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DI Matt Piper #1
The Devil Drives a Jaguar
Libby Richmond doesn’t believe in ghosts, messages from beyond the grave or any other superstitious nonsense – but when she returns to the old Derbyshire farmhouse to nurse her Great Aunt Lillian through the last stages of terminal illness, she finds all her beliefs turned upside down.
Lil wants to discover the truth behind a long-ago family scandal before she dies – and Libby finds herself being drawn in until she too is obsessed with the outcome.
Decima Watkins was hanged in 1859 for poisoning three of her older sisters.
Now it seems she wants revenge!
Libby realizes that there can be no happy ending to this story. Either Decima was a pathetic victim of her father’s fury and a gross miscarriage of justice, or she was the cold-blooded murderess of her own siblings.
Whatever the truth, she appears to be taking out her anger on Libby, even managing to inflict physical harm on her hapless descendant.
But what is really happening at Hill Farm? Libby has upset quite a few people by supporting Lil when the general opinion is that she should go quietly to a hospice and die there. Is the culprit one of those angry with Libby’s interference? Is it Brendan, the boyfriend she dumped to run off to Derbyshire to be with Lil? Or is Libby simply losing her grip on reality?
Lil wants to discover the truth behind a long-ago family scandal before she dies – and Libby finds herself being drawn in until she too is obsessed with the outcome.
Decima Watkins was hanged in 1859 for poisoning three of her older sisters.
Now it seems she wants revenge!
Libby realizes that there can be no happy ending to this story. Either Decima was a pathetic victim of her father’s fury and a gross miscarriage of justice, or she was the cold-blooded murderess of her own siblings.
Whatever the truth, she appears to be taking out her anger on Libby, even managing to inflict physical harm on her hapless descendant.
But what is really happening at Hill Farm? Libby has upset quite a few people by supporting Lil when the general opinion is that she should go quietly to a hospice and die there. Is the culprit one of those angry with Libby’s interference? Is it Brendan, the boyfriend she dumped to run off to Derbyshire to be with Lil? Or is Libby simply losing her grip on reality?
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First published July 18, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 20, 2017
Excellent, excellent, excellent! Just finished reading Suzanne's THE DEVIL DRIVE A JAGUAR. I think it's the mark of great author when they can take what is essentially quite a simple story and hold a reader's interest to the last page of a full-length novel. Libby gives up her London job to look after a dying aunt who insists she investigates a 150 year-old family mystery. The tension builds and builds as the past leaks into the present. Family tensions heighten as the truth slowly emerges, and the whole is told in an inclusive, 'over a cup of coffee' style that's a joy to read. If you haven't read this one, folks, I can highly recommend it. Thank you, Suzanne for a great read. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00ZUVX16E
August 5, 2017
From Amazon: Detective Inspector Matt Piper is having trouble with his marriage, but his work as a policeman takes precedence over everything. His latest case is intriguing and he gets perhaps a little too involved…
I deliberately seek out British Detective novels - and when I saw this on Amazon KU I leapt at the chance to read it. Matt Piper sounded interesting and I started reading only to find …
I have been conned. This isn’t a detective story about Matt Piper - in fact he hardly makes an appearance as far as I can tell.
Most of the story is Libby’s ‘first person’ pov telling Matt (in a police station interview room) what happened to her.
D I Piper seems to be little more than an ‘insert’ character to break up Libby’s story. He features in Chapter 1, then 5 and 9. I gave up reading when he reappeared (briefly) in Chapter 13 (32%) which consisted of three sentences in which he does nothing but hold up his hand to stop Libby talking, asks her one question and then waves his hand to let her continue. Some detective! (rolls eyes here)
Dnf. I feel cheated.
I deliberately seek out British Detective novels - and when I saw this on Amazon KU I leapt at the chance to read it. Matt Piper sounded interesting and I started reading only to find …
I have been conned. This isn’t a detective story about Matt Piper - in fact he hardly makes an appearance as far as I can tell.
Most of the story is Libby’s ‘first person’ pov telling Matt (in a police station interview room) what happened to her.
D I Piper seems to be little more than an ‘insert’ character to break up Libby’s story. He features in Chapter 1, then 5 and 9. I gave up reading when he reappeared (briefly) in Chapter 13 (32%) which consisted of three sentences in which he does nothing but hold up his hand to stop Libby talking, asks her one question and then waves his hand to let her continue. Some detective! (rolls eyes here)
Dnf. I feel cheated.
August 29, 2023
: Buckle up for a thrilling ride into the sinister and seductive world of "The Devil Drives a Jaguar." This gripping novel, penned by an enigmatic author, delves into the depths of human desires, secrets, and the haunting consequences that follow.
"The Devil Drives a Jaguar" opens with a premise that piques curiosity from the very first page. A wealthy recluse, a series of unexplainable deaths, and an ominous aura surrounding a Jaguar car set the stage for a tale of suspense and intrigue. The author masterfully lures you into a web of uncertainty, leaving you hungry for answers and eager to untangle the mysteries that lie ahead.
The characters in the novel are as complex as the plot itself. Each one harbours secrets, desires, and hidden agendas that slowly unravel as the story progresses. From the enigmatic recluse with a haunting past to the charismatic stranger who arrives in town, the cast is meticulously crafted, and their interactions drive the narrative forward. You will find yourself emotionally invested in their fates, as the characters' layers are peeled away to reveal their true intentions.
The book's setting plays a significant role in creating its eerie and alluring atmosphere. The author's vivid descriptions transport you to a world where opulence and darkness coexist. From the opulent mansion to the misty streets of the town, every location is imbued with a sense of foreboding, keeping you on the edge of your seat and heightening the tension throughout the story.
"The Devil Drives a Jaguar" is a labyrinth of twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you've figured out the truth, the Suzanne Downes expertly pulls the rug out from under you, leading you down unexpected paths. The unpredictable nature of the narrative keeps the suspense alive and ensures that the story's grip remains unrelenting.
At its core, the novel explores the themes of desire and deception, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to fulfil their cravings. It delves into the moral ambiguity of human nature, raising questions about the price of one's desires and the consequences that inevitably follow. These themes add depth to the narrative, making "The Devil Drives a Jaguar" not only an enthralling thriller but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
Conclusion: "The Devil Drives a Jaguar" takes you on a spellbinding journey into a world of dark desires and hidden secrets. With its intriguing premise, complex characters, atmospheric setting, and relentless twists, the novel is a captivating exploration of human nature's darker facets. Fans of psychological thrillers and mystery enthusiasts alike will find themselves engrossed in the enigmatic narrative, racing through its pages to uncover the truth that lies beneath the surface.
"The Devil Drives a Jaguar" opens with a premise that piques curiosity from the very first page. A wealthy recluse, a series of unexplainable deaths, and an ominous aura surrounding a Jaguar car set the stage for a tale of suspense and intrigue. The author masterfully lures you into a web of uncertainty, leaving you hungry for answers and eager to untangle the mysteries that lie ahead.
The characters in the novel are as complex as the plot itself. Each one harbours secrets, desires, and hidden agendas that slowly unravel as the story progresses. From the enigmatic recluse with a haunting past to the charismatic stranger who arrives in town, the cast is meticulously crafted, and their interactions drive the narrative forward. You will find yourself emotionally invested in their fates, as the characters' layers are peeled away to reveal their true intentions.
The book's setting plays a significant role in creating its eerie and alluring atmosphere. The author's vivid descriptions transport you to a world where opulence and darkness coexist. From the opulent mansion to the misty streets of the town, every location is imbued with a sense of foreboding, keeping you on the edge of your seat and heightening the tension throughout the story.
"The Devil Drives a Jaguar" is a labyrinth of twists and turns that will leave you guessing until the very end. Just when you think you've figured out the truth, the Suzanne Downes expertly pulls the rug out from under you, leading you down unexpected paths. The unpredictable nature of the narrative keeps the suspense alive and ensures that the story's grip remains unrelenting.
At its core, the novel explores the themes of desire and deception, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to fulfil their cravings. It delves into the moral ambiguity of human nature, raising questions about the price of one's desires and the consequences that inevitably follow. These themes add depth to the narrative, making "The Devil Drives a Jaguar" not only an enthralling thriller but also a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.
Conclusion: "The Devil Drives a Jaguar" takes you on a spellbinding journey into a world of dark desires and hidden secrets. With its intriguing premise, complex characters, atmospheric setting, and relentless twists, the novel is a captivating exploration of human nature's darker facets. Fans of psychological thrillers and mystery enthusiasts alike will find themselves engrossed in the enigmatic narrative, racing through its pages to uncover the truth that lies beneath the surface.
January 9, 2018
2.5 star
The narration style made it feel slow. There are some oddities in the story. Decima met Richard when brother brought him home from war, but a few times Libby sounds like family sent him in war to get him away from her. Then the mother is constantly claiming rights to family home, but she isn't related, which no one bothers to remind her. Then they ignore the ring in the reticule, when it should have jumped out at them! The oddities kept making me question everything.
The narration style made it feel slow. There are some oddities in the story. Decima met Richard when brother brought him home from war, but a few times Libby sounds like family sent him in war to get him away from her. Then the mother is constantly claiming rights to family home, but she isn't related, which no one bothers to remind her. Then they ignore the ring in the reticule, when it should have jumped out at them! The oddities kept making me question everything.
February 12, 2019
One was One read!
I chose my rating on the intensity of the mysteries that kept me up late at night 🌙 to find the answers pending to what happened and what ghostly things were going to happen next. I would say best read for a long time. I've e noted all the books 📚 read by you, but this was by far the best so far! Thanks for sharing your talent with me. I can't wait to get started on the next book.
I chose my rating on the intensity of the mysteries that kept me up late at night 🌙 to find the answers pending to what happened and what ghostly things were going to happen next. I would say best read for a long time. I've e noted all the books 📚 read by you, but this was by far the best so far! Thanks for sharing your talent with me. I can't wait to get started on the next book.
October 31, 2017
Contrived
While the mystery of Decima is interesting and provides a link to the author’s other series, the notion that she us telling her story to Detective Piper doesn’t work. Just skip over all those sections and it can be a pretty good story. Libby is a bit of a twit with emotions all over the place, but Decima’s story is the real value in this book.
While the mystery of Decima is interesting and provides a link to the author’s other series, the notion that she us telling her story to Detective Piper doesn’t work. Just skip over all those sections and it can be a pretty good story. Libby is a bit of a twit with emotions all over the place, but Decima’s story is the real value in this book.
March 13, 2018
It's okay
It's not a "Detective Mystery" , per se. Most of the story is about a niece and her dying ain't looking into a family "mystery" , with bumps in the night,etc.
The ending is not a huge surprise to readers of a certain type of romance novel.
It's not a "Detective Mystery" , per se. Most of the story is about a niece and her dying ain't looking into a family "mystery" , with bumps in the night,etc.
The ending is not a huge surprise to readers of a certain type of romance novel.
September 10, 2018
Fantastic story!
Kind of a Romeo and Juliet vs Dallas. Greed and true love, angry and dangerous ex-lovers, liars and suspenseful twists make this a great read. Oh, there's ghosts too!
Kind of a Romeo and Juliet vs Dallas. Greed and true love, angry and dangerous ex-lovers, liars and suspenseful twists make this a great read. Oh, there's ghosts too!
December 23, 2021
Oddly constructed faux-mystery
While I'm usually a big fan of Suzanne Downes, this was a miss for me. The references to the old characters were fun, but Libby is not in the same league as Thora and Constance. Mostly disappointing.
While I'm usually a big fan of Suzanne Downes, this was a miss for me. The references to the old characters were fun, but Libby is not in the same league as Thora and Constance. Mostly disappointing.
July 9, 2020
Story good enough but wasn't keen on the style.
August 28, 2013
Fantastic read, become quite caught up with the goings on in the house of her aunt with Libby in the centre of it. Is it paranormal activity? What else could it be? Then the twist that explains it all. Wow! Libby also has to deal with family issues, the ex and a possible new interest as well as investigating the mystery in her family's past. It was a page turner, couldn't put it down. I would recommend this to anyone.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews