The Murder Map

by Danny Miller

When art dealer Ivan Fielding is found dead of a heart attack in his home, surrounded by the treasures he’s collected all his life, it doesn’t initially seem like a case for Detective Inspector Frost and the Denton police force. But then signs of a burglary are discovered, and Frost senses there’s more to the story than meets the eye – even though the only thing taken was a worthless amateur painting.

Then a young girl is abducted outside the school, an infamous gangster fresh from prison arrives in the area, and dead bodies start turning up in the woods. As Frost and his team dig deeper, everything seems to lead back to Ivan Fielding’s murky lifetime of misdeeds.

Will they find the answers they need before the dead man’s past puts them all at risk?

DETECTIVE JACK FROST

‘A splendid creation, a cross between Rumpole and Columbo.’
The Times

‘Deplorable yet funny, a comic monster on the side of the angels.’
Guardian

Genres: Mystery, Crime, Thriller

352 pages, Paperback

Published November 28, 2019

About the author

Miller is a successful Brighton-born playwright and scriptwriter who has written scripts for the National Theatre Studio, the BBC, ITV and Channel 4. His debut novel, Kiss Me Quick was shortlisted for the prestigious 2011 Crime Writers Association Daggers Award.

Reviews

[Paromjit · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another prequel to the DI Jack Frost series, originally by RD Wingfield, and here being ably continued by Danny Miller. Located in Denton, Frost and his team which includes DC Susan Clark, DS John Waters, PC Mills and the ambitious PC David Simms, operate out of Eagle Lane Police Station, ruled over by Superintendent Mullett. It all begins with a unnamed dying patient in a high security psychiatric facility being encouraged to spill the beans about specific events from his past at night. Frost finds himself at the home of retired art dealer, Ivan Fielding, a man who drank too much, whose death seems to straight forward. However, Frost has his suspicions aroused, particularly as evidence emerges that a professional burglar had been in the house. Curiously in a house overflowing with high value paintings and antiques, only a badly painted amateur painting is missing.

Vanessa Fielding, Ivan's wife and his daughter, Sally can throw no light on why the painting should have been taken. Mullett is intent on directing policing energies on the widespread protests at Denton Woods, intent on trying to prevent the proposed intrusive development from taking place there. With an inconclusive post-mortem, and dismissing Frost's reports of a late night intruder at Fielding's home, Mullett insists Frost drops any investigation into Fielding and concentrates on the protests. However, this is Frost, once he has got the bit between his teeth, he is never going to let go. In the meantime, a notoriously famous criminal killer, McVale, is free and arrives in Denton, having gained academic qualifications in prison and written a bestseller, an autobiography, claiming to have seen the light and turned his back on his life of crime. A string of murders take place that seem to be the work of the same killer, using a ball peen hammer. A young girl, 8 year old Ruby Hansen is abducted which has Frost's team working furiously all hours to find her. Every thread lead to Ivan Fielding and his colourful intriguing past life.

Miller's Frost has much in common with Wingfield's Frost, he is still a scruffy and crumpled figure, with his faded bomber jacket, corduroy trousers and cherry red Doc Martens, to the horror of Mullett, but he is a highly effective police officer. A number of Denton's characters return, such as Harry Baskin who runs The Coconut Grove, now involved in organising darts tournaments which are proving to be lucrative. This is a wonderfully entertaining crime read, a joy to see Frost resurrected, in this complex and brutally violent mystery that involves the intelligence agencies and national security. Many thanks to Random House Transworld for an ARC.

[Paula · Rating 2 out of 5]

Absolutely NOT Frost.

[Elaine Tomasso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for an advance copy of The Murder Map, the sixth novel in the Jack Frost prequel series.

When former antiques dealer Ivan Fielding is found dead from a heart attack Jack Frost finds something not quite right about the scene so the subtle signs of a professional burglary confirm it, except all that was stolen was an inexpert amateur painting. With a local protest attracting protesters from all over the country Superintendent Mullett wants all hands concentrating on that and forbids Frost from taking the investigation further, but events overtake them and all roads lead back to Ivan Fielding.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Murder Map which is the first of Mr Miller’s offerings in this series that I have read. It has a lightness and deftness that the James Stanley novels lacked, making it more readable. The novel is told from various points of view, both the police and assorted bad guys. I’m not always a fan of this approach but it works well here, giving the reader a wider view of events and more to ponder as not everyone’s motives are clear from the outset. It held my attention from start to finish so I read it in one sitting.

The plotting is clever with several big events to keep the reader interested but the real thread is the question of their significance and how they fit together. That sounds a bit vague but I don’t want to issue spoilers. Suffice to say that everyone is looking for the same high value item, although not everyone knows exactly what it is. As I said it’s a clever and captivating idea and I loved the ending where Frost both wins and loses which reminded me very much of the television series. I also loved the small comedic touches, both in the dialogue and the situations, which made me laugh. I think that this is the first prequel I have read where I could see David Jason on the page.

The Murder Map is a good read which I have no hesitation in recommending.

[Leanne Fisher · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Netgalley for my advanced copy of The Murder Map.

This is the latest installment of the Detective Frost books, and if you are wanting to read one where the character in the book most resembles David Jason's portrayal, then this is for you.

The story centres on an apparent death of natural causes which Frost is not satisfied in. He digs deeper to reveal a case of murder and hidden treasures.

Whilst I enjoyed the book as a light hearted crime drama, I felt it lacked the gritty storytelling of the previous Frost books. I would think that for die hard Frost readers such as myself this may sadly be a let down, however fans of the tv series will thoroughly enjoy. Saying that, I shall look forward to the next installment.

[Elite Group · Rating 3 out of 5]

A crime novel packed full of intrigue which offers a characterisation of the criminal mind and presents the psychotic thirst for wealth.

An antique dealer turned drunken loner, is found dead on his couch. Cause of death - a heart attack. Detective Inspector Jack Frost is not convinced. It seems that top brass wants the case closed without too much digging.

Longthorn hospital and an orderly is increasing the level of morphine being intravenously fed to a convicted criminal. The orderly is mousy, inconspicuous. He knows how to fade into life, to go unnoticed. His motive is to get the dying man talking. Around the same time, Ivan Fielding is found dead sitting upright on his couch, clean-shaven and smartly dressed sporting a blue polka dot cravat – contrary to the dishevelled, derelict drunk his daughter and granddaughter have come to find at Glen Gables.

After Frost discovers jewellery by Cartier and oil paintings circa 1800, under the floorboards of Glen Gables, he launches into an investigation much to the chagrin of his super. Frost is absorbed in the case, but when Jimmy McVale turns up in Denton it does not go unnoticed. After 17 years in prison, the hardcore criminal has changed his ways, written a book and surfaced from a journey of self-improvement. Allegedly, McVale is linked to the ’67 Bond Street heist and the theft of an invaluable artefact. When little Ruby Hanson disappears and a non-descript artist is found murdered, Frost must consider the possibility that these events link back to the “Bond Street Burrowers”. A triptych of hideous paintings could possibly lead to the answer.

Ange

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

[Natasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Denton Woods are under threat of redevelopment, an antique dealer is found dead and a famous ex-con visits Denton.

This installment of the Detective Frost saga is at this point my least favourite. I felt the story was not as good as it could of been, especially when compared to previous Detective Frost books. I have very fond memories of the original series written by RD Wingfield, and although the authors writing the prequels, since the original authors death are doing a good job, i feel they lack a certain ability to write Frost's character as Wingfield did.

The story is still still worth a read for Frost fans, its an average installment.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very pleasing read, I didn't know this was coming out, but saw it on the day of release on my recommended books list.
Murder, kidnap, murder, more murder again, what's not to enjoy.
Again this is not Wingfield's Frost, but feels closer to David Jason's characterisation, O still enjoyed it immensely. I have come to know and appreciate the characters as the series has developed, and I almost let out a cheer when our heroes pay visit to the Coconut Grove.
A good ending, a good continuation from the last book. It leaves me wondering how many of these they can write before we catch up with the original Frost.

[Cleopatra Pullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having been a huge fan of the original Frost books by RD Wingfield and the TV series it was with trepidation that I read the first set of prequals by James Henry and then latterly two by Danny Miller.

The crime in this, the latest of the prequals is set in the murky world of art dealership, and although not my favourite of the books, this was still an incredibly good read, helped along no doubt with the nostalgia for the era. With the antics of Frost getting one over on Mullet are interspersed with the more serious aspects of this police procedural the story flows well and has moments of lightness to make the reader smile.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific plot, really had me guessing how all the seemingly separate strands would come together, but they all did perfectly. Really enjoyed the writing too, the characters flew off the page, and like all good thrillers there's good dose of humour to undercut the some of the darker stuff. It is a murder mystery after all.

[Joan Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rattling good yarn.

The author has sanitised the original Frost, he is still scruffy and a bad dresser but he’s lost the vulgarity. Still a devious story, not as many strands as the original ones but well written and otherwise a very good homage to the original.

[Keith Beddard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thumping good story. Well written with Jack Frost in as much trouble as ever but not only looking into abductions and murder in the 1980' he is looking at London villains of the 1960's. Good characterisations, good se of current affairs of both periods.
Really a good read for any time.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The welcome return of Jack Frost. An excellent story in several parts, Jack has his usual problems with Superintendent Mullet but survives the altercations with his usual aplomb. Great to have him back!.

[shirley sledmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor story

I finished this book but did not enjoy, I have always enjoyed frost stories but not this one, bad story line

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This felt a bit more gritty and sinister to me than the other prequels but so good at the same time!

[Paula R C R. C. Readman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. The characters came alive to me. The plotline was brilliant and kept me on my toes.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for the advance copy, a welcome return for Jack Frost and a good story, although in parts I got a bit bored (sorry!)

[Dave Collinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent read, end is not very satisfactory.

Average thriller with the usual familiar characters. Ending is only average. Still I will give the next one a try

[Juliet · Rating 4 out of 5]

another good book for Frost and by this author

[Bev Trueman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Over all a good read. I found the book a bit slow to begin with and got a bit confused with all the characters, but then the story really picked up halfway through.

[JAMES · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, less of a plot than other Frost books but this made it easier to read. Note to author, find out how a darts game is won before deciding to write about it.

[James McLachlan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ending to prequel series.

Complicated tale but very enjoyable. Well researched by author with a handful of cultural references thrown in for good measure.

[Cactus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good first read. The name, Jack Frost, amused me. So did Mullet.

Plot opened well with the death of an unnamed psychiatric patient in high security whose last minutes were about ‘telling all’ of some past event.

DI Frost goes to home of valuable art dealer, Ivan Fielding, over his sudden death (supposedly heart attack) but notes that a poorly done painting is missing, suggesting a burglary.

But why steal that over other expensive works left behind? Wife, Vanessa Fielding, and daughter, Sally, have no clues.

Superintendent Mullett wants Frost to focus on local redevelopment protests in Denton but Frost isn’t budging. A determined DI at work.

Jimmy McVale, a rejuvenated ‘turned over a new leaf’ ex-killer/criminal, who has written an autobiography on his criminal past, gaining academic qualifications whilst in prison, has arrived in Denton, free at last.

Simultaneously, there’s a few hideous, hammer-to-the-head murders. Then a young girl, Ruby, 8, is kidnapped. This is when my interest increased.

We learn that her parents fought and after investigations and interviews, Frost & co discover affairs. There’s much on this.

A strong link with Ivan Fielding, who had a questionable life, followed by a surprising confession from 1967, adds intrigue and more complexity to this plot.

The 1967 Bond Street heist is resurfacing and along with a current, low-key artist’s murder, combined with a triptych artwork, and a treasure of national security, raises further questions, suspense and mystery. It’s a good read!

The plot is also given more value through its comedic entertainment:

Frost was telling his boss, Mullet, what his latest, incredible discovery was, in a serious tone. The superintendent responded with, “This from a man wearing a black and white keyboard tie”. To which Frost replies, “And I have Frosty the Snowman socks on too”! Mullet says “Ah Secret Santa; I gave them to you”.

Humour works and these comedic and jovial comments inserted into the characters conversations worked well. It gave depth to their personality as well as an insight into their relationship.

The above example, near the end, suggests that Mullet and Frost’s relationship is up and down but has now developed to a relatively respectful one. Their banter reflects an acceptance and friendship.

It also served to lighten the mood from the detailed violence which is rather graphic.

Another humorous scenario is when Frost tries to avoid his female neighbour, and her ample cleavage. This sideline, sprinkled throughout, gives us a giggle amidst the hammer strikes!

A funny line recalled was about a woman who kept crying; the narrative was made that she might drown in it. These comedic comments change the tone of the plot and refreshen the perspective.

Indeed, the various perspectives given throughout, by police & other protagonists, and antagonists, also gave the plot impact. In particular, young Ruby’s escape narrative. Our empathy for her rises.

You may find that the number of characters and the use of surname/Christian names bog you down as it did this reader, losing the plot’s thread.

The main character of Frost irked me; he’s an avid smoker, desperate it seems. I can’t stand smokers around me as it makes me sick so perhaps this took the edge off Frost as a totally likeable character.

A first read but I think I’ll go back to the original books to learn more of this smart detective. Despite his non-smart image.

Interesting and entertaining plot gives it a 3.5-4.*

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

When an art dealer with a seemingly dodgy past is found dead at his own home, it is initially thought that his demise is due to a heart attack, brought on by his drinking habits. After signs of a break-in are discovered, and a worthless painting is found to be missing, however, Detective Inspector Frost suspects foul play and so begins an investigation against the wishes of his superintendent. Meanwhile, an infamous criminal, released from prison, arrives back in the area. Has he really turned over a new leaf or is this some elaborate ploy? When a girl is abducted from outside of a school, and bodies start turning up in Denton Woods, everything seems to lead back to the death of the art dealer, Ivan Fielding. Will Frost be able to unlock the past before there are more deaths?

I’ve always loved the Frost books by R D Wingfield and the subsequent TV series starring David Jason, so I was pleased to see that Danny Miller has continued to write about this legendary character. The character of Frost is well-written and it is easy to picture the detective whilst reading although he is more like the detective from the TV series than the Wingfield novels. I particularly enjoyed the scenes where he is trying to avoid his female neighbour – this was Frost at his best.

Although the plot was an interesting one, and a novel concept, I did find the number of characters confusing at times and had to keep reminding myself of who everybody was. I did like how all the plots intertwined and feel that with fewer characters, this would have worked just as well.

Despite this not being my favourite in the series, it was still very readable and it is always good to meet Inspector Frost again.

[John Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping and very enjoyable read. Although I found it hard puttong all the storyline threads together at times. Frost is one of the best fictional Detectives and I'm glad I re-read this book. Miller done the story proud. Highly recommend.

[Catherine Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent "Frost prequel". The story was good, and has touches of the original R. D. Wingfield stories. The author - Danny Miller - is good at capturing the characters