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Hitchcock Sewell #1
The Hearse You Came in On
Introducing a clever and gripping first mystery novel featuring an unconventional undertaker -- who also happens to be one of Baltimore's most eligible and charming bachelors.
"I was going along just fine, solemnly chaperoning the dead into their graves and pretty much otherwise minding my own business when the woman calling herself Carolyn James stuck her halfway pretty face into my life and scattered all hell to the wind."
What self-respecting undertaker would allow himself to get involved in a murder investigation, a series of dirty videos, a case of political blackmail, and police corruption, as well as one of the worst amateur theater productions in recent memory? None, unless your name happens to be Hitchcock Sewell, the most charming suspense hero to come along in years. And who knew an undertaker could look so good? In this fast-paced and enormously entertaining mystery, Hitch has gotten himself into more trouble than any self-respecting undertaker should. This funny, offbeat new mystery series is bound to delight fans of Elmore Leonard and Janet Evanovich.
About the Author:
Tim Cockey, who spent his formative years in Baltimore, has been a story analyst for many major film and television companies, including American Playhouse, ABC, and Hallmark Entertainment. This is his first novel. He lives in New York City
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
52 people are currently reading
727 people want to read
About the author
Tim Cockey
14 books45 followersaka Richard Hawke
Tim Cockey is the author of the award-winning “Hitch” series: The Hearse You Came In On, Hearse of a Different Color, Hearse Case Scenario, and Murder in the Hearse Degree. He has been a story analyst for many major film and television companies, including American Playhouse, ABC, and Hallmark Entertainment. He grew up in Baltimore and now lives in New York City.
Tim Cockey is the author of the award-winning “Hitch” series: The Hearse You Came In On, Hearse of a Different Color, Hearse Case Scenario, and Murder in the Hearse Degree. He has been a story analyst for many major film and television companies, including American Playhouse, ABC, and Hallmark Entertainment. He grew up in Baltimore and now lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
March 2, 2016
"Le croque-mort a la vie dure" est le premier tome d'une série qui met en scène Hitchcock Sewell. Hitch est croque-mort. Il mène une vie tranquille au salon funéraire qu'il partage avec sa tante, jusqu'au jour où une jeune femme débarque en tenue de tennis lors d'une veillée mortuaire. Celle-ci lui demande d'organiser son propre enterrement.
Interloqué, il souhaite retrouver la femme en question. C'est ainsi que débute sa fraiche carrière de détective, embarqué contre son gré dans des histoires de meurtres et de soif de pouvoir.
Ce bouquin est ma première incursion dans le petit monde d'Hitchcock Sewell. Et c'est un voyage bien sympathique. L'auteur écrit avec une certaine dose d'humour, souvent noir.
Le style est simple et dynamique. Le lecteur est promené de rebondissement en rebondissement. On ne s'ennuie pas. L'intrigue est bien ficelée, mêlant habilement les multiples personnages rencontrés. Ce premier tome m'a donné envie de continuer à découvrir les aventures de ce Croque-mort. J'ai dévoré les 400 pages assez rapidement.
Je lui donne une bonne note de 3,75 étoiles, entre le bon et le très bon!
Je vous invite à découvrir l'univers un peu spécial de Tim Cockey!
Points policier, 401 pages, 2005
Interloqué, il souhaite retrouver la femme en question. C'est ainsi que débute sa fraiche carrière de détective, embarqué contre son gré dans des histoires de meurtres et de soif de pouvoir.
Ce bouquin est ma première incursion dans le petit monde d'Hitchcock Sewell. Et c'est un voyage bien sympathique. L'auteur écrit avec une certaine dose d'humour, souvent noir.
Le style est simple et dynamique. Le lecteur est promené de rebondissement en rebondissement. On ne s'ennuie pas. L'intrigue est bien ficelée, mêlant habilement les multiples personnages rencontrés. Ce premier tome m'a donné envie de continuer à découvrir les aventures de ce Croque-mort. J'ai dévoré les 400 pages assez rapidement.
Je lui donne une bonne note de 3,75 étoiles, entre le bon et le très bon!
Je vous invite à découvrir l'univers un peu spécial de Tim Cockey!
Points policier, 401 pages, 2005
August 25, 2007
THE HEARSE YOU CAME IN ON (Amateur Sleuth-Baltimore-Cont) – Okay
Cockey, Tim – 1st book
Hyperion, 2000- Paperback
Undertaker Hitchcock Sewell is intrigued when an attractive woman asks about arranging a funeral—for herself. He's even more intrigued when a woman of the same name turns up dead, except it's a different woman.
*** I had a number of problems with this book. The main character, Hitch, was wry and amusing, almost to the point of annoying. I didn't feel I ever really got to know any of the characters, much less care about what happened to them. The story was way, way too long—it should have been about half the length it was. It took a long time to get to the mystery of the story, by which time I wasn't certain I even cared. Cockey shows talent, but a severe editing of his work with much more focus on the characters and the main story would improve it.
Cockey, Tim – 1st book
Hyperion, 2000- Paperback
Undertaker Hitchcock Sewell is intrigued when an attractive woman asks about arranging a funeral—for herself. He's even more intrigued when a woman of the same name turns up dead, except it's a different woman.
*** I had a number of problems with this book. The main character, Hitch, was wry and amusing, almost to the point of annoying. I didn't feel I ever really got to know any of the characters, much less care about what happened to them. The story was way, way too long—it should have been about half the length it was. It took a long time to get to the mystery of the story, by which time I wasn't certain I even cared. Cockey shows talent, but a severe editing of his work with much more focus on the characters and the main story would improve it.
November 4, 2011
Quite entertaining, more than I expected. However, too much of the humor was forced. Worse yet, the author played "catch-up" in large dense chunks, he performing the old show dance instead of telling me the facts. Some parts seemed like he felt bored and wanted to move the book along instead of working at scenes pivotal to the mystery.
The whole acting in a play side story was silly. The nonsense operated as an excuse to have the main character hook up with his ex-wife.
Not in a hurry to read the other books in this series. The main character didn't inspire the devotion I expect from someone aiming at a long-term reading relationship.
But all in all, the story entertained me. That gained it the three stars.
The whole acting in a play side story was silly. The nonsense operated as an excuse to have the main character hook up with his ex-wife.
Not in a hurry to read the other books in this series. The main character didn't inspire the devotion I expect from someone aiming at a long-term reading relationship.
But all in all, the story entertained me. That gained it the three stars.
Want to read
February 16, 2019Synopsis: what self-respecting undertaker would get involved with a murder investigation, dirty videos, political blackmail, and police corruption?
October 26, 2024
Something about the way this reads that I didn’t care for. Can’t quite put my finger on it.
September 17, 2020
This is an interesting and fun concept. Yes, it seems gross. The main character runs a funeral home with his aunt. I very much look forward to more. What an intriguing cast of characters!
July 1, 2010
This book had a lot of promise. Unfortunately, for me, the book did not deliver half of what it could have.
First, the good. There are some quirky and interesting characters in the book that are worth exploring.
Julia, the hero's ex-wife, who lives a bohemian lifestyle.
Gil, the local director of the community theater group, who is constantly giving new interpretations to classic plays like "Our Town."
When the story revolves around the relationship with the ex and the putting on of the play it offers the reader momentary pleasure-- The writer clearly should be writing about stuff he knows. That pleasure is snatched from the reader by the writer's utter ignorance about the hero's vocation.
We never see his business as an undertaker as more than arranging flowers and setting up chairs and planning viewings and wakes, etc. The writer glosses over that the hero does embalming, etc. but never actually puts the hero doing any of that work. The hero never dresses out bodies, embalms, puts makeup (though a reference is made to another worker using a massive amount of hairspray on one body in order to create a trademark cowlick)...
In fact, his business as an undertaker doesn't overflow or lead him to the actual mystery at all. Nor does his skills or contacts in the industry aid him. AS far as this story goes, the hero could have been a rodeo clown, a butcher, or a street sweeper. Why go to the trouble of creating a unique character with a unique profession if you are not going to write about that profession.
From there we explore a convoluted mystery that isn't really all that mysterious after the first wasted 150 pages. By the time I was able to creep my way to the end of the book I was pleading for some exciting conclusion.
Then we hit a conclusion that is so stupid. The hero is staring out at the harbor and suddenly figures out the mystery and WALLA-- the real killer appears before him and explains herself. What does the undertaker do? Does he call the police? Does he condemn the killer? No, he just walks away, leaving the killer standing in the rain, holding the murder weapon--- which she has had in her purse for days on end during the investigation. Yeah.. she kept the bloody knife.. Look, even Miss Scarlett wouldn't have brought the bloody knife to the dining room, unless of course she planned to use it to frame Col. Mustard.
I have another book in this series, but I'm just gonna throw it away. To slightly paraphrase the person of smaller stature from the old Fantasy Island program, "The Pain! The Pain!"
In other words.. don't bother...
First, the good. There are some quirky and interesting characters in the book that are worth exploring.
Julia, the hero's ex-wife, who lives a bohemian lifestyle.
Gil, the local director of the community theater group, who is constantly giving new interpretations to classic plays like "Our Town."
When the story revolves around the relationship with the ex and the putting on of the play it offers the reader momentary pleasure-- The writer clearly should be writing about stuff he knows. That pleasure is snatched from the reader by the writer's utter ignorance about the hero's vocation.
We never see his business as an undertaker as more than arranging flowers and setting up chairs and planning viewings and wakes, etc. The writer glosses over that the hero does embalming, etc. but never actually puts the hero doing any of that work. The hero never dresses out bodies, embalms, puts makeup (though a reference is made to another worker using a massive amount of hairspray on one body in order to create a trademark cowlick)...
In fact, his business as an undertaker doesn't overflow or lead him to the actual mystery at all. Nor does his skills or contacts in the industry aid him. AS far as this story goes, the hero could have been a rodeo clown, a butcher, or a street sweeper. Why go to the trouble of creating a unique character with a unique profession if you are not going to write about that profession.
From there we explore a convoluted mystery that isn't really all that mysterious after the first wasted 150 pages. By the time I was able to creep my way to the end of the book I was pleading for some exciting conclusion.
Then we hit a conclusion that is so stupid. The hero is staring out at the harbor and suddenly figures out the mystery and WALLA-- the real killer appears before him and explains herself. What does the undertaker do? Does he call the police? Does he condemn the killer? No, he just walks away, leaving the killer standing in the rain, holding the murder weapon--- which she has had in her purse for days on end during the investigation. Yeah.. she kept the bloody knife.. Look, even Miss Scarlett wouldn't have brought the bloody knife to the dining room, unless of course she planned to use it to frame Col. Mustard.
I have another book in this series, but I'm just gonna throw it away. To slightly paraphrase the person of smaller stature from the old Fantasy Island program, "The Pain! The Pain!"
In other words.. don't bother...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2019
Hitchcock, "Hitch," and his Aunt own and operate a funeral home in Baltimore, Maryland. Business is less than routine when a drunken but beautiful police detective stumbles in and wants to pre-arrange a funeral for a suicide and gives the name of the would-be corpse. Then a handsome tennis pro at the country club comes into the funeral parlor and makes arrangements for the identified woman, a girlfriend of his, who has taken her life. Hitch's curiosity is aroused about the beautiful drunk who knew of a victim's suspected suicide and the unfeeling tennis pro who made the arrangements. Thus he begins an usual investigation that involves the police department, a political campaign for governor and an illegal transportation of toxic waste by rail. So many twists and turns with humorous repartee that I enjoyed very much this campy, pulp mystery. Yes, I would probably tackle another of Cockey's novels if the title is as intriguing as The Hearse You Came In On, which implied a light-hearted, not-so-violent pleasurable read.
February 1, 2009
An easy read murder mystery where the main character, Hitchcock Sewell is an undertaker. He gets involved in a murder case headed by a beautiful yet disturbed detective named Kate. There is sort of a bizarre sub plot of Hitchcock and his ex wife Julia participating in a community theatre production of Our Town. It didn't bother me, but it seems expendable as a storyline. All in all, I enjoyed the book and will probably pick up the next in the series.
March 1, 2012
Other than the blurbs on the book, when you have a protagonist with the name of Hitchcock Sewell, a local most eligible bachelor, that is also the local undertaker... you have a feeling this will be a slightly different/humorous mystery tale. That it is. With Hitchcok's dry wit, some of Baltimore's more quirky characters, you have an entertaining, fun debut. I will continue to follow along with the escapades of this series.
November 3, 2012
Well I finally finished this blasted book. It has nothing to do with the book, regular paperback slightly chewed by the dog.
It's a fun fluffy mystery. Hitch gets a bit annoying at times, but that could be because it took me a million years to finish it.
I like the feel of the family and since it is the first in a series sometimes the backstory slows down the pace.
If you like Stephanie Plum, I'd give this one a try.
It's a fun fluffy mystery. Hitch gets a bit annoying at times, but that could be because it took me a million years to finish it.
I like the feel of the family and since it is the first in a series sometimes the backstory slows down the pace.
If you like Stephanie Plum, I'd give this one a try.
September 26, 2011
I had trouble deciding between 3 and 4 stars. I finally decided upon 3 because I still see holes in how the author wrapped up the plot. Yeah, it was a good twist, but I think the solution was a little simple. I liked the characters, I thought they were well done, the side plots were fun, but just didn't love it.
September 5, 2013
The only a son I read this book was because the fact that Janet Evanovich commented on it. Personally, I love her writing. So I decided, what the check? Might as well. I made it through the whole book, but I thought that it lacked something. Yes, it was funny in parts.. bit the way it ended was not to my fancy. it could have definitely been better.
March 14, 2009
I really like Hitchcock Sewell. He's irreverent, funny, easy-going, and big. He still likes his ex-wife, and is totally at ease solving murders even though he deals with dead people at his funeral home all the time.
January 21, 2010
The first mystery in the series featuring Hitchcock Sewell, Baltimore's most eligible undertaker and amateur sleuth, a really likeable guy who keeps getting involved with community theater, his former in-laws, and his ex-wife. Great fun and not at all morbid.
July 22, 2010
The main character, Hitch, is like the undertaker version of Fletch. He throws out verbal one-liners and observations so quickly you can barely keep up with them. Dry humor, wit, and a plot with lots of twists and turns keep the pace moving along swiftly and with plenty of laughter along the way.
February 8, 2013
(2.5 because it's a Baltimore tale) A ho-hum mystery read. Nothing special with stock characters and bad dialogue. The mystery was built up okay but it felt like the writer got bored with it and just threw it together at the end.
July 3, 2015
If I ever visit Baltimore again, I certainly hope to have at least as much fun as I have had reading this book! The main character, Hitchcock Sewell, has raised the bar for undertakers (and amateur sleuths) everywhere.
October 19, 2007
Cockey had me at "undertaker detective."
November 15, 2012
Didn't care for it that much. I thought an undertaker mystery would be more humorous my bad. I naive enough to want my heroes to be heroes.
July 14, 2021
If you want to know what this book is about, read the synopsis on the cover/website.
I recommend reading it, because it is entertaining at the very least.
And now
Spoilers:
Duh.
I love the turn of phrase in this book. I mostly like the character. I tolerated the plot.
It is NOT a mystery.
I like mystery and whodunnit, but I only hold a mystery to itself. That means I am not going to hold Edgar Allen Poe against Agatha Christie (or vice versa) and say which one is better. I will hold the book to it's own rules and decide if it achieved its goal.
Less than 80 pages into this book I had figured out 90% of who did it, why, and waited for the final reveal of who killed Guy.
It was Kate.
Anyway, if you're going to create a mystery, it's best if you don't blatantly show your political disdain for Republicans and then have them be the killers. You might as well have had your villains wear black cowboy hats.
And that's why there is no real mystery. You know who the killers are based on their political affiliation, and from there it really isn't difficult to figure out what's going on: a lightly redone Captain Planet episode where the bad guys are polluting the planet for fun and profit.
Who are the bad guys? Why, anyone opposite of clearly Democrat Hitch! You can cheat on your wife, plant evidence, hide evidence, litter, lie, murder, and steal large amounts of cash that should be kept as evidence and you're a good person as long as you're a Democrat. Republicans are all pure evil, so...have fun solving the mystery.
No. Really. Kate, the police detective, does all of this but it's okay because she shot her own husband by accident at the same time a crooked cop did. And shes a Democrat.
Hitch's only Republican friend is a psycho from university, and you know why he's a villain? He didn't give a homeless man a dollar. Later you find out he captured a university professor with Hitch in tow because the prof was seducing students, but Hutch (Hitch's friend) was the bad guy.
(What is funny to me is that Baltimore is run by Democrats, from the bottom to the top, but in Tim Cockeys universe, it's all the Republicans fault).
So Kate sets up the crooked cop, Lou, so she can kill him in a gunfight. But that's okay, because justice or something.
Also, this book reads a little like a stage play, with a cast of characters I swear I've seen on a dinner theater playbill.
Aside from that: it's not bad.
Just don't bother trying to solve the mystery.
Give it a chance.
I recommend reading it, because it is entertaining at the very least.
And now
Spoilers:
Duh.
I love the turn of phrase in this book. I mostly like the character. I tolerated the plot.
It is NOT a mystery.
I like mystery and whodunnit, but I only hold a mystery to itself. That means I am not going to hold Edgar Allen Poe against Agatha Christie (or vice versa) and say which one is better. I will hold the book to it's own rules and decide if it achieved its goal.
Less than 80 pages into this book I had figured out 90% of who did it, why, and waited for the final reveal of who killed Guy.
It was Kate.
Anyway, if you're going to create a mystery, it's best if you don't blatantly show your political disdain for Republicans and then have them be the killers. You might as well have had your villains wear black cowboy hats.
And that's why there is no real mystery. You know who the killers are based on their political affiliation, and from there it really isn't difficult to figure out what's going on: a lightly redone Captain Planet episode where the bad guys are polluting the planet for fun and profit.
Who are the bad guys? Why, anyone opposite of clearly Democrat Hitch! You can cheat on your wife, plant evidence, hide evidence, litter, lie, murder, and steal large amounts of cash that should be kept as evidence and you're a good person as long as you're a Democrat. Republicans are all pure evil, so...have fun solving the mystery.
No. Really. Kate, the police detective, does all of this but it's okay because she shot her own husband by accident at the same time a crooked cop did. And shes a Democrat.
Hitch's only Republican friend is a psycho from university, and you know why he's a villain? He didn't give a homeless man a dollar. Later you find out he captured a university professor with Hitch in tow because the prof was seducing students, but Hutch (Hitch's friend) was the bad guy.
(What is funny to me is that Baltimore is run by Democrats, from the bottom to the top, but in Tim Cockeys universe, it's all the Republicans fault).
So Kate sets up the crooked cop, Lou, so she can kill him in a gunfight. But that's okay, because justice or something.
Also, this book reads a little like a stage play, with a cast of characters I swear I've seen on a dinner theater playbill.
Aside from that: it's not bad.
Just don't bother trying to solve the mystery.
Give it a chance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2017
Maybe 3 1/2 stars. It's a close call between three and four. I liked the characters for the most part and the story moved along at a pretty good pace. The plot was a bit strained with a few too many connections between old and new crimes. And I didn't care for the not-to-be ending - that seemed cliche and a little too judge-y. But I liked the main character, Hitchcock, and I liked his play with words. Only wish I could get a snappy quip out as fast as he can. Worth looking at the next in the series.
abandoned-dnf
November 17, 2019The first book I allowed myself to label dnf and put on my new abandoned shelf. I’ve had this book on my unread shelf for years. It’s essentially a run of the mill mystery but the twist is the the protagonist is a funeral director, which I thought would grab me. The book was 100% decent, I’m just setting it aside as abandoned because I have far too many others waiting for me on my tbr. I needed to release myself from this one to give myself permission to enjoy something else. Konmari style, thank you, Tim Cockey. 🙏🏻
August 22, 2017
WOW!
What a fabulous story. Our hero, Hitch, is an undertaker along with his aunt. And he is a fabulous protagonist. Young and smart. A truly decent man who could charm the pants of any attractive lady. He picks a female cop who has a few issues. I liked their chemistry. But it's a lot to take on. Circumstantial problems. I highly recommend this author and his series. Just plain exceptionally entertaining.
What a fabulous story. Our hero, Hitch, is an undertaker along with his aunt. And he is a fabulous protagonist. Young and smart. A truly decent man who could charm the pants of any attractive lady. He picks a female cop who has a few issues. I liked their chemistry. But it's a lot to take on. Circumstantial problems. I highly recommend this author and his series. Just plain exceptionally entertaining.
December 21, 2021
I've always wanted to use the phrase 'sardonic wit' and Tim Cockey, bless his heart, has now given me a chance. This story is overflowing with sardonic wit. It's funny but it is not a lighthearted mystery. It's an excellent story written by a guy who can turn a phrase until it nearly backs over itself. Hitchcock Sewell is an undertaker who now also appears in Cockey's second book which is absolutely on my list to read soon!
April 11, 2021
This book offers quite the dilemma. On the one hand I pretty much agree with all the low ratings and why they were given. On the other hand, I still really liked the character and the story. It’s pretty much middle of the road for this one... not great, not horrible.. I did go to the second book in the series and still feel the same way.
April 21, 2018
This book was enjoyable. The story had some unexpected twists. The main character's thoughts were hilarious. His comments to others, at times, brilliantly sarcastic. I look forward to reading the next in the series.
May 19, 2018
I enjoyed this mystery. Even though I read the second book in this series before I read this one, there was no problem with excessive spoilers. This author did not pad his second novel by recapping his first, as so many authors of mystery series do. I was grateful for that!
March 11, 2019
witty repartee a 'la the old gumshoes, but updated and smart and great.
I loved the connection between 'having baggage' and traveling (the road of life, having experiences, etc.) Normally having baggage has negative connotations, but this is more positive.
I loved the connection between 'having baggage' and traveling (the road of life, having experiences, etc.) Normally having baggage has negative connotations, but this is more positive.
July 24, 2023
An excellent story with excellent writing. If you're looking for a serious mystery with character growth, this book isn't it. But the humor is witty, the writing is solid, and the side story that runs through the book is hilarious. Read this for what it is: a good, fun romp.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews