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Josef Slonský Investigations #4
Field of Death: An atmospheric international mystery
The indomitable Slonský returns! Perfect for fans of Ian Rankin, Jo Nesbo and Peter Robinson.
Slonský is back … and on a diet…
Josef Slonský is preparing to take up his promotion as Captain when a spanner is thrown in the works.
He has to pass a medical, and a lifetime’s supply of beer and sausage is not helping his chances of passing.
Faced with a strict diet and exercise regime, Slonský is even less amenable than usual.
But, his attention is caught when reports come in of a Second World War bomb detonating in a nearby field.
It seems four metal detectorists were killed in the blast upon discovering it.
But the pathologist Slonský works with suspects foul play…
Could this be a murder investigation? Was the bomb planted?
Slonský must solve the mystery surrounding this Field of Death
FIELD OF DEATH is the fourth international crime thriller in the detective series featuring Lieutenant Josef Slonský: an atmospheric police procedural full of dark humour.
JOSEF SLONSKÝ INVESTIGATIONS SERIES
BOOK Lying and Dying
BOOK Slaughter and Forgetting
BOOK Death on Duty
BOOK Field of Death
BOOK A Second Death
BOOK Laid in Earth
BOOK The Murdered Molls
Slonský is back … and on a diet…
Josef Slonský is preparing to take up his promotion as Captain when a spanner is thrown in the works.
He has to pass a medical, and a lifetime’s supply of beer and sausage is not helping his chances of passing.
Faced with a strict diet and exercise regime, Slonský is even less amenable than usual.
But, his attention is caught when reports come in of a Second World War bomb detonating in a nearby field.
It seems four metal detectorists were killed in the blast upon discovering it.
But the pathologist Slonský works with suspects foul play…
Could this be a murder investigation? Was the bomb planted?
Slonský must solve the mystery surrounding this Field of Death
FIELD OF DEATH is the fourth international crime thriller in the detective series featuring Lieutenant Josef Slonský: an atmospheric police procedural full of dark humour.
JOSEF SLONSKÝ INVESTIGATIONS SERIES
BOOK Lying and Dying
BOOK Slaughter and Forgetting
BOOK Death on Duty
BOOK Field of Death
BOOK A Second Death
BOOK Laid in Earth
BOOK The Murdered Molls
249 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2019
85 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Graham Brack
36 books150 followersGraham Brack trained as a pharmacist but now writes crime fiction. He has been shortlisted three times for the Crime Writers Association's Debut Dagger (2011, 2014 and 2016) without ever winning it. Those three entries involved three different detectives.
The 2011 entry has been published as Lying and Dying by Sapere Books, and has been followed by seven more books about Josef Slonský, a Prague policeman, and his team.
The 2014 offering has been published as Death in Delft and features Master Mercurius, a seventeenth century university lecturer. The second Mercurius mystery, Untrue till Death followed in August 2020 and the third in the series Dishonour and Obey in October 2020. The fourth, The Noose's Shadow arrived in December 2020 and The Vanishing Children in 2021. The sixth book was The Lying Dutchman (2022) and the seventh was Murder in Maastricht (2023). The latest is The Moers Murders . The ninth in the series, Nun Shall Sleep, will be published in January 2026.
Graham is married to Gillian and has two adult children and three granddaughters. He lives in a small village in Northamptonshire.
The 2011 entry has been published as Lying and Dying by Sapere Books, and has been followed by seven more books about Josef Slonský, a Prague policeman, and his team.
The 2014 offering has been published as Death in Delft and features Master Mercurius, a seventeenth century university lecturer. The second Mercurius mystery, Untrue till Death followed in August 2020 and the third in the series Dishonour and Obey in October 2020. The fourth, The Noose's Shadow arrived in December 2020 and The Vanishing Children in 2021. The sixth book was The Lying Dutchman (2022) and the seventh was Murder in Maastricht (2023). The latest is The Moers Murders . The ninth in the series, Nun Shall Sleep, will be published in January 2026.
Graham is married to Gillian and has two adult children and three granddaughters. He lives in a small village in Northamptonshire.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 8, 2019
4.5★
“‘It’ll certainly be hazardous if I discover he’s complicit in the murder of a boy with Down’s Syndrome.’
‘I didn’t know that. And I shall, on this occasion, volunteer to hold your jacket while you question him.’”
Josef Slonský was the first speaker, and the second is obviously aware of Slonský's sometimes old-fashioned interview methods. He’s being forced to mend his ways to prepare for his coming promotion, but it’s a struggle. Between his diet and HR/Personnel workshops, he is understandably cranky from time to time.
“’Give me an example of diversity in the police,’ she commanded.
Slonský responded at once. ‘We employ officers ranging from the highly competent to the downright bloody useless,’ he said.”
He would know. He’s worked with plenty, but at least he now has his two keen young off-siders with him. The lovely Kristýna Peiperová is about to be transferred to another department, much to his regret (she does all the admin behind the scenes). Meanwhile earnest Jan Navrátil, Peiperová’s fiancé, has a dangerous undercover role.
The field of death: there was an explosion of some kind in an odd open space in the rural town of Holice, but nobody knows quite why or how it occurred, and the remains of four bodies only raise more questions than they answer. A local police officer was a victim, but the others don't seem to be following up as enthusiastically as you'd expect.
Navrátil goes undercover, but the work tests him, as he is such a stickler for the rules and the truth. But lying is all in a good cause, and he's learning.
The investigation is interspersed with Slonský’s personal trials to pass the fitness tests for his new role. In the past, he has enjoyed his sausages and beers and/or pastries and coffee at every available pub and coffee shop it seems. And it shows.
“He also had a growing conviction that people were adding extra stairs to the top flight while he was out nowadays.”
He goes for a test.
“‘According to your weight, Slonský, you should be thirty-eight centimetres taller.
. . .
Right, on the treadmill. The target is a kilometre in under nine minutes.’
Slonský took his mobile phone out.
‘What are you doing, Slonský?’
‘If I have to run a kilometre, I ring for a taxi,’ came the reply.”
There is affectionate humour as well as some old-school, non-PC head-kicking, but nothing as graphic as the gory thrillers. I particularly enjoy the way Eastern European history and politics are the background. Of course, I looked up Holice and the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic to see where it is.
The language is British English, rather than Czech, which seems to work for me. Full credit to Graham Brack for being able to create such Czech characters and scenes while making the humour and relationships work for English readers.
As the story progresses, it becomes harder to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Not just for me, but for Slonský and the others as well. I should mention his old pal, rumpled journalist Valentin, who is himself on some kind of drying-out program for his liver, which he describes as 5 days of drinking as usual and 2 with water – or was it the other way around, he wonders?
Needless to say, I’ve come to look forward to the characters and their escapades. It’s a part of the world about which I know little but with which the author is very familiar. He goes to do reconnaissance and test the beer and sausages from time to time, just to make sure he stays authentic. Ah the things writers must suffer for their profession.
And aren’t we glad they do?
[FYI, I have NOT cherry-picked all the amusing bits. That is very much the tone of the book, along with good police work, good characters, and plot, of course. :)]
Thanks to the author for a preview copy. It's always a relief when a preview is such a good read and I don't have to try to be polite!
“‘It’ll certainly be hazardous if I discover he’s complicit in the murder of a boy with Down’s Syndrome.’
‘I didn’t know that. And I shall, on this occasion, volunteer to hold your jacket while you question him.’”
Josef Slonský was the first speaker, and the second is obviously aware of Slonský's sometimes old-fashioned interview methods. He’s being forced to mend his ways to prepare for his coming promotion, but it’s a struggle. Between his diet and HR/Personnel workshops, he is understandably cranky from time to time.
“’Give me an example of diversity in the police,’ she commanded.
Slonský responded at once. ‘We employ officers ranging from the highly competent to the downright bloody useless,’ he said.”
He would know. He’s worked with plenty, but at least he now has his two keen young off-siders with him. The lovely Kristýna Peiperová is about to be transferred to another department, much to his regret (she does all the admin behind the scenes). Meanwhile earnest Jan Navrátil, Peiperová’s fiancé, has a dangerous undercover role.
The field of death: there was an explosion of some kind in an odd open space in the rural town of Holice, but nobody knows quite why or how it occurred, and the remains of four bodies only raise more questions than they answer. A local police officer was a victim, but the others don't seem to be following up as enthusiastically as you'd expect.
Navrátil goes undercover, but the work tests him, as he is such a stickler for the rules and the truth. But lying is all in a good cause, and he's learning.
The investigation is interspersed with Slonský’s personal trials to pass the fitness tests for his new role. In the past, he has enjoyed his sausages and beers and/or pastries and coffee at every available pub and coffee shop it seems. And it shows.
“He also had a growing conviction that people were adding extra stairs to the top flight while he was out nowadays.”
He goes for a test.
“‘According to your weight, Slonský, you should be thirty-eight centimetres taller.
. . .
Right, on the treadmill. The target is a kilometre in under nine minutes.’
Slonský took his mobile phone out.
‘What are you doing, Slonský?’
‘If I have to run a kilometre, I ring for a taxi,’ came the reply.”
There is affectionate humour as well as some old-school, non-PC head-kicking, but nothing as graphic as the gory thrillers. I particularly enjoy the way Eastern European history and politics are the background. Of course, I looked up Holice and the Pardubice Region of the Czech Republic to see where it is.
The language is British English, rather than Czech, which seems to work for me. Full credit to Graham Brack for being able to create such Czech characters and scenes while making the humour and relationships work for English readers.
As the story progresses, it becomes harder to tell the good guys from the bad guys. Not just for me, but for Slonský and the others as well. I should mention his old pal, rumpled journalist Valentin, who is himself on some kind of drying-out program for his liver, which he describes as 5 days of drinking as usual and 2 with water – or was it the other way around, he wonders?
Needless to say, I’ve come to look forward to the characters and their escapades. It’s a part of the world about which I know little but with which the author is very familiar. He goes to do reconnaissance and test the beer and sausages from time to time, just to make sure he stays authentic. Ah the things writers must suffer for their profession.
And aren’t we glad they do?
[FYI, I have NOT cherry-picked all the amusing bits. That is very much the tone of the book, along with good police work, good characters, and plot, of course. :)]
Thanks to the author for a preview copy. It's always a relief when a preview is such a good read and I don't have to try to be polite!
November 26, 2019
Another hugely entertaining look into the life and career of Lieutenant (soon to be Captain) Slonsky. It is the humour which makes these books so good added to excellent stories and really likeable characters.
Slonsky undergoes a few changes in this episode. He is forced to diet which means we hear a lot less about the search for the perfect sausage. He actually becomes fitter, maybe a little bit more cranky, and even takes his ex wife out a couple of times. Is this change going to last or will he regress in a future book?
Luckily I have the next two books lined up ready to read so I will be able to find out very soon!
Slonsky undergoes a few changes in this episode. He is forced to diet which means we hear a lot less about the search for the perfect sausage. He actually becomes fitter, maybe a little bit more cranky, and even takes his ex wife out a couple of times. Is this change going to last or will he regress in a future book?
Luckily I have the next two books lined up ready to read so I will be able to find out very soon!
March 24, 2019
This is so far the best one yet of a great series!
I just love a curmudgeon. Poor Slonsky has got to lose some weight, so the sausages are not as prevalent in this book as they have been in the previous books. Also, Valentin has been ordered by his doctor to back down his alcohol consumption and as Slonsky's best drinking buddy, Slonsky cuts back as well (in solidarity? must be, as Valetin points out there are no calories in Czech beer).
It's the characters that make this series a must read for me. And the stories are pretty good too!
I just love a curmudgeon. Poor Slonsky has got to lose some weight, so the sausages are not as prevalent in this book as they have been in the previous books. Also, Valentin has been ordered by his doctor to back down his alcohol consumption and as Slonsky's best drinking buddy, Slonsky cuts back as well (in solidarity? must be, as Valetin points out there are no calories in Czech beer).
It's the characters that make this series a must read for me. And the stories are pretty good too!
December 11, 2023
The family that is the police team centred around Josef Slonský makes this a collection of books I would want to read. When you add that these are some of best police procedurals I have had the joy to read you can understand that I will be completing this series set in the emerging Czech Republic circa 2006.
The star is Slonský who in this story is being promoted to Captain. In the process is life is becoming more complicated by the day. Modifying his behaviour, going on a diet and embracing office etiquette around diversity, language and equality.
We warm to him not just because of his warm personality and embracing humour but because he is a fine detective. He has a unique gift of getting the best out of others and working collaboratively with other departments.
This storyline is interesting as the action and focus moves into a rural setting where investigations are hampered by local politics, an unco-operative parochial police force with resentment to the big city interference.
Although I liked this change of focus and the hindrance caused to the solving of the potential conspiracy and cover-up of a murder. This dipping in and out of Prague didn’t quite work for me. The plot was sound and unwound logically I felt there was too much going on - too many cooks storing the pot and a poor example of undercover policing.
I get the mood of some of the population to embrace the outside investigation and why some saw that it was in their best interests not to assist the enquiry along. The weakness for me was the widespread corruption against a horrifying loss of life that must have had many in the community demanding answers and wanting the truth behind the deaths of the four individuals.
The star is Slonský who in this story is being promoted to Captain. In the process is life is becoming more complicated by the day. Modifying his behaviour, going on a diet and embracing office etiquette around diversity, language and equality.
We warm to him not just because of his warm personality and embracing humour but because he is a fine detective. He has a unique gift of getting the best out of others and working collaboratively with other departments.
This storyline is interesting as the action and focus moves into a rural setting where investigations are hampered by local politics, an unco-operative parochial police force with resentment to the big city interference.
Although I liked this change of focus and the hindrance caused to the solving of the potential conspiracy and cover-up of a murder. This dipping in and out of Prague didn’t quite work for me. The plot was sound and unwound logically I felt there was too much going on - too many cooks storing the pot and a poor example of undercover policing.
I get the mood of some of the population to embrace the outside investigation and why some saw that it was in their best interests not to assist the enquiry along. The weakness for me was the widespread corruption against a horrifying loss of life that must have had many in the community demanding answers and wanting the truth behind the deaths of the four individuals.
January 22, 2024
‘It ought not be thought that Slonský was a curmudgeon who disliked human interaction.’
No, Josef Slonský is a man on a mission. He must pass a medical in order to take up his promotion as Captain in the Prague police force, and a strict diet and exercise regime is making him just a little more grumpy than usual. But then an explosion in a field captures his attention.
It’s reported that four men with metal detectors managed to discover and then to detonate a World War II bomb. But Novák the pathologist has some doubts about this explanation, and Slonský starts investigating. Was it an accident, or is it murder?
‘Has either of you heard of the Ghost Battery?’
This is the fourth brilliant entry into the Josef Slonský series, and I think it is the best yet. It has a delightfully eccentric plot (no spoilers here) and includes his two offsiders Jan Navrátil and Kristýna Peiperová. Peiperová is about to undertake a one-year assignment for the Director of Criminal Police, and Slonský is plotting to make sure that she returns to his division afterwards. And Navrátil ends up with his own critical assignment as Slonský works to solve the case. There’s plenty of action towards the end, and more than a few twists.
As I’ve come to expect, Slonský finds some unusual albeit pragmatic solutions to problems and it’s an entertaining read. While this novel could be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading the novels in order because the character development (and related backstory) is as important as the case being solved.
And now I will wait patiently for another instalment. Highly recommended.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
No, Josef Slonský is a man on a mission. He must pass a medical in order to take up his promotion as Captain in the Prague police force, and a strict diet and exercise regime is making him just a little more grumpy than usual. But then an explosion in a field captures his attention.
It’s reported that four men with metal detectors managed to discover and then to detonate a World War II bomb. But Novák the pathologist has some doubts about this explanation, and Slonský starts investigating. Was it an accident, or is it murder?
‘Has either of you heard of the Ghost Battery?’
This is the fourth brilliant entry into the Josef Slonský series, and I think it is the best yet. It has a delightfully eccentric plot (no spoilers here) and includes his two offsiders Jan Navrátil and Kristýna Peiperová. Peiperová is about to undertake a one-year assignment for the Director of Criminal Police, and Slonský is plotting to make sure that she returns to his division afterwards. And Navrátil ends up with his own critical assignment as Slonský works to solve the case. There’s plenty of action towards the end, and more than a few twists.
As I’ve come to expect, Slonský finds some unusual albeit pragmatic solutions to problems and it’s an entertaining read. While this novel could be read as a standalone, I’d recommend reading the novels in order because the character development (and related backstory) is as important as the case being solved.
And now I will wait patiently for another instalment. Highly recommended.
Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
March 27, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Sapere Books for a review copy of Field of Death, the fourth novel to feature Lieutenant Josef Slonsky of the Prague police.
An obligatory medical for his promotion to captain advises Slonsky to lose weight or potentially lose his promotion so dieting is the order of the day. To distract himself he obeys Novák the pathologist’s summons to examine a bomb site where four metal detectorists have been blown up by an old bomb. Novák has doubts about this explanation and soon Slonsky is investigating on several fronts.
I thoroughly enjoyed Field of Death which had me laughing from start to finish. The absurdity of the plot and Slonsky’s attitude really appeal to my sense of humour. I’m unsure, however, if this is a generational thing as I am much the same age as Slonsky or if it will appeal to all pragmatic slackers looking for an easy life. His solutions to his problems are, at times, pure genius and obviously have a lot of thought behind them so he’s not as daft or indolent as he wishes to appear. He is one of my favourite fictional characters so I always bump him to the top of my reading list when his new cases are published.
The novel is not only the doings and sayings of Josef Slonsky it also has an interesting and well conceived, if slightly anarchic and absurd plot. It revolves around a rumoured and conceivably true story from the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. I’m not saying more than that about it to avoid spoilers but, needless to say, it’s a tale of fanaticism and ineptitude from that starting point.
For sheer entertainment Field of Death is one of the best novels I have read in 2019 and would urge anyone thinking about it to take the plunge and get ready to laugh.
An obligatory medical for his promotion to captain advises Slonsky to lose weight or potentially lose his promotion so dieting is the order of the day. To distract himself he obeys Novák the pathologist’s summons to examine a bomb site where four metal detectorists have been blown up by an old bomb. Novák has doubts about this explanation and soon Slonsky is investigating on several fronts.
I thoroughly enjoyed Field of Death which had me laughing from start to finish. The absurdity of the plot and Slonsky’s attitude really appeal to my sense of humour. I’m unsure, however, if this is a generational thing as I am much the same age as Slonsky or if it will appeal to all pragmatic slackers looking for an easy life. His solutions to his problems are, at times, pure genius and obviously have a lot of thought behind them so he’s not as daft or indolent as he wishes to appear. He is one of my favourite fictional characters so I always bump him to the top of my reading list when his new cases are published.
The novel is not only the doings and sayings of Josef Slonsky it also has an interesting and well conceived, if slightly anarchic and absurd plot. It revolves around a rumoured and conceivably true story from the Russian invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968. I’m not saying more than that about it to avoid spoilers but, needless to say, it’s a tale of fanaticism and ineptitude from that starting point.
For sheer entertainment Field of Death is one of the best novels I have read in 2019 and would urge anyone thinking about it to take the plunge and get ready to laugh.
December 25, 2019
I just can't get enough of these books. How do you keep a selfpropelled canon hidden for fifty years? If you read this you'll find out. Throw in some murder and right wing crazies and a czech police officer on a diet then you have the setting for this wonderful story. I love it.
November 7, 2022
I love this series; I don't know why it is not more popular. The characters are likable, the banter is humorous and clever, and the stories are interesting. This one was not an exception.
I'd recommend starting at the beginning and reading the entire series.
I'd recommend starting at the beginning and reading the entire series.
November 9, 2020
Its just meeting an old friend when you return to a series of novels that you have previously enjoyed, isn't it? Certainly that was how I felt when I opened the 4th of this set of 6 books.
They are described as Police Procedural - a phrase that I don't think I really appreciated until now. Although Lt Josef Slonsky of the Czeck police has a gruesome incident to investigate, it isn't really a who-done-it, even though those responsible will pay. Much is made of the interplay between the colleagues in the Prague office and the good old fashioned ( some would say) methods used.
Humour still plays a big part in the story I am pleased to see and there are some great exchanges particularly but, by far not conclusively, between Slonsky and his front desk sergeant , Mucha and between Slonsky and his journalist contact , Valentin. It is with these in particular that the author captures the deep friendships of these long associations.
As well as Police Procedural, these books could also be described as 'Beer and Sausage' or 'Coffee and Pastry' books, but that's for comment next time , perhaps.
(Apologies for the lack of accents throughout. My computer has just had an overhaul, and I have lost them)
They are described as Police Procedural - a phrase that I don't think I really appreciated until now. Although Lt Josef Slonsky of the Czeck police has a gruesome incident to investigate, it isn't really a who-done-it, even though those responsible will pay. Much is made of the interplay between the colleagues in the Prague office and the good old fashioned ( some would say) methods used.
Humour still plays a big part in the story I am pleased to see and there are some great exchanges particularly but, by far not conclusively, between Slonsky and his front desk sergeant , Mucha and between Slonsky and his journalist contact , Valentin. It is with these in particular that the author captures the deep friendships of these long associations.
As well as Police Procedural, these books could also be described as 'Beer and Sausage' or 'Coffee and Pastry' books, but that's for comment next time , perhaps.
(Apologies for the lack of accents throughout. My computer has just had an overhaul, and I have lost them)
May 14, 2021
In the 4th instalment of this outstanding series, there was the usual brilliantly funny sense of humour in amongst a serious investigation. The 'ghost gun' myth was cleverly explored in this intriguing tale, with plenty of room for character development in our likeable and quirky main characters.
April 9, 2019
A grenade from World War II explodes in a field in the Czech Republic and kills four people. Lieutenant Josef Slonský thinks something is suspicious about this does a little digging. It looks like this incident could be just a small part of a bigger plan. Slonský then enlists the help of the officers he is mentoring, Jan Navrátil and Kristýna Peiperová, to investigate this strange case before there are any additional victims.
"Field of Death" is the fourth book in this excellent series. The books have strong procedural elements, but are elevated by the unique Prague setting and wonderful humor from beginning to end. Slonský may sometimes find ways of getting out of doing work, but he is dedicated to his job and loyal to his country. I love his determination to solve cases, which means frequently delegating to officers Navrátil and Peiperová. This case takes some unexpected and dangerous turns, but Slonský and his team are determined to get to the truth. I was worried when Navrátil was given a special assignment that the usual camaraderie wouldn't be there, but this plot element turned out to be very entertaining. The book has a lot of action in the final chapters, some of it pretty intense.
Slonský, Navrátil, and Peiperová have made a great team so far, but changes are coming. Peiperová is preparing for a one-year assignment assisting the Director of Criminal Police and Slonský surprised even himself with his ambition and is about to become the new Captain of their division. I can't wait to see how those developments play out in the next installment. I have read and enjoyed all of the prior books in the series, but the book is also accessible to new readers. Fans of Peter Robinson or Colin Dexter will enjoy this book and the entire series.
I received "Field of Death" through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
"Field of Death" is the fourth book in this excellent series. The books have strong procedural elements, but are elevated by the unique Prague setting and wonderful humor from beginning to end. Slonský may sometimes find ways of getting out of doing work, but he is dedicated to his job and loyal to his country. I love his determination to solve cases, which means frequently delegating to officers Navrátil and Peiperová. This case takes some unexpected and dangerous turns, but Slonský and his team are determined to get to the truth. I was worried when Navrátil was given a special assignment that the usual camaraderie wouldn't be there, but this plot element turned out to be very entertaining. The book has a lot of action in the final chapters, some of it pretty intense.
Slonský, Navrátil, and Peiperová have made a great team so far, but changes are coming. Peiperová is preparing for a one-year assignment assisting the Director of Criminal Police and Slonský surprised even himself with his ambition and is about to become the new Captain of their division. I can't wait to see how those developments play out in the next installment. I have read and enjoyed all of the prior books in the series, but the book is also accessible to new readers. Fans of Peter Robinson or Colin Dexter will enjoy this book and the entire series.
I received "Field of Death" through the courtesy of Sapere Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
December 10, 2024
Slonsky is forced on a diet in order to pass the medical for his Captaincy, his friend Valentin is also cutting down on alchohol. What is the world coming to? In this story he is wondering how he might rearrange staffing once he takes over and as Peiperova is seconded to the Directors office, when a case litteraly explodes and four people are left dead and not much action is being taken by the local police. The whole department sswings into action in this fast moving story with some succesful twist to keep the reader quessing. The usual characters are at their best and there is a hope for a succesful ending. Good read 4 stars.
May 20, 2019
Have no fear, the newly promoted Captain Slonsky is almost indistinguishable from the lowly Lieutenant Slonsky. He might be, slightly, more mellow, a degree of domesticity might be creeping up on him and we have yet to see how running his section plays out but this was another enjoyable romp and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
July 27, 2020
Slónsky on a diet? Going to the gym? Too funny! But he has to pass his medical as part of his Captain's application AND he doesn't want to disappoint his subordinate, Officer Peiperová (whom he admires like a proud papa). So it's an even crankier-than-usual Slónsky who has to deal with an unusual set of what turn out to be murders: four metal-detecting men killed in a huge explosion in a secluded field.
As always, there's some WWII history involved as well as some serious internal corruption, hence the involvement of Major Rajka, a new and interesting character who joins the team unofficially. With a lot of bantering, furious driving, Navratíl in disguise, a battered policeman, and Slónsky going on a date with his long-estranged wife, Vera, this was a good mystery well-resolved.
As always, there's some WWII history involved as well as some serious internal corruption, hence the involvement of Major Rajka, a new and interesting character who joins the team unofficially. With a lot of bantering, furious driving, Navratíl in disguise, a battered policeman, and Slónsky going on a date with his long-estranged wife, Vera, this was a good mystery well-resolved.
August 18, 2019
Brilliant this series just gets better
I loved the first book which I came across by accident. At the time there were just three books each better than the last. Nowhere are two more.
I read this one in one day which was spent laughing and annoying my wife by reading bits out.
There is a plot of sorts but who cares? The books are not about the plot that is simply a vehicle for the characters and their interaction and the dialogue.
If this is written in checz and translated the translator is a genius.
Read the books in order other side nothing will make sense.
I loved the first book which I came across by accident. At the time there were just three books each better than the last. Nowhere are two more.
I read this one in one day which was spent laughing and annoying my wife by reading bits out.
There is a plot of sorts but who cares? The books are not about the plot that is simply a vehicle for the characters and their interaction and the dialogue.
If this is written in checz and translated the translator is a genius.
Read the books in order other side nothing will make sense.
December 24, 2020
Absolutely Brilliant
I cannot think of anyone who could dislike Josef Slonsky, those who could are very probably locked up by his own tender hand. Graham Brack has created a real human being. I dread finishing the series. Slonsky has been my companion for a while now. I may have to go back to the beginning and start again.. I can't get Czech sausages here but the beer is imported. I raise my glass to you Mr Brack and save a glass for Josef. Thank you.
I cannot think of anyone who could dislike Josef Slonsky, those who could are very probably locked up by his own tender hand. Graham Brack has created a real human being. I dread finishing the series. Slonsky has been my companion for a while now. I may have to go back to the beginning and start again.. I can't get Czech sausages here but the beer is imported. I raise my glass to you Mr Brack and save a glass for Josef. Thank you.
May 25, 2019
They just get better
Thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the Slonsky books and can't wait for more books to follow.They are Humorous (more than that actually made me laugh out loud) plots always good and believable and a pleasant change to use a countries police force that we rarely here of.Highly recommended
Thoroughly enjoyed reading all of the Slonsky books and can't wait for more books to follow.They are Humorous (more than that actually made me laugh out loud) plots always good and believable and a pleasant change to use a countries police force that we rarely here of.Highly recommended
June 15, 2019
In Pardubice, near Holice outside of Prague a bomb has exploded killing four people including a police officer. But evidence from the scene does not agree. Meanwhile Josef Slonský is preparing for his promotion to Captain when he is informed that he must pass a medical, but he decides to investigate.
Another entertaining well-written book in this series with its wonderful characters
Another entertaining well-written book in this series with its wonderful characters
April 5, 2021
Once again the characters are well portrayed and there is the usual mix of humour and sarcasm. However the storyline was strange and a little far fetched for my liking, disappearing self propelled guns and people with hand grenades. Not the best book in the series so far.
July 28, 2021
Egad, Slonsky's changing!
Firstly, he's losing weight and drinking and eating less! He's let his wife, Vera, back into his life and is thinking about his future! Last, he takes over for Lucas as captain while directing young proteges Navratl and Pieperova. Oh, my!
Firstly, he's losing weight and drinking and eating less! He's let his wife, Vera, back into his life and is thinking about his future! Last, he takes over for Lucas as captain while directing young proteges Navratl and Pieperova. Oh, my!
April 7, 2019
Fascinating!
A superb series of books, I find them really quite amusing, despite the serious natures of the subject matter. Certainly well worth a read.
A superb series of books, I find them really quite amusing, despite the serious natures of the subject matter. Certainly well worth a read.
June 17, 2019
A brilliant book, I could not put it down. I really enjoy how real and flawed the characters are. I am looking forward to the 5th book that in out in July.
March 29, 2019
“‘I’ve been talking to our experts on militant nationalist groups.’
‘We have some then?’
‘Militant nationalist groups? Plenty.’
‘I meant experts on them.’
‘A few. But the ones who know a lot do nothing and the ones who do a lot know nothing.’
‘I thought that was true of all branches of government?’”
Field of Death is the fourth book in the Josef Slonský Investigations series by British author, Graham Brack. Slonský hears about the explosion of an old World War Two bomb that kills four men with metal detectors, and assumes he won’t need to get involved. But when pathologist Dr Novak is on the scene in a field near the little town of Holice, he summons Slonský: both he and his blast injuries expert believe this is murder. And a brutal one at that.
One of the victims is Sedlák, a local police lieutenant, yet his colleagues don’t seem to be doing much to solve the case. And when Slonský and Peiperová inspect the scene, they see unusual heavy vehicle tracks in the vicinity. A military expert shares the (apocryphal?) story of the Ghost Battery: Slonský and Lukas worry about who might have access to this military hardware if it is indeed true. Given the ruthless nature of the crimes, Navrátil is none too pleased to be going undercover.
Holice needs replacement staff so Slonský (rather sneakily) sends their own Lieutenant Doležal to stand in for the victim; Doležal, struck by the strange attitude at the police station, is leery of trusting any of them and reports back to Slonský his suspicions about a huge shopping mall development. The Fraud Squad’s Major Klinger gets interested: are the Russians involved? Perhaps the cases are unconnected, but Slonský’s contact in the Security Information Service doesn’t believe in coincidence.
All this against a backdrop of upheaval: Slonský is about to lose Kristýna Peiperová to a role as Personal Assistant for the Director of Criminal Police, just weeks before he himself takes over from Josef Lukas as Captain. This necessitates further, less-than-ideal, staff changes when Jan Navrátil is already miserable to be separated from Peiperová. Slonský struggles with his compulsory Human Resources refresher. And of course, he has to pass his medical…
There may have been readers worried about Slonský’s diet in the first three books; are they now cheering him on as he tries to comply with dietary recommendations, even as they feel a little sorry for him? Surely he won’t keep this torture up once the necessary hurdles have been vaulted! After all, what (or who) could possible induce him to persist with a strict regime of healthy food and exercise?
Brack brings his extensive therapeutic knowledge into play when Slonský accepts some pharmaceutical help with weight loss, but this scene is best not read with a full bladder if readers have continence issues. And, of course, there are plenty more laugh-out-loud moments in the slightly Keystone-cops-esque ride to the climax. The case, of course, is intriguing and Slonský’s team excels in their detective work, their initiative, and their dedication. The cassock, in particular, was an excellent idea.
With the ever-changing dynamics of the work situation for Prague’s finest police, it will be interesting to see what (now Captain!) Slonský and his colleagues are faced with next. Addictive and entertaining Czech-flavoured crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Sapere Books.
‘We have some then?’
‘Militant nationalist groups? Plenty.’
‘I meant experts on them.’
‘A few. But the ones who know a lot do nothing and the ones who do a lot know nothing.’
‘I thought that was true of all branches of government?’”
Field of Death is the fourth book in the Josef Slonský Investigations series by British author, Graham Brack. Slonský hears about the explosion of an old World War Two bomb that kills four men with metal detectors, and assumes he won’t need to get involved. But when pathologist Dr Novak is on the scene in a field near the little town of Holice, he summons Slonský: both he and his blast injuries expert believe this is murder. And a brutal one at that.
One of the victims is Sedlák, a local police lieutenant, yet his colleagues don’t seem to be doing much to solve the case. And when Slonský and Peiperová inspect the scene, they see unusual heavy vehicle tracks in the vicinity. A military expert shares the (apocryphal?) story of the Ghost Battery: Slonský and Lukas worry about who might have access to this military hardware if it is indeed true. Given the ruthless nature of the crimes, Navrátil is none too pleased to be going undercover.
Holice needs replacement staff so Slonský (rather sneakily) sends their own Lieutenant Doležal to stand in for the victim; Doležal, struck by the strange attitude at the police station, is leery of trusting any of them and reports back to Slonský his suspicions about a huge shopping mall development. The Fraud Squad’s Major Klinger gets interested: are the Russians involved? Perhaps the cases are unconnected, but Slonský’s contact in the Security Information Service doesn’t believe in coincidence.
All this against a backdrop of upheaval: Slonský is about to lose Kristýna Peiperová to a role as Personal Assistant for the Director of Criminal Police, just weeks before he himself takes over from Josef Lukas as Captain. This necessitates further, less-than-ideal, staff changes when Jan Navrátil is already miserable to be separated from Peiperová. Slonský struggles with his compulsory Human Resources refresher. And of course, he has to pass his medical…
There may have been readers worried about Slonský’s diet in the first three books; are they now cheering him on as he tries to comply with dietary recommendations, even as they feel a little sorry for him? Surely he won’t keep this torture up once the necessary hurdles have been vaulted! After all, what (or who) could possible induce him to persist with a strict regime of healthy food and exercise?
Brack brings his extensive therapeutic knowledge into play when Slonský accepts some pharmaceutical help with weight loss, but this scene is best not read with a full bladder if readers have continence issues. And, of course, there are plenty more laugh-out-loud moments in the slightly Keystone-cops-esque ride to the climax. The case, of course, is intriguing and Slonský’s team excels in their detective work, their initiative, and their dedication. The cassock, in particular, was an excellent idea.
With the ever-changing dynamics of the work situation for Prague’s finest police, it will be interesting to see what (now Captain!) Slonský and his colleagues are faced with next. Addictive and entertaining Czech-flavoured crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Sapere Books.
May 15, 2019
So so love this book, with some many authors cant keep up the brillant writing book after book after book especially when writing using the same characters.
Well this is not the case in Graham Brack's books about Josef Slonsky, they are as funny, meaty and historically interesting as ever.
I don't wish to put the pressure on, but I cant wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
Well this is not the case in Graham Brack's books about Josef Slonsky, they are as funny, meaty and historically interesting as ever.
I don't wish to put the pressure on, but I cant wait for the next one.
Highly recommended.
August 5, 2020
In this book Slonsky is awaiting his promotion and having to look into the strange case of the death of 4 detectorists. The general story is they unearthered an unexplored grenade or somesuch but Slonsky feels this just can’t be right. As one of the dead is the local police inspector he is given free rein to take on the case.
But there are other odd goings on. Why has a huge gun from 1968 made an appearance and as quickly disappeared? Why are the local police unconcerned about finding out what happened to their colleague? Who is financing some very ambitious plans for a new shopping mall? How safe is Navratil in his undercover operation? Will Slonsky manage to lose weight for his medical? Does he have to take his wife Vera to Lukas’s leaving do? Oh yes, there is a lot going on.
The story has humour amongst the violent goings-on as you’d expect but there is the pathos too. I actually welled up reading the bit about Lukas’s retirement do. Lukas reminds me of Chief Superintendent Bright in the TV programme Endeavour. A quiet spoken man but honest, fair and reliable. No.....I’m welling up again. 😢
Anyway, I heartily recommend Graham Brack’s CAPTAIN Slonsky books.
But there are other odd goings on. Why has a huge gun from 1968 made an appearance and as quickly disappeared? Why are the local police unconcerned about finding out what happened to their colleague? Who is financing some very ambitious plans for a new shopping mall? How safe is Navratil in his undercover operation? Will Slonsky manage to lose weight for his medical? Does he have to take his wife Vera to Lukas’s leaving do? Oh yes, there is a lot going on.
The story has humour amongst the violent goings-on as you’d expect but there is the pathos too. I actually welled up reading the bit about Lukas’s retirement do. Lukas reminds me of Chief Superintendent Bright in the TV programme Endeavour. A quiet spoken man but honest, fair and reliable. No.....I’m welling up again. 😢
Anyway, I heartily recommend Graham Brack’s CAPTAIN Slonsky books.
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