love this new instalment whilst those less smitten will acknowledge this as a well-written tale, albeit one that ultimately feels unfinished. Perhaps that’s the point – the readership must always be kept wanting!
My thanks to NetGalley and Chatto & Windus London for a copy of this novel in exchange for a fair review.
November 6, 2019
I love this series and didn't realize that there was a new book out until I was browsing in my local library a few days back. Needless to say, I had it off the shelf in double quick time. I had been struggling with another book and this was a welcome excuse to ditch it and get started on the next chapter in the Serrailler families lives. Simon, who is a DS in Lafferton CID is back after recovering from an assault that cost him arm and almost his life. He is as he and the readers discover, not quite as emotionally ready to get back to normal as it would first appear. Cat is now working in private medicine in a GP home visit service and is actually finding she likes her job and is happily settled into her new marriage to Simon's boss. Of course, there are spanners in the works, their Dad being one and a case for Simon that with "The Benefit of Hindsight", should have been handled differently. I love the fact that Cat is now equally part of this series as Simon. The story line is realistic and draws you in, I found it hard to leave this book down. If you are only coming to this series now, I would recommend going back to the start and getting book 1. It will be well worthwhile.
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April 10, 2020I have been enjoying the “Simon Serrailler” series for many years now and I get so excited when I find that Ms. Hill has written a new one. This book, #10, does not disappoint.
It is always interesting to see how DCS Serrailler solves the case in each book, but it is the dynamics of his personal life and those of his family that keep me wanting more.
He has just returned to work after a period of recuperation from losing his arm. Early in the story, we are introduced to two couples who live in beautiful, secluded homes filled with costly treasures. These are targeted by professional thieves whose practice is to quickly and thoroughly pack up the goods while the owners are away for the evening. After the first robbery, Serrailler makes a controversial decision to order a news blackout, thinking that if they don’t hear about it on the news, the perpetrators will think they’ve got away with it and plan other burglaries. His plan backfires when, tragically, a couple returns home early as their house is being robbed, and the wife ends up murdered.
Serrailler and his team do their best to track them down for the remainder of the novel, but his decision is called into question. If the first crime had been made known, perhaps the couple, in the second incident, would have been more prepared against it. Hill doesn’t resolve the issues she raises, but rather shows that life can be unpredictable, messy and painful. Only such qualities as strength of character, and the willingness to learn from our mistakes are what gets us through the rough times.
This is a well written, well thought out series that you can pick up at any time, but you will probably end up going back and reading all the other books. Enjoy! -Debbie F.
It is always interesting to see how DCS Serrailler solves the case in each book, but it is the dynamics of his personal life and those of his family that keep me wanting more.
He has just returned to work after a period of recuperation from losing his arm. Early in the story, we are introduced to two couples who live in beautiful, secluded homes filled with costly treasures. These are targeted by professional thieves whose practice is to quickly and thoroughly pack up the goods while the owners are away for the evening. After the first robbery, Serrailler makes a controversial decision to order a news blackout, thinking that if they don’t hear about it on the news, the perpetrators will think they’ve got away with it and plan other burglaries. His plan backfires when, tragically, a couple returns home early as their house is being robbed, and the wife ends up murdered.
Serrailler and his team do their best to track them down for the remainder of the novel, but his decision is called into question. If the first crime had been made known, perhaps the couple, in the second incident, would have been more prepared against it. Hill doesn’t resolve the issues she raises, but rather shows that life can be unpredictable, messy and painful. Only such qualities as strength of character, and the willingness to learn from our mistakes are what gets us through the rough times.
This is a well written, well thought out series that you can pick up at any time, but you will probably end up going back and reading all the other books. Enjoy! -Debbie F.
June 9, 2025
What I love about Susan Hill"s writing is the way she builds a community from the simplest, most miniature details and weaves them quite beautifully into the bigger, more eye-catching moments of her novels. her characterisation and sense of place is stunning, and I'm also a fan of not tying up all the loose ends in one novel, but having the confidence to spill major plots over to the next book, and she has opened my eyes to how good this makes a crime series.
This is a stunning example of Susan Hill at her best.
5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a stunning example of Susan Hill at her best.
5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
September 22, 2019
I love this series and always pop straight out to buy the new instalment. In this novel the crime being investigated is a burglary. A couple enjoying a quiet evening in their remote cottage are disturbed by a couple who are stranded after their car has broken down. While one of the couple shows the man to the phone, his husband strikes up a conversation with the girl. They have a cup of tea and talk about the artwork hanging around the house. The next week they receive a letter of thanks plus two tickets to see the ENO perform. Unfortunately, on their return they find their cottage burgled and their precious art collection gone.
The detective solving this crime is Simon Serrailler and he makes a big decision early on by ordering a news blackout. His reasoning is that if all goes quiet the perpetrators will think they’ve got away with it and plan another burgla
ry. His plan backfires when local businessman and donor to the police, Declan McDermid and his wife return early from a charity reception to find their house being broken into. The target is their art collection, including priceless Warhol prints, but come the morning local doctor Cat Deerborn pops in for a coffee to find the couple tied up, beaten and bleeding. When his wife dies of her injuries will Serrailler’s decision be called into question?
Simon Serrailler is intriguing as a central character. He doesn’t give anything away. I’m never sure what his thinking or motivation is. In the past I have shared his love interest’s frustrations as he doesn’t seem to need them at all. Even after this many novels I don’t fully know what to make of him. I suppose he fulfils the ‘flawed detective’ - wedded to work, unable to maintain a relationship, handsome and thoroughly inaccessible. Here Serrailler is given more emotional depth. He is now a wounded hero, struggling to accept a life-changing injury he received in the line of duty. The calm, cool surface he has always tried to maintain has always covered glimpses of anger and in this novel we finally see that surface crack. It seems he is only able to find peace of mind when drawing and as he starts to suffer chest pains, breathlessness and feelings of doom it becomes clear that a lifetime of bottling up his emotions will have consequences. I welcomed this aspect to his character, because it made him more accessible and human.
In the past I have always been drawn to his sister Cat and her family. They are the warm centre of these novels and her struggle to be the woman of the family, serve her patients and be Mum to her own kids. I was especially touched by her struggle nursing her terminally ill husband until his death earlier in the series. Here we find Cat struggling to reconcile various different parts of her life. She is one of the ‘middle’ people in society; coping with parents in declining health while still having children at home. Cat and Simon’s father is as judgemental as always, and continues to treat women as objects. Cat is torn between daughterly duty and the responsibility she feels for his wrongdoing. At work she is torn between principle and having a life outside her patients. Now working for a private GP company she is called upon by NHS colleagues and her own conscience to justify working in the private sector. Finally she is worried about Simon, but torn by loyalty to her new husband who happens to be the Chief Constable and Simon’s boss.
It is one of Cat’s patients that caught my imagination and is one of the most intriguing parts of the novel. Carrie Pegwell is pregnant when Cat is first called out to see her part way into the novel, but Cat can’t detect any joy or expectancy. In fact she finds Carrie listless and depressed, while her husband is largely detached from the pregnancy and his wife. Carrie has become obsessed with the idea something is wrong with her baby yet hasn’t been for any of the recommended tests or scan. Cat is the first doctor she has seen, but even with reassurances Carrie will not accept her baby is healthy and her pregnancy normal. Cat suspects a fixation borne of anxiety, but can’t discount the fact that mums often have a sixth sense when it comes to their children. I found myself reading ‘just one more chapter’ to see what happened when the baby was born and where this strange couple fit into the larger story.
I found the novel gripping enough to keep turning the pages and read it in a day (and one very late night). I enjoyed the progression of the characters lives, especially changes within the family dynamic as Cat’s children grow into adults. Towards the ending I did have that experience, peculiar to kindle books, where I raced on and on then hit the ending suddenly as if I’d come round a corner and hit a tree. It felt very abrupt and as if things were unfinished; Some characters were in limbo and the crimes went unpunished. I had to go back and read the last few chapters again to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. This could be a cliffhanger for the next novel, but could also be a comment on a life where not every ending is neatly tied up in a bow.
The detective solving this crime is Simon Serrailler and he makes a big decision early on by ordering a news blackout. His reasoning is that if all goes quiet the perpetrators will think they’ve got away with it and plan another burgla
ry. His plan backfires when local businessman and donor to the police, Declan McDermid and his wife return early from a charity reception to find their house being broken into. The target is their art collection, including priceless Warhol prints, but come the morning local doctor Cat Deerborn pops in for a coffee to find the couple tied up, beaten and bleeding. When his wife dies of her injuries will Serrailler’s decision be called into question?
Simon Serrailler is intriguing as a central character. He doesn’t give anything away. I’m never sure what his thinking or motivation is. In the past I have shared his love interest’s frustrations as he doesn’t seem to need them at all. Even after this many novels I don’t fully know what to make of him. I suppose he fulfils the ‘flawed detective’ - wedded to work, unable to maintain a relationship, handsome and thoroughly inaccessible. Here Serrailler is given more emotional depth. He is now a wounded hero, struggling to accept a life-changing injury he received in the line of duty. The calm, cool surface he has always tried to maintain has always covered glimpses of anger and in this novel we finally see that surface crack. It seems he is only able to find peace of mind when drawing and as he starts to suffer chest pains, breathlessness and feelings of doom it becomes clear that a lifetime of bottling up his emotions will have consequences. I welcomed this aspect to his character, because it made him more accessible and human.
In the past I have always been drawn to his sister Cat and her family. They are the warm centre of these novels and her struggle to be the woman of the family, serve her patients and be Mum to her own kids. I was especially touched by her struggle nursing her terminally ill husband until his death earlier in the series. Here we find Cat struggling to reconcile various different parts of her life. She is one of the ‘middle’ people in society; coping with parents in declining health while still having children at home. Cat and Simon’s father is as judgemental as always, and continues to treat women as objects. Cat is torn between daughterly duty and the responsibility she feels for his wrongdoing. At work she is torn between principle and having a life outside her patients. Now working for a private GP company she is called upon by NHS colleagues and her own conscience to justify working in the private sector. Finally she is worried about Simon, but torn by loyalty to her new husband who happens to be the Chief Constable and Simon’s boss.
It is one of Cat’s patients that caught my imagination and is one of the most intriguing parts of the novel. Carrie Pegwell is pregnant when Cat is first called out to see her part way into the novel, but Cat can’t detect any joy or expectancy. In fact she finds Carrie listless and depressed, while her husband is largely detached from the pregnancy and his wife. Carrie has become obsessed with the idea something is wrong with her baby yet hasn’t been for any of the recommended tests or scan. Cat is the first doctor she has seen, but even with reassurances Carrie will not accept her baby is healthy and her pregnancy normal. Cat suspects a fixation borne of anxiety, but can’t discount the fact that mums often have a sixth sense when it comes to their children. I found myself reading ‘just one more chapter’ to see what happened when the baby was born and where this strange couple fit into the larger story.
I found the novel gripping enough to keep turning the pages and read it in a day (and one very late night). I enjoyed the progression of the characters lives, especially changes within the family dynamic as Cat’s children grow into adults. Towards the ending I did have that experience, peculiar to kindle books, where I raced on and on then hit the ending suddenly as if I’d come round a corner and hit a tree. It felt very abrupt and as if things were unfinished; Some characters were in limbo and the crimes went unpunished. I had to go back and read the last few chapters again to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. This could be a cliffhanger for the next novel, but could also be a comment on a life where not every ending is neatly tied up in a bow.
April 26, 2020
This was a real return to form for author Susan Hill, after I thought the last book, The Comforts of Home, was strong but ended with her tying up the loose ends a bit abruptly. In this, the tenth in the series, she is skillful at weaving together threads of story from Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Serrailler and his family, most notably his physician sister, Cat, and her children. Serrailler is wonderfully broody and closed-off in this one, partially the result of a dramatic injury that he sustained two novels ago in the series. Introspective and introverted, not given to seeking assistance from anyone, he denies and copes as best he can on his own, until confronted in a way that he can no longer avoid. Cat's concern and love for him shine through; she's my favorite character in the series. Cat is sensible, capable, and empathetic, but not free from misgivings and doubts, which rise to the surface when she encounters a patient and her spouse who are as withdrawn and emotionally unavailable as her brother. There is a lot of similarity in her approach to both, and her strength lies in her ability to discern, investigate, and follow through. These threads that connect police work and medical work are subtle but powerful.
With an absolutely beautiful ending, a dramatic crime to be solved, and the compelling story of the extended Serrailler family that we have followed through ten books and several short stories, this is not one in the series that devoted readers will want to miss, and I suspect it will garner Susan Hill some new fans as well.
*Note: I received a free advance review copy of this book from The Overlook Press in exchange for an honest review.
With an absolutely beautiful ending, a dramatic crime to be solved, and the compelling story of the extended Serrailler family that we have followed through ten books and several short stories, this is not one in the series that devoted readers will want to miss, and I suspect it will garner Susan Hill some new fans as well.
*Note: I received a free advance review copy of this book from The Overlook Press in exchange for an honest review.
October 10, 2019
My thanks to Random House U.K. Vintage/Chatto & Windus for an eARC via NetGalley of Susan Hill’s ‘The Benefit of Hindsight’ in exchange for an honest review.
This is the tenth in her popular DCS Simon Serrailler series of police procedurals. I have read all but the ninth, ‘The Comforts of Home’, so have a fairly strong background on the characters and setting.
Serrailler has returned to his position with Lafferton CID after a period away recuperating from the devastating injury that cost him his arm. (Clearly I need to read Book 9!) Things initially are quite quiet in terms of crime but then there is a high end burglary that utilises a sophisticated technique to gain access to the property. Simon makes a decision in respect to the investigation that subsequently endangers his professional reputation.
Meanwhile, his sister, Dr. Cat Deerbon, has left the NHS for private practice and is dealing with two difficult cases involving local women, both which call upon her investigative skills.
As with the others in this series this is as much a character-led drama as a police procedural with aspects of family life and various social issues linked to Lafferton integrated into the narrative alongside the crime that is being investigated.
The title’s meaning is made clear when Simon discusses with Cat the nature of their professions: “Doctors, coppers–we make decisions all the time, we make judgement calls. Sometimes we’re wrong, sometimes we’re right, sometimes we just get away with it and sometimes we don’t.”
While sufficient background is provided, this is a series that I feel is best read in order to understand the development of the characters over time.
These are characters that I have taken a journey with and recognise the quality of Susan Hill’s writing and consider it literary crime fiction. The poignant final pages brought me to tears. I certainly recommend this novel and the series as a whole.
This is the tenth in her popular DCS Simon Serrailler series of police procedurals. I have read all but the ninth, ‘The Comforts of Home’, so have a fairly strong background on the characters and setting.
Serrailler has returned to his position with Lafferton CID after a period away recuperating from the devastating injury that cost him his arm. (Clearly I need to read Book 9!) Things initially are quite quiet in terms of crime but then there is a high end burglary that utilises a sophisticated technique to gain access to the property. Simon makes a decision in respect to the investigation that subsequently endangers his professional reputation.
Meanwhile, his sister, Dr. Cat Deerbon, has left the NHS for private practice and is dealing with two difficult cases involving local women, both which call upon her investigative skills.
As with the others in this series this is as much a character-led drama as a police procedural with aspects of family life and various social issues linked to Lafferton integrated into the narrative alongside the crime that is being investigated.
The title’s meaning is made clear when Simon discusses with Cat the nature of their professions: “Doctors, coppers–we make decisions all the time, we make judgement calls. Sometimes we’re wrong, sometimes we’re right, sometimes we just get away with it and sometimes we don’t.”
While sufficient background is provided, this is a series that I feel is best read in order to understand the development of the characters over time.
These are characters that I have taken a journey with and recognise the quality of Susan Hill’s writing and consider it literary crime fiction. The poignant final pages brought me to tears. I certainly recommend this novel and the series as a whole.
October 2, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Vintage Publishing for an advance copy of The Benefit of Hindsight, the tenth novel to feature DCS Simon Serailler of the Lafferton police.
It has been a quiet time for Lafferton CID so there are plenty of officers to investigate what appears to be a high end, professional burglary. The decisions, however, that Simon takes are not universally popular with his team and end up bringing his professional judgement into question. In the meantime his sister, Dr Cat Deerbon, is settling in to her new job at Concierge Medical, a private GP service, but one case is troubling her, Carrie Pegwell and her pregnancy.
I enjoyed The Benefit of Hindsight, which, as ever, is a crime investigation attached to an examination of character and family life. The investigation side of things is fairly perfunctory in that certain events lead to other events and the police react. There isn’t even a concrete solution to the crime. Instead Ms Hill prefers to concentrate on the human side and the consequences of our decision making. The title is a good indication of her theme.
I must admit that having read most of the novels in the series I have an interest in the doings of Simon and Cat so I found the novel quite compulsive and this is despite it having many features I don’t like, like a multiple viewpoint narrative, a less than convincing investigation, an inconclusive ending and a baffling protagonist. You would think that after ten novels that I would have a good affinity with Simon Serailler but to be honest his motivations elude me and I just find him selfish and lacking empathy.
The Benefit of Hindsight is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
It has been a quiet time for Lafferton CID so there are plenty of officers to investigate what appears to be a high end, professional burglary. The decisions, however, that Simon takes are not universally popular with his team and end up bringing his professional judgement into question. In the meantime his sister, Dr Cat Deerbon, is settling in to her new job at Concierge Medical, a private GP service, but one case is troubling her, Carrie Pegwell and her pregnancy.
I enjoyed The Benefit of Hindsight, which, as ever, is a crime investigation attached to an examination of character and family life. The investigation side of things is fairly perfunctory in that certain events lead to other events and the police react. There isn’t even a concrete solution to the crime. Instead Ms Hill prefers to concentrate on the human side and the consequences of our decision making. The title is a good indication of her theme.
I must admit that having read most of the novels in the series I have an interest in the doings of Simon and Cat so I found the novel quite compulsive and this is despite it having many features I don’t like, like a multiple viewpoint narrative, a less than convincing investigation, an inconclusive ending and a baffling protagonist. You would think that after ten novels that I would have a good affinity with Simon Serailler but to be honest his motivations elude me and I just find him selfish and lacking empathy.
The Benefit of Hindsight is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.
April 15, 2023
I did not enjoy this installment as much as earlier books in the series. After grave wounding in a prior case, Serrailler is somewhat sidelined into more administrative work. He is still suffering from the trauma of his previous case and injury. His normally supportive sister is on his back to get help.
The is a theft from the remote house of a professional couple. They were the victims of a pair of scouts who they admitted to their house one night, and who later returned to rob them. Serrailler decides to keep this burglary out of the news to prevent alerting the thiefs. This turns out to be a mistake when a second incident which results in the death of one and serious injury of another person.
This was a 3.5 read for me. Serrailler in his present circumstances lacks the drive and intelligence that I liked in earlier novels. Perhaps he'll come around.
I reread this book as part of my reading/rereading of this series. Reading them in sequence, I appreciated Serailler much more and would rate it 4.5 stars.
The is a theft from the remote house of a professional couple. They were the victims of a pair of scouts who they admitted to their house one night, and who later returned to rob them. Serrailler decides to keep this burglary out of the news to prevent alerting the thiefs. This turns out to be a mistake when a second incident which results in the death of one and serious injury of another person.
This was a 3.5 read for me. Serrailler in his present circumstances lacks the drive and intelligence that I liked in earlier novels. Perhaps he'll come around.
I reread this book as part of my reading/rereading of this series. Reading them in sequence, I appreciated Serailler much more and would rate it 4.5 stars.
December 10, 2019
So this is number 10. Susan Hill's feat of managing to wring ten books out of the gloomy Simon Serailler (how that name, with its nod to the brilliant Ian but with its missing i, irritates me!) has to be admired but, my goodness, Lafferton is a depressing place. It seems a pale shadow of Ruth Rendell's Kingsmarkham, just as Simon is a pale shadow of P D James' splendid Adam Dalgleish.
So why do I still open each book with anticipation? Susan Hill's early novels were so gripping, drawing the reader in to her characters' emotional travails with such skill. I suppose I hope that at some point the Serrailler family will spark some similar reaction in me and I shall start to care more about them. But although the writing is crisp, the plots are pedestrian and with an ending that is so clearly set up for a sequel I begin to feel manipulated.
But it's a reasonable read for a wet winter afternoon.
So why do I still open each book with anticipation? Susan Hill's early novels were so gripping, drawing the reader in to her characters' emotional travails with such skill. I suppose I hope that at some point the Serrailler family will spark some similar reaction in me and I shall start to care more about them. But although the writing is crisp, the plots are pedestrian and with an ending that is so clearly set up for a sequel I begin to feel manipulated.
But it's a reasonable read for a wet winter afternoon.
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