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Death in Paradise #3
Death Knocks Twice
Reluctantly stationed on the sweltering Caribbean island of Saint-Marie, Detective Inspector Richard Poole dreams of cold winds, drizzly rain and a pint in his local pub.
Just as he is feeling as fed up as can be, a mysterious vagrant is found dead in the grounds of the historic Beaumont plantation. Immediately assumed to be suicide, DI Poole is not so convinced and determined to prove otherwise. Never mind that the only fingerprints on the murder weapon belong to the victim. Or that the room was locked from the inside.
Before long, death knocks twice and a second body turns up. The hunt is on to solve the case – despite the best efforts of the enigmatic Beaumont family…
Just as he is feeling as fed up as can be, a mysterious vagrant is found dead in the grounds of the historic Beaumont plantation. Immediately assumed to be suicide, DI Poole is not so convinced and determined to prove otherwise. Never mind that the only fingerprints on the murder weapon belong to the victim. Or that the room was locked from the inside.
Before long, death knocks twice and a second body turns up. The hunt is on to solve the case – despite the best efforts of the enigmatic Beaumont family…
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First published May 18, 2017
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About the author
Robert Thorogood
15 books2,232 followersRobert Thorogood is an English screenwriter. He is best known as the creator of the BBC 1 Murder Mystery Series, Death in Paradise.
Robert was educated at Uppingham School in Rutland and read History at Downing College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he toured with the university's student comedy troupe Footlights in 1993 and was elected President in 1994. Soon after leaving Cambridge, Robert set up a theatre company that toured small theatres and schools, the highlight of which was a production of Molière's The Miser that he directed and acted in alongside Robert Webb, David Mitchell and Olivia Colman.
Robert wrote for many years - selling scripts to the BBC, ITV and independent film companies - but before 2011 the only script of his that was actually broadcast was a Radio 4 afternoon play called From Abstraction about the life of Paul Wolfskehl.
In 2008, Robert entered the inaugural Red Planet Prize and was a chosen finalist, where he was able to pitch his 'Copper in the Caribbean' idea to Tony Jordan. By 2011, when the show was finally broadcast - making it Robert's first TV broadcast credit at the age of 39 - Robert had become something of a poster boy for 'never giving up on the dream'.
In January 2014, it was announced that Robert had signed a deal with MIRA Harlequin to write three Richard Poole Murder Mystery novels, with the first being published in hardback in January 2015.
Robert was educated at Uppingham School in Rutland and read History at Downing College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he toured with the university's student comedy troupe Footlights in 1993 and was elected President in 1994. Soon after leaving Cambridge, Robert set up a theatre company that toured small theatres and schools, the highlight of which was a production of Molière's The Miser that he directed and acted in alongside Robert Webb, David Mitchell and Olivia Colman.
Robert wrote for many years - selling scripts to the BBC, ITV and independent film companies - but before 2011 the only script of his that was actually broadcast was a Radio 4 afternoon play called From Abstraction about the life of Paul Wolfskehl.
In 2008, Robert entered the inaugural Red Planet Prize and was a chosen finalist, where he was able to pitch his 'Copper in the Caribbean' idea to Tony Jordan. By 2011, when the show was finally broadcast - making it Robert's first TV broadcast credit at the age of 39 - Robert had become something of a poster boy for 'never giving up on the dream'.
In January 2014, it was announced that Robert had signed a deal with MIRA Harlequin to write three Richard Poole Murder Mystery novels, with the first being published in hardback in January 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
August 30, 2017
A full review can be found at United by Pop.
The tropical location gives this a different vibe from the usual, British-penned, detective stories and, as such, has much to offer the reader that differs from the expected. The way of life, as well as the inner-workings of the police force, are drastically different and this gives an interesting and detailed insight into the contrasts between the two. The British detective is the link between the two geographical settings, and it is his perceptions that allow the multiple dissimilarities to become known.
The assembly of the known with the unknown of ‘Death Knocks Twice’ allows this to feel like a cosy, comfortable read whilst also allowing the growing suspense to defeat this facade, as the plot spirals into darker and darker territories. The crime is unsolvable, the locale is dissimilar, but the detective is immediately lovable. This assimilation of the recognised provides both a fixed point of entry to the unknown and a safe face in which to assuage our growing fears. This gives the plot a classic crime feel, once found in the works of the renowned Agatha Christie who often played with similar structures. It is thrilling to see her signature style re-awoken and reworked into this modern-day, tropical climate, and this growing series gives me a lot to get excited for, in the future.
The tropical location gives this a different vibe from the usual, British-penned, detective stories and, as such, has much to offer the reader that differs from the expected. The way of life, as well as the inner-workings of the police force, are drastically different and this gives an interesting and detailed insight into the contrasts between the two. The British detective is the link between the two geographical settings, and it is his perceptions that allow the multiple dissimilarities to become known.
The assembly of the known with the unknown of ‘Death Knocks Twice’ allows this to feel like a cosy, comfortable read whilst also allowing the growing suspense to defeat this facade, as the plot spirals into darker and darker territories. The crime is unsolvable, the locale is dissimilar, but the detective is immediately lovable. This assimilation of the recognised provides both a fixed point of entry to the unknown and a safe face in which to assuage our growing fears. This gives the plot a classic crime feel, once found in the works of the renowned Agatha Christie who often played with similar structures. It is thrilling to see her signature style re-awoken and reworked into this modern-day, tropical climate, and this growing series gives me a lot to get excited for, in the future.
August 25, 2019
Enjoyable and entertaining, as always.
April 15, 2024
3 Stars. Enjoyable but the solution was complicated and convoluted. A step beyond believable. Saint Marie is glorious, in reality for both the novels and TV, the beautiful French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe. And the characters, from D.I. Richard Poole to D.S. Camille Bordey, Officer Dwayne Myers and Commissioner of Police, Selwyn Patterson, are an amusing lot. Competent all, but each with their own idiosyncrasies. How can you not grin when Dwayne tries to convince his staid Chief to abandon his hot jacket and tie for a cool and colourful sports shirt? And again when the Commissioner prioritizes catching a bootleg rum vendor near the historic Fort Royal Hotel, which really exists, over investigating the suspicious death of a middle-aged but unknown man on Saint Marie's Beaumont coffee estate? The body was found in a room locked from the inside. First reported by Lucy Beaumont as a vagrant and a stalking matter, it turns into murder. Poole, with the help of his hard-working crew, sifts through the clues. But he soon finds the Beaumont family lying a mile-a-minute to every one of his questions. What's going on here? Remember, it's complicated. (No2023/Ap2024)
July 31, 2017
4.5
Being a fan of the tv series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this third instalment of Detective Inspector Richard Poole's 'adventures'. Once more, Thorogood puts together a compelling murder mystery. While investigating a possible stalking case, the team hears a couple of gunshots, only to find someone dead in a 'locked room', and what at first looked like a suicide is of course anything but.
In these days of police procedurals using more and more advanced technologies, it is refreshing to have a crime story dealt in an old fashioned way, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style. The small island of Saint-Marie in the Caribbean provides not only the reason behind the penury of resources but also an idyllic setting, with its natural beauty and relaxed attitude. The reason however why these books work so well has all to do with the characters, from Camille with her fiery frenchness to happy-go-lucky Dwayne, but the unlikely hero is of course Poole. Here we have this grumpy, choleric, unsocial, English man dropped in a paradise on earth, hell to him, and it is odly fascinating to see him go against everything, bumbling on, forever sweltering in his woolen suit. And yet for all his faults, idiosyncrasies and social faux-pas, Richard Poole is a brilliant investigator.
Death Knocks Twice offers an entertaining crime case with the necessary cast of suspects, red herrings, and final scene showdown à la Poirot. Perfect for a relaxing read.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to HQ and to Robert Thorogood for the opportunity.
Being a fan of the tv series, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this third instalment of Detective Inspector Richard Poole's 'adventures'. Once more, Thorogood puts together a compelling murder mystery. While investigating a possible stalking case, the team hears a couple of gunshots, only to find someone dead in a 'locked room', and what at first looked like a suicide is of course anything but.
In these days of police procedurals using more and more advanced technologies, it is refreshing to have a crime story dealt in an old fashioned way, reminiscent of Agatha Christie's style. The small island of Saint-Marie in the Caribbean provides not only the reason behind the penury of resources but also an idyllic setting, with its natural beauty and relaxed attitude. The reason however why these books work so well has all to do with the characters, from Camille with her fiery frenchness to happy-go-lucky Dwayne, but the unlikely hero is of course Poole. Here we have this grumpy, choleric, unsocial, English man dropped in a paradise on earth, hell to him, and it is odly fascinating to see him go against everything, bumbling on, forever sweltering in his woolen suit. And yet for all his faults, idiosyncrasies and social faux-pas, Richard Poole is a brilliant investigator.
Death Knocks Twice offers an entertaining crime case with the necessary cast of suspects, red herrings, and final scene showdown à la Poirot. Perfect for a relaxing read.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to HQ and to Robert Thorogood for the opportunity.
September 16, 2019
Murder in Paradise is the one series I di watch on TV and each year when the BBC shows it early on each new year I make the effort of watching it every week. Even with its current leading policeman doing his job on this show I find the show strangely comfortable and a hoot and a half to watch.
However the series creator has been so kind to write some new adventures but the the twist is that the original leading character DI Poole is still the policeman on duty. The character played by Ben Miller in the first two seasons and sadly killed in season three (NO spoiler after all this time I wager) is still very much alive and is in this new story confronted by a real life locked-room mystery.
All the regular character pop up and DI Poole is even send undercover to solve an economic crime, there is a story about murder, heritage, inheritances and sad lives resulting in murder. All the good aspects of the series can be found in the book. DI Poole is still an amazing character that rightfully deserves his own extra adventures and does deliver a quality tale. And when we finaly get to the solution of the story Agatha Christie style you are almost sad that you will have to wait for an next installment.
Well worth you time in a holiday setting, these book are best read on vacation or by the pool (No pun intended).
However the series creator has been so kind to write some new adventures but the the twist is that the original leading character DI Poole is still the policeman on duty. The character played by Ben Miller in the first two seasons and sadly killed in season three (NO spoiler after all this time I wager) is still very much alive and is in this new story confronted by a real life locked-room mystery.
All the regular character pop up and DI Poole is even send undercover to solve an economic crime, there is a story about murder, heritage, inheritances and sad lives resulting in murder. All the good aspects of the series can be found in the book. DI Poole is still an amazing character that rightfully deserves his own extra adventures and does deliver a quality tale. And when we finaly get to the solution of the story Agatha Christie style you are almost sad that you will have to wait for an next installment.
Well worth you time in a holiday setting, these book are best read on vacation or by the pool (No pun intended).
February 20, 2024
Another immersive and well-crafted mystery that makes you feel momentarily smart for guessing the culprit, before pulling the rug out from under the readers' nose and unveiling a whole new spin to the story.
TRIGGERS:
TRIGGERS:
October 15, 2019
Look. Either you have a 'dark' mystery that touches on more serious topics like abuse or racism or you have one with a Poirot-style library scene where the detective calls together all the suspects and then accuses one after the other (before going "haha! just kidding, but you lied to me so you deserved that shock"). Mixing those two...doesn't work. Like. At all.
May 23, 2017
I would like to thank Netgalley and HQ for an advance copy of Death Knocks Twice, the third novel based on the TV series Death In Paradise to feature DI Richard Poole, unwillingly seconded to the Saint-Marie police.
It's all quiet in the Saint-Marie detective division when the commissioner asks them to investigate a man selling bootleg rum in case it affects the tourist trade. They are distracted by Lucy Beaumont coming in to report a stalker on her family's remote coffee plantation. When they get there they hear gunshots and find the stalker dead.
I enjoyed Death Knocks Twice. It has an old fashioned feel to it with its twisty plot and dependence on interviewing to reach a conclusion. I had no idea of the perpetrator as the reader gets the same information as the police and as most of it is lies no one person looks more likely than the others. Excellent stuff.
The tone of the novel is very inviting and kept me reading from start to finish in one sitting. The sunny warmth of the Caribbean pervades the novel although not always in a good way. It is used to poke fun at Richard, a man who doesn't do well with change and is very stuck in his ways. He wears a wool suit, shirt and tie to work despite the heat and it is a source of much discomfort to him and much humour to his team. The sly humour in the novel revolves around this Englishman's refusal to adapt to his surroundings and determination to maintain standards and a stiff upper lip.
I have not watched Death In Paradise so I can't compare this novel with it but I can recommend the novel as a good, gentle read.
It's all quiet in the Saint-Marie detective division when the commissioner asks them to investigate a man selling bootleg rum in case it affects the tourist trade. They are distracted by Lucy Beaumont coming in to report a stalker on her family's remote coffee plantation. When they get there they hear gunshots and find the stalker dead.
I enjoyed Death Knocks Twice. It has an old fashioned feel to it with its twisty plot and dependence on interviewing to reach a conclusion. I had no idea of the perpetrator as the reader gets the same information as the police and as most of it is lies no one person looks more likely than the others. Excellent stuff.
The tone of the novel is very inviting and kept me reading from start to finish in one sitting. The sunny warmth of the Caribbean pervades the novel although not always in a good way. It is used to poke fun at Richard, a man who doesn't do well with change and is very stuck in his ways. He wears a wool suit, shirt and tie to work despite the heat and it is a source of much discomfort to him and much humour to his team. The sly humour in the novel revolves around this Englishman's refusal to adapt to his surroundings and determination to maintain standards and a stiff upper lip.
I have not watched Death In Paradise so I can't compare this novel with it but I can recommend the novel as a good, gentle read.
July 31, 2017
Two dead bodies.
A family of suspects.
One grumpy detective.
Robert Thorogood is back with the latest ‘Death in Paradise’ Mystery, seeing the return of DI Richard Poole.
Death Knocks Twice is a murder mystery set among the islands of the Caribbean and is just published by HQ Stories (Harper Collins imprint),
My Review:
Detective Inspector Richard Poole is a wonderful character. The visual of this hot, sweltering, cranky, yet endearing Englishman, trussed up in a suit, is portrayed with such clarity.
DI Poole does not want to be stuck on Saint Marie as the inspector in charge. His colleagues, with their laid back approach to life, are the antithesis of all that is DI Poole. He is a very fastidious character and their laissez-faire approach to solving any crime is more that he can cope with.
A surprise visit to the station of a woman in obvious distress sets DI Poole on immediate alert. She is Lucy Beaumont, the daughter of a plantation owner, whose family have been coffee bean growers for generations on the island. Lucy is in a panic convinced that she is been stalked. Immediately DI Poole’s thoughts are awoken to the possibility of a ‘real’ case on Saint Marie, a case he can get stuck into and start to feel his worth again.
With his partner, Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey, DI Poole takes a trip to the Beaumont plantation to check out Lucy’s concerns. While there, they are alerted to the sound of gunshots and race to the scene where the body of an unknown drifter is discovered in a closed off room, dead, with a gun in his hand. The immediate reaction of all is a suicide but DI Poole has a different theory. He suspects this person died at the hand of someone else….but why? Who would have wanted this seemingly innocuous character dead?
Death Knocks Twice is what I would describe as a warm and cozy murder mystery, a tribute to Agatha Christie and books of that genre. There is an innocence attached to all the characters, even the guilty. Robert Thorogood writes with an old-fashioned style as he introduces us to a motley mix of individuals.
DI Poole approaches the case in a very methodical manner, using tips and techniques from very old FBI handbooks. His mannerisms and mindset may belong to a different era but he is extremely astute as he approaches each clue, delving deeper with a patience that seems to amuse his work colleagues.
Death Knocks Twice is a classic ‘whodunnit’, a perfect read for anyone looking for an alternative to the many books that are on the shelves today. It’s not a fast-paced page turner but a gentle meander along a very bendy river. With the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean island of Saint Marie, Death Knocks Twice is the ideal book to lose yourself in for a few hours.
A family of suspects.
One grumpy detective.
Robert Thorogood is back with the latest ‘Death in Paradise’ Mystery, seeing the return of DI Richard Poole.
Death Knocks Twice is a murder mystery set among the islands of the Caribbean and is just published by HQ Stories (Harper Collins imprint),
My Review:
Detective Inspector Richard Poole is a wonderful character. The visual of this hot, sweltering, cranky, yet endearing Englishman, trussed up in a suit, is portrayed with such clarity.
DI Poole does not want to be stuck on Saint Marie as the inspector in charge. His colleagues, with their laid back approach to life, are the antithesis of all that is DI Poole. He is a very fastidious character and their laissez-faire approach to solving any crime is more that he can cope with.
A surprise visit to the station of a woman in obvious distress sets DI Poole on immediate alert. She is Lucy Beaumont, the daughter of a plantation owner, whose family have been coffee bean growers for generations on the island. Lucy is in a panic convinced that she is been stalked. Immediately DI Poole’s thoughts are awoken to the possibility of a ‘real’ case on Saint Marie, a case he can get stuck into and start to feel his worth again.
With his partner, Detective Sergeant Camille Bordey, DI Poole takes a trip to the Beaumont plantation to check out Lucy’s concerns. While there, they are alerted to the sound of gunshots and race to the scene where the body of an unknown drifter is discovered in a closed off room, dead, with a gun in his hand. The immediate reaction of all is a suicide but DI Poole has a different theory. He suspects this person died at the hand of someone else….but why? Who would have wanted this seemingly innocuous character dead?
Death Knocks Twice is what I would describe as a warm and cozy murder mystery, a tribute to Agatha Christie and books of that genre. There is an innocence attached to all the characters, even the guilty. Robert Thorogood writes with an old-fashioned style as he introduces us to a motley mix of individuals.
DI Poole approaches the case in a very methodical manner, using tips and techniques from very old FBI handbooks. His mannerisms and mindset may belong to a different era but he is extremely astute as he approaches each clue, delving deeper with a patience that seems to amuse his work colleagues.
Death Knocks Twice is a classic ‘whodunnit’, a perfect read for anyone looking for an alternative to the many books that are on the shelves today. It’s not a fast-paced page turner but a gentle meander along a very bendy river. With the stunning backdrop of the Caribbean island of Saint Marie, Death Knocks Twice is the ideal book to lose yourself in for a few hours.
January 10, 2020
I really enjoyed this deceptively complex mystery. On the surface, the humor over a very uptight Brit being assigned to a laid back Caribbean island has lots of charm and is great fun. Underneath that gimmick, though, are two very competent styles of crime solving working together to crack some brilliant locked door or multi layered mysteries.
I'd seen the tv series first so I did keep picturing the characters. It seems to me that the series was very true to the book.
Lots of very convincing red herrings here--including one I felt very smugly clever about figuring out (ha!) which unravel completely. The ending was a surprise but honestly foreshadowed. A great mystery with lots of charm and humor.
I'd seen the tv series first so I did keep picturing the characters. It seems to me that the series was very true to the book.
Lots of very convincing red herrings here--including one I felt very smugly clever about figuring out (ha!) which unravel completely. The ending was a surprise but honestly foreshadowed. A great mystery with lots of charm and humor.
September 2, 2024
Non il mio preferito della serie.
La trama è diventata molto più interessante intorno al 60%, quando due eventi che consideravano distinti si sono uniti in un modo inaspettato.
Sconvolta dalla risoluzione finale 😅
Sono curiosa di leggere il prossimo e ultimo libro nella serie!
La trama è diventata molto più interessante intorno al 60%, quando due eventi che consideravano distinti si sono uniti in un modo inaspettato.
Sconvolta dalla risoluzione finale 😅
Sono curiosa di leggere il prossimo e ultimo libro nella serie!
August 15, 2017
This is the third book in the Death in Paradise series which sees this somewhat buttoned up, yet brilliant detective solve murders on the island of Saint-Marie. This gorgeous Caribbean setting has an unsettling amount of murders all of which can only be solved using lateral thinking. Yes the influence of Agatha Christie’s style of mystery novels looms large and equally as devilish.
This murder investigation is kicked off when a distressed young woman presents herself at the small police station about a prowler at the historic Beaumont coffee plantation where she lives with her parents and two brothers. The team immediately go off to investigate – or some of them do as the imposing Commander whose interests lie far more in line with the PR aspect of policing, than in detection wants whoever is selling boot-leg rum on the island apprehended immediately.
Up at the plantation DI Richard Poole and his worthy side-kick Camille are speaking to the worried Lucy Beaumont about the stalker when they hear two gun-shots. Inside the locked shower room is a body of an unidentified man. There’s no fooling DI Poole who quickly realises this is a murder and not suicide but who would have the audacity to kill a man when the police are nearby? And how did he escape from that locked room?
What follows is an old-fashioned tale with a minimal number of suspects and a fiendishly difficult puzzle to solve with plenty of red-herrings thrown into the mix. And then Death knocks again and another body is discovered in equally baffling circumstances! With no-one being quite what they seem and it quickly becoming clear that the coffee plantation, built up with the use of slaves, is not as prosperous as the family’s standing in the community might suggest DI Poole along with Camille, Fidel and Dwayne use age-old techniques to get to the bottom of the mystery. One of the things that I find really appealing about this series is the need to rely on old-fashioned police work due to the remoteness of Saint-Marie so we have DI Poole reading old FBI books to work out how to read writing on burnt paper and dusting the safe to find fingerprints in order to discover who opened it. DI Poole’s refusal to relax his standards and remove his wool suit in exchange for more suitable clothes for the Caribbean weather, well apart from the time he dons a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, complete with lace up black shoes, to go undercover and the mention of Eton really adds to the feeling that the modern world hasn’t truly reached the little island.
As is traditional the ending sees the suspects gathered together for the big reveal and although I’d worked out some parts, there were still aspects that I simply hadn’t worked out beforehand.
This murder investigation is kicked off when a distressed young woman presents herself at the small police station about a prowler at the historic Beaumont coffee plantation where she lives with her parents and two brothers. The team immediately go off to investigate – or some of them do as the imposing Commander whose interests lie far more in line with the PR aspect of policing, than in detection wants whoever is selling boot-leg rum on the island apprehended immediately.
Up at the plantation DI Richard Poole and his worthy side-kick Camille are speaking to the worried Lucy Beaumont about the stalker when they hear two gun-shots. Inside the locked shower room is a body of an unidentified man. There’s no fooling DI Poole who quickly realises this is a murder and not suicide but who would have the audacity to kill a man when the police are nearby? And how did he escape from that locked room?
What follows is an old-fashioned tale with a minimal number of suspects and a fiendishly difficult puzzle to solve with plenty of red-herrings thrown into the mix. And then Death knocks again and another body is discovered in equally baffling circumstances! With no-one being quite what they seem and it quickly becoming clear that the coffee plantation, built up with the use of slaves, is not as prosperous as the family’s standing in the community might suggest DI Poole along with Camille, Fidel and Dwayne use age-old techniques to get to the bottom of the mystery. One of the things that I find really appealing about this series is the need to rely on old-fashioned police work due to the remoteness of Saint-Marie so we have DI Poole reading old FBI books to work out how to read writing on burnt paper and dusting the safe to find fingerprints in order to discover who opened it. DI Poole’s refusal to relax his standards and remove his wool suit in exchange for more suitable clothes for the Caribbean weather, well apart from the time he dons a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, complete with lace up black shoes, to go undercover and the mention of Eton really adds to the feeling that the modern world hasn’t truly reached the little island.
As is traditional the ending sees the suspects gathered together for the big reveal and although I’d worked out some parts, there were still aspects that I simply hadn’t worked out beforehand.
June 2, 2017
As ever, reading a Death in Paradise novel is like being enveloped in a warm, comforting hug, but I was disappointed by the lack of development here – while very much aware that lack of development is, for many, entirely the appeal of these cosily enjoyable books and the whole essence of the character of DI Richard Poole. As the mystery of an unidentified man's murder unravels, a shift in Richard's attitude is teased through his consideration of a sartorial change; there's also a tantalising moment of flirtation between Richard and Camille. But ultimately, nothing really changes. Indeed, the fact that nothing really changes ends up being the punchline of the Richard's-wardrobe subplot.
At this point, the characters' identifying characteristics are firmly established: Richard is stuffy and indignant; Camille is level-headed, with a fiery streak; Dwayne is cheeky; Fidel is enthusiastic. Personally I would prefer to read a Death in Paradise story that expanded on their personalities and developed their relationships beyond what we've already seen in the first two seasons of the show. I appreciate, however, that this is not what most fans want out of these stories: they want a nice enjoyable crime scenario with each original cast member playing out their role exactly as expected, topped off with a Christie-esque gathering and reveal. Which is what Death Knocks Twice delivers, and it's fun! But, you know, I want to get under their skin a bit more, and I will be croaking out a request for romantic Richard/Camille scenes with my dying breath.
I received an advance review copy of Death Knocks Twice from the publisher through NetGalley.
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At this point, the characters' identifying characteristics are firmly established: Richard is stuffy and indignant; Camille is level-headed, with a fiery streak; Dwayne is cheeky; Fidel is enthusiastic. Personally I would prefer to read a Death in Paradise story that expanded on their personalities and developed their relationships beyond what we've already seen in the first two seasons of the show. I appreciate, however, that this is not what most fans want out of these stories: they want a nice enjoyable crime scenario with each original cast member playing out their role exactly as expected, topped off with a Christie-esque gathering and reveal. Which is what Death Knocks Twice delivers, and it's fun! But, you know, I want to get under their skin a bit more, and I will be croaking out a request for romantic Richard/Camille scenes with my dying breath.
I received an advance review copy of Death Knocks Twice from the publisher through NetGalley.
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August 19, 2020
Trigger warning (this will spoil the ending):
Was this book edited? Matthew was 18 and Lucy was 28 but Lucy was 12 when Matthew was born. There were at least two instances when the author used the wrong name in the narrative. I've also noticed in all his books that there's some phrases he uses repeatedly and incorrectly, but I digress.
I really enjoyed the previous two books but this one was not as good. It handled racism clumsily, sprinkled in some sexism, and was far too dark for the tone of the book. I was uncomfortable with the jovial handling of the heavy topics. These books are OK written, but what makes them so good is the Saint Marie charm. This book lacked that charm, so I was reading an OK written book that hadn't been edited properly and cost me £3.99.
Just to note, this book is listed as having 400 pages but the font in the hardback edition is massive. The e-book is actually only 241 pages including back/front matter.
Was this book edited? Matthew was 18 and Lucy was 28 but Lucy was 12 when Matthew was born. There were at least two instances when the author used the wrong name in the narrative. I've also noticed in all his books that there's some phrases he uses repeatedly and incorrectly, but I digress.
I really enjoyed the previous two books but this one was not as good. It handled racism clumsily, sprinkled in some sexism, and was far too dark for the tone of the book. I was uncomfortable with the jovial handling of the heavy topics. These books are OK written, but what makes them so good is the Saint Marie charm. This book lacked that charm, so I was reading an OK written book that hadn't been edited properly and cost me £3.99.
Just to note, this book is listed as having 400 pages but the font in the hardback edition is massive. The e-book is actually only 241 pages including back/front matter.
April 19, 2022
Entertaining till the end and just when you thought who did it we encounter a roller coaster of twists and turns that will leave anyone with a severe case of whiplash.
I do not know why the author stopped writing Poole’s character. Poole is a wonderful character full of angst, bright, neurotic and funny without wanting to. Bring it back!
I know the series has been on TV for a while but is not as good (IMHO) as the book. Overall a great read! Disappointed that I will have only one more book to read from the series before saying goodbye.
I do not know why the author stopped writing Poole’s character. Poole is a wonderful character full of angst, bright, neurotic and funny without wanting to. Bring it back!
I know the series has been on TV for a while but is not as good (IMHO) as the book. Overall a great read! Disappointed that I will have only one more book to read from the series before saying goodbye.
July 4, 2025
Als je zin hebt in een luchtige detective vol zon, humor en een klassieke puzzel, is Death Knocks Twice precies wat je zoekt. Het boek is gebaseerd op de populaire tv-serie Death in Paradise en weet diezelfde feel good sfeer perfect op papier te vangen.
July 10, 2023
Started off a bit slow not as good as the other two books but still entertaining and a great twist at the end
July 17, 2017
I love the TV show that these books are based on. Yes, it was that way round; the books came after the series. This is the third in the series and, as anyone who is familiar with the character of Richard Poole knows, he is a bit of a complex character so it is best to read the first two books first to fully appreciate the character development and quirks!
So we have the death of an unknown man, found in a building on the estate of a historic coffee plantation. Add into the mix a murder weapon with only the victim's prints and the death occurring in a locked room, it can only be suicide. But this is Saint-Marie and the investigator is one DI Richard Poole so you know that it can never be as cut and dried as that... and it is the word dry we feature on when Richard starts to examine the body. For reasons he discover, there is no way that the man killed himself. It's murder!
As with previous books and indeed the TV series, we are then introduced to a whole host of dysfunctional characters with secrets and lies aplenty and it is up to Richard, aided as usual by Camille, Fidel and Dwayne, to cut through the noise and get to the truth. All whilst wearing a heavy woollen suit, wholly unsuitable for the climate. But hey, even though he is rather eccentric, you can't help loving DI Poole. Oh, and not forgetting the Commissioner who, despite the murder investigation, is determined to force the officers make time for the bootlegger that has popped up.
It's so refreshing to read a book connected to a TV series where the characters and the setting marry up so perfectly. Obviously in this case, that's easier to achieve what with the TV series coming first. This all meant that the book for me was more than just a read, I was easily able to both visualise the action as well as actually hear the characters speak. That is what I think marks these book as must reads for me as I am not usually a visual nor auditory reader.
Going back to the TV series, as I have to cos they are intrinsically linked for me, most of the time, I am as baffled as the supporting cast as to what is actually going on, what Richard is seeing that passes the rest by, and I whoop with delight when I get it before the big reveal. Here, I was delighted to have thought I had it from the off, but sadly, I was mistaken and a little disappointed with myself. I got over that quite quickly though as it was as usual brilliantly plotted. I do love the main player get-togethers at the end for the final reveal moment. But that's probably born from my love for the other great fictional detective, Christie's Poirrot who does likewise.
Yes, they are cosy, yes they are formulaic, yes there's a fair bit of the book dedicated to Richard's idiosyncrasies but it works, don't ask me why, but I genuinely love it.
I understand that the author's initial contract was for the three books. This is book three, and if this series doesn't continue then I for one will be woefully disappointed but I have a sneaky suspicion that it will. I do hope so anyway!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
So we have the death of an unknown man, found in a building on the estate of a historic coffee plantation. Add into the mix a murder weapon with only the victim's prints and the death occurring in a locked room, it can only be suicide. But this is Saint-Marie and the investigator is one DI Richard Poole so you know that it can never be as cut and dried as that... and it is the word dry we feature on when Richard starts to examine the body. For reasons he discover, there is no way that the man killed himself. It's murder!
As with previous books and indeed the TV series, we are then introduced to a whole host of dysfunctional characters with secrets and lies aplenty and it is up to Richard, aided as usual by Camille, Fidel and Dwayne, to cut through the noise and get to the truth. All whilst wearing a heavy woollen suit, wholly unsuitable for the climate. But hey, even though he is rather eccentric, you can't help loving DI Poole. Oh, and not forgetting the Commissioner who, despite the murder investigation, is determined to force the officers make time for the bootlegger that has popped up.
It's so refreshing to read a book connected to a TV series where the characters and the setting marry up so perfectly. Obviously in this case, that's easier to achieve what with the TV series coming first. This all meant that the book for me was more than just a read, I was easily able to both visualise the action as well as actually hear the characters speak. That is what I think marks these book as must reads for me as I am not usually a visual nor auditory reader.
Going back to the TV series, as I have to cos they are intrinsically linked for me, most of the time, I am as baffled as the supporting cast as to what is actually going on, what Richard is seeing that passes the rest by, and I whoop with delight when I get it before the big reveal. Here, I was delighted to have thought I had it from the off, but sadly, I was mistaken and a little disappointed with myself. I got over that quite quickly though as it was as usual brilliantly plotted. I do love the main player get-togethers at the end for the final reveal moment. But that's probably born from my love for the other great fictional detective, Christie's Poirrot who does likewise.
Yes, they are cosy, yes they are formulaic, yes there's a fair bit of the book dedicated to Richard's idiosyncrasies but it works, don't ask me why, but I genuinely love it.
I understand that the author's initial contract was for the three books. This is book three, and if this series doesn't continue then I for one will be woefully disappointed but I have a sneaky suspicion that it will. I do hope so anyway!
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
April 19, 2018
This was just what I needed: a grumpy, British detective inspector based in the Caribbean solves a murder, with the help of a small team of officers, in a locked room on the plantation of a family containing as many suspects as secrets. Death Knocks Twice felt like a classic murder mystery in the best way. And although it's the third in a series, it worked perfectly well as a standalone.
September 23, 2021
3.5★
I love the Death in Paradise TV series, and this book certainly had the flavour of the shows. Unfortunately it's the third in the series, so I'll have to go back to read the first two!
I love the Death in Paradise TV series, and this book certainly had the flavour of the shows. Unfortunately it's the third in the series, so I'll have to go back to read the first two!
January 6, 2021
This was such a fantastic locked in mystery, and I was absolutely enraptured from the very first page. I love DI Richard Poole and all of his grumpy Britishness and it was great to read a new story with him in the limelight. I don’t think I’d ever get tired of reading these books!
As far as the story went, the plot was very clever and kept me on my toes. I certainly didn’t guess who the murderer was and I didn’t foresee half of the twists and turns that were sprung on the reader. It was so clever and I’m constantly in awe of Robert Thorogoods writings, both in book form and in the Death in Paradise shows. Absolutely loved this book!
As far as the story went, the plot was very clever and kept me on my toes. I certainly didn’t guess who the murderer was and I didn’t foresee half of the twists and turns that were sprung on the reader. It was so clever and I’m constantly in awe of Robert Thorogoods writings, both in book form and in the Death in Paradise shows. Absolutely loved this book!
October 3, 2017
Another great addition to Death in Paradise series. And this time not even risk of overheating in Caribbean sun will stop DI Richard Poole from catching murderers and bootleggers. Not just his colleagues but also the reader hopes that some day he will come to his senses and change his wool suits to more tropical attire, not necessarily with pineapple print, but then again - it wouldn't Richard Poole if he started wearing shorts and some silly hawaiian print shirts, right?
April 12, 2018
Ok so it probably helps that I love DiP the TV show. I loved this book and this story as I could see and hear all the characters. It captured them really well and made me laugh a number of times. I also loved the plot, and felt that it was a nice cosy mystery that went at a good pace. It was readable and, although I didnt solve it, the ending was satisfying.
Looking forward to reading more in this series (and now I want to go back and watch the first series)
Looking forward to reading more in this series (and now I want to go back and watch the first series)
September 12, 2021
Another enjoyable Death in Paradise mystery, kept you guessing right until the end with a good twist as to the motive of the murderer...
September 1, 2022
Wonderful
August 8, 2017
Opening the very first page, I was instantly swept straight to Saint-Marie. The heat of the Caribbean and the humour of DI Poole's typical 'Englishness' emanates from the page.
Despite his unorthodox ways, you can't not love Richard Poole. All of the characters are well-developed and their individual characteristics shine through.
I don't think it's necessary to read the earlier books to be able to understand Death Knocks Twice. However both the previous books and the TV series are first class and I definitely think they are worth taking a look at. I feel like this enhanced my understanding of the characters and the setting even more.
The narrative is witty and perfectly paced. I was lead in so many different directions and there were plenty of twists. It was brilliantly plotted and the book was enjoyable from beginning to end.
I love how all is revealed as the group gather together for DI Poole to wrap up the case. I didn't guess who the culprit was at all. It was thoroughly satisfying.
Overall, I'm giving Death Knocks Twice 5 out of 5 and adding it to my Five Star Favourites shelf! It's witty, twisty and it injected plenty of sunshine into a rainy day. It's definitely one of my favourite books of the summer.
Despite his unorthodox ways, you can't not love Richard Poole. All of the characters are well-developed and their individual characteristics shine through.
I don't think it's necessary to read the earlier books to be able to understand Death Knocks Twice. However both the previous books and the TV series are first class and I definitely think they are worth taking a look at. I feel like this enhanced my understanding of the characters and the setting even more.
The narrative is witty and perfectly paced. I was lead in so many different directions and there were plenty of twists. It was brilliantly plotted and the book was enjoyable from beginning to end.
I love how all is revealed as the group gather together for DI Poole to wrap up the case. I didn't guess who the culprit was at all. It was thoroughly satisfying.
Overall, I'm giving Death Knocks Twice 5 out of 5 and adding it to my Five Star Favourites shelf! It's witty, twisty and it injected plenty of sunshine into a rainy day. It's definitely one of my favourite books of the summer.
October 24, 2019
Ah DI Richard Poole, never change! This was a brilliant read! There were twists and turns aplenty! I thought I'd solved it actually, but nope!
There was the odd naming error in the book, but that didn't really detract from the plot.
All in all mystery well worth the read!
There was the odd naming error in the book, but that didn't really detract from the plot.
All in all mystery well worth the read!
September 2, 2019
Possibly my favourite mystery of the series so far. Smugly thought I had the killer pegged about 70 pages from the end but did not see the twist coming.
February 7, 2020
Whilst this is the third in the series, these books all read well as standalones. This is my least favourite of the series so far, but still very enjoyable. A very quick, easy read.
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