What do you think?
Rate this book
Detective Heath Barrington Mystery #5
Death Overdue
I know what you are. Five words scrawled on a note, and Heath knew his life was now in jeopardy. He had no choice but to confront the blackmailer and find out what proof he had. But what then? Pay up and risk demands for future payments? Or not give in and throw his life away? The decision’s made for him when the blackmailer turns up dead. Is Heath a murderer? Even he isn’t sure, thanks to several double martinis. Other suspects include a voluptuous neighbor, a smarmy grocer, a ruthless gangster, Heath’s cousin Liz, who was once married to the blackmailer, and Miss Caldwell, a wily librarian who has eyes for the blackmailer’s current wife, Alice. Heath tries to read between the lines to solve the case of a death overdue before he’s arrested for the crime.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2020
4 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
David S. Pederson
14 books35 followersDavid S. Pederson has written multiple mysteries, all featuring LGBTQ+ characters. He’s a two-time finalist for the Lambda Literary Award for Gay Mysteries. His second book, Death Goes Overboard, was selected by the GLBT Round Table of the American Library Association for the 2018 Over the Rainbow book list. Two of his poems, “My Candle” and “I Never Knew” were used in the 2024 OCTC stage production of “Love Notes Cabaret of Words & Music.”
In 2024 he was invited by a local bookstore to conduct a workshop on writing mysteries, with twelve students in attendance.
In 2025 he was asked to write a short mystery to be included in an anthology, “Crime Ink: Iconic — Where Queer Icons Meet Killer Stories”, a collection of crime stories inspired by queer icons.
He’s passionate about mysteries, old movies, ocean liners, and reading.
He, his husband, and their sweet rescue cats reside in the sunny Southwest.
Website: http://www.davidspederson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidSPeders...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.pederson/
In 2024 he was invited by a local bookstore to conduct a workshop on writing mysteries, with twelve students in attendance.
In 2025 he was asked to write a short mystery to be included in an anthology, “Crime Ink: Iconic — Where Queer Icons Meet Killer Stories”, a collection of crime stories inspired by queer icons.
He’s passionate about mysteries, old movies, ocean liners, and reading.
He, his husband, and their sweet rescue cats reside in the sunny Southwest.
Website: http://www.davidspederson.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidSPeders...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.pederson/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
July 10, 2020
Pederson's latest book, set in Milwaukee in the late 1940's where homosexuality was still illegal, is his best to date. Detective Heath Barrington has a very personal stake in the case as the murder / mystery involves a man attempting to blackmail Heath over his relationship with Office Alan Keyes.
We really get a sense of how difficult it was to be a gay man in this period of time, always on guard and never sure of anyone's motivations. Heath inserts himself in the middle of a murder investigation where he needs to solve the case without making anyone in the department aware of the blackmail and why he is being targeted.
The author, as always, does an exceptional job with the time period and gives us all the little details that make 1948 spring to life. The characters here are nicely fleshed-out and we also get some insight into what life was like for queer women as well. The array of suspects keeps our interest as Heath works through the clues and slowly resolves the case, giving us a bittersweet ending.
This book works for me because we got a more personal view of Heath and Alan's relationship as well as a keen view of societal attitudes. 4.5 stars for "Death Overdue."
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
We really get a sense of how difficult it was to be a gay man in this period of time, always on guard and never sure of anyone's motivations. Heath inserts himself in the middle of a murder investigation where he needs to solve the case without making anyone in the department aware of the blackmail and why he is being targeted.
The author, as always, does an exceptional job with the time period and gives us all the little details that make 1948 spring to life. The characters here are nicely fleshed-out and we also get some insight into what life was like for queer women as well. The array of suspects keeps our interest as Heath works through the clues and slowly resolves the case, giving us a bittersweet ending.
This book works for me because we got a more personal view of Heath and Alan's relationship as well as a keen view of societal attitudes. 4.5 stars for "Death Overdue."
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
July 13, 2020
This is a most interesting addition to an enthralling series, featuring a gay detective and his policeman partner in late 1940's Milwaukee. Although this works fine as a standalone, I would urge readers to start with "Death Comes Darkly" and follow the developing story of Heath Barrington and Alan Keyes. It is good to see that books in the series have been nominated for LAMBDA Literary Awards and I hope that eventually the author will be a winner.
Here attempted blackmail features in Heaths"s life. This was a common and frightening theme in the lives of gay men. I remember how shocked I felt in the relatively liberated 1970's when it emerged after his death that a family friend who was an eminent legal and political figure, honoured by Queen Elizabeth II, had been blackmailed because of his sexuality.
When Heath's blackmailer is found murdered there are complicated situations and relationships to be investigated before a solution is found, a solution which many will find surprising.
Do read this thought-provoking novel. The historical setting is well-handled without overpowering the story, and the relationship between the two policemen continues to be sensitively and realistically-portrayed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital review copy
Here attempted blackmail features in Heaths"s life. This was a common and frightening theme in the lives of gay men. I remember how shocked I felt in the relatively liberated 1970's when it emerged after his death that a family friend who was an eminent legal and political figure, honoured by Queen Elizabeth II, had been blackmailed because of his sexuality.
When Heath's blackmailer is found murdered there are complicated situations and relationships to be investigated before a solution is found, a solution which many will find surprising.
Do read this thought-provoking novel. The historical setting is well-handled without overpowering the story, and the relationship between the two policemen continues to be sensitively and realistically-portrayed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the digital review copy
August 6, 2021
I think if you are a fan of black and white films you should probably enjoy it much more.
An old fashioned mystery, easy to follow, that though partly tends to be stilted.
***ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.***
An old fashioned mystery, easy to follow, that though partly tends to be stilted.
***ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.***
August 12, 2020
Fantastic!!!
Detective Heath finds himself embroiled in a mysterious case of murder of a man who was blackmailing him. Desperate to uncover the truth, protecting his own secrets, Heath is out to prove he is innocent. Piecing together the clues, with Alan’s help they eventually discover that some of the suspects aren’t all they seem, and that this murder is indeed more mysterious than they could have imagined.
This was brilliant! The mystery and the thrill of the plot made for a most exciting crime read with lots of clues and all that charm of the 1940s detective mystery scene. I adored the narrative and the air surrounding the story, especially where Health and Alan’s personal lives were concerned. They very much had to hide all they were to one another but the reader caught glimpses and got to intimately experience some of these moments when the two of them were alone.
Death Overdue is the fifth book in the A Detective Heath Barrington Mystery series and as this was my first. I don’t usually read Male loving Male fictions, so this was also a first for me but I am totally sold on this series. I very much loved it and found myself gripped not only by the exciting plot but also the charming characters. And this also had a little women loving women hint too which was a nice surprise. All of the characters each brought their own unique personality to the story and charmed me in their own way.
Heath is a lovely character, so charming and charismatic. I believed him every step of the way, and he was smart in uncovering clues and piecing together bits of the mystery. He was tactful, very observant and picked up on hints and theories that I couldn’t have even guessed. It was just little things, but he didn’t disappoint in adding a touch of class to this wonderful story.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series, and will definitely pick up the previous books to learn more about Heath and Alan. Definitely, a fan! You can really tell that David has put such effort into the character research and profiles, and even the plots, making you feel really personally connected. I really can’t recommend this enough and loved this story so much!
Detective Heath finds himself embroiled in a mysterious case of murder of a man who was blackmailing him. Desperate to uncover the truth, protecting his own secrets, Heath is out to prove he is innocent. Piecing together the clues, with Alan’s help they eventually discover that some of the suspects aren’t all they seem, and that this murder is indeed more mysterious than they could have imagined.
This was brilliant! The mystery and the thrill of the plot made for a most exciting crime read with lots of clues and all that charm of the 1940s detective mystery scene. I adored the narrative and the air surrounding the story, especially where Health and Alan’s personal lives were concerned. They very much had to hide all they were to one another but the reader caught glimpses and got to intimately experience some of these moments when the two of them were alone.
Death Overdue is the fifth book in the A Detective Heath Barrington Mystery series and as this was my first. I don’t usually read Male loving Male fictions, so this was also a first for me but I am totally sold on this series. I very much loved it and found myself gripped not only by the exciting plot but also the charming characters. And this also had a little women loving women hint too which was a nice surprise. All of the characters each brought their own unique personality to the story and charmed me in their own way.
Heath is a lovely character, so charming and charismatic. I believed him every step of the way, and he was smart in uncovering clues and piecing together bits of the mystery. He was tactful, very observant and picked up on hints and theories that I couldn’t have even guessed. It was just little things, but he didn’t disappoint in adding a touch of class to this wonderful story.
I very much look forward to reading more in this series, and will definitely pick up the previous books to learn more about Heath and Alan. Definitely, a fan! You can really tell that David has put such effort into the character research and profiles, and even the plots, making you feel really personally connected. I really can’t recommend this enough and loved this story so much!
November 5, 2020
Great read! Crisp character development, savvy plot with fun twists and turns. An enjoyable romp through history!
November 6, 2020
Engaging thriller with a historical setting and gay bent. Highly recommend.
August 17, 2021
I can barely believe it when Heath's lover Alan casually mentions a 5 month anniversary to the date when they first met ... and it's 5 books into the series! That and the post-war historical period would account for the careful clandestine interactions between them, their subterfuge and guarded conversations. And especially since one single careless act seems to have resulted in their now being blackmailed! The red herrings were well placed and kept me guessing til the end as to who might have done the dastardly deed ... my main suspects were duds hah. My only quibble would be . 3.5 stars.
July 13, 2020
I was so excited when this book came to my attention, given that it takes place in Milwaukee, my hometown. The story takes place in the 1940s and follows police detective Heath Barrington, who is having a clandestine affair with another police officer, Alan Keyes. Given that being gay during this time period could lead to arrest, being institutionalized, and certainly fired from one's job (especially if you're a police officer!), it's essential that the two men keep their relationship a secret.
So when Heath receives a note that says, "I know what you are," his world crumbles. As it turns out, a low-life named Larry Crowe, a janitor as the police station, is blackmailing him to the tune of $500, or else he will tell everyone about Heath and Alan's secret. After Heath meets with Larry, Heath, after having consumed several double-martinis at a local bar, decides to return to Larry's apartment, perhaps to further negotiate with him. Heath's not sure because he doesn't remember anything after having left the bar — which is unfortunate because Larry was found murdered later that afternoon. Heath then becomes the prime suspect in Larry’s murder. And the kicker is that he's not even certain of his own innocence given that the events of that afternoon for Heath are a complete blank and it’s not inconceivable that in his drunken state, he returned back to Larry’s apartment and killed him given that Larry was threatening him with utter ruin.
So even though it's against the rules and could land Heath in some significant hot water, he, along with Alan, decides to investigate the crime and attempt to discover what really happened that afternoon. Luckily for Heath, he’s not the only suspect. We also have Heath's cousin Liz who was married to the blackmailer, a dangerous gangster known as Vinnie the Horse, and Miss Caldwell, the local librarian who seems to be sweet on Larry's current wife, Alice.
I loved the underlying tension throughout the story as we, along with Heath and Alan, journeyed to discover whether Heath did, in fact, kill Larry Crowe. The suspense is taut, but there is an emotional element at play here, and the story expertly portrayed the difficulties that gay people faced during this time period and how they always had to be extremely careful of what they said or how they acted, lest they find themselves in a whole heap of hot water. In this way, the author does a phenomenal job of portraying the atmosphere of a 1940s Milwaukee as well as illustrating the danger in being outed and how quickly it could quickly destroy lives, all of which really brought the story to life for me.
Additionally, the book explores some very real concerns about spousal abuse, intolerance, regret, secrets, and discrimination, and my heart broke in so several places as it was quite a traumatic roller coaster of a ride. I was overwhelmed with the deep impact portions of this story produced on me.
It was still a lot of fun to unravel the mystery of what happened to Larry Crowe, and what we end up with then is a twisted and suspenseful little mystery that entangles secrets, identity, and murder. Death Overdue is a masterful historical fiction set in the late 1940s that illuminates the very real issues of discrimination and intolerance. Moreover, it's a well-written, lovely, eloquent, and engaging story with a twisty little mystery to solve. I definitely plan on picking up more books by this author.
A huge thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy of this book.
So when Heath receives a note that says, "I know what you are," his world crumbles. As it turns out, a low-life named Larry Crowe, a janitor as the police station, is blackmailing him to the tune of $500, or else he will tell everyone about Heath and Alan's secret. After Heath meets with Larry, Heath, after having consumed several double-martinis at a local bar, decides to return to Larry's apartment, perhaps to further negotiate with him. Heath's not sure because he doesn't remember anything after having left the bar — which is unfortunate because Larry was found murdered later that afternoon. Heath then becomes the prime suspect in Larry’s murder. And the kicker is that he's not even certain of his own innocence given that the events of that afternoon for Heath are a complete blank and it’s not inconceivable that in his drunken state, he returned back to Larry’s apartment and killed him given that Larry was threatening him with utter ruin.
So even though it's against the rules and could land Heath in some significant hot water, he, along with Alan, decides to investigate the crime and attempt to discover what really happened that afternoon. Luckily for Heath, he’s not the only suspect. We also have Heath's cousin Liz who was married to the blackmailer, a dangerous gangster known as Vinnie the Horse, and Miss Caldwell, the local librarian who seems to be sweet on Larry's current wife, Alice.
I loved the underlying tension throughout the story as we, along with Heath and Alan, journeyed to discover whether Heath did, in fact, kill Larry Crowe. The suspense is taut, but there is an emotional element at play here, and the story expertly portrayed the difficulties that gay people faced during this time period and how they always had to be extremely careful of what they said or how they acted, lest they find themselves in a whole heap of hot water. In this way, the author does a phenomenal job of portraying the atmosphere of a 1940s Milwaukee as well as illustrating the danger in being outed and how quickly it could quickly destroy lives, all of which really brought the story to life for me.
Additionally, the book explores some very real concerns about spousal abuse, intolerance, regret, secrets, and discrimination, and my heart broke in so several places as it was quite a traumatic roller coaster of a ride. I was overwhelmed with the deep impact portions of this story produced on me.
It was still a lot of fun to unravel the mystery of what happened to Larry Crowe, and what we end up with then is a twisted and suspenseful little mystery that entangles secrets, identity, and murder. Death Overdue is a masterful historical fiction set in the late 1940s that illuminates the very real issues of discrimination and intolerance. Moreover, it's a well-written, lovely, eloquent, and engaging story with a twisty little mystery to solve. I definitely plan on picking up more books by this author.
A huge thank you to Netgalley for providing a review copy of this book.
July 11, 2020
David S. Pederson never disappoints when it comes to twisted and suspenseful mysteries from the series “A Detective Heath Barrington Mystery”. In “Death Overdue” he presents a different side to Heath Barrington.
Heath Barrington, the by-the-book, sharp as a tack, detective is falling apart. Something that just isn’t in his nature. But when he’s blackmailed by a very dangerous low-life his world is taken for a spin. The blackmailer will not only destroy Heath, his cousin Liz Valentine, but also, Alan Keyes and Heath can’t let that happen.
Because Heath is a possible suspect he’s been warned not to interfere with the case being handled by Detective Alvin Green. But one small note that could destroy him and Allan gives Heath no choice but to find the guilty party. Police Officer Alan Keyes has been special to Heath for a long time. When Alan learns of Heath’s fears about the murder of the blackmailer he knows he has no qualms about helping Heath.
David S. Pederson does an amazing job showing a different side to Heath Barrington. Heath is always confident and aware of everything around him, now he struggles with lost time. With the loss of time and not remembering, Heath has to stay focused as he traces his steps very meticulously. His emotions and fear is very clear as he knows the punishment that could befall him and Alan Keyes if their relationship is revealed. This also brings out how much Heath cares for Allan and the concern he has for his cousin Liz.
This story also opens up views and opinions about: laws that concern spousal abuse, self-defense, accomplices and accessory to crimes of murder and the intolerance and misconception and hurt that presents itself with being gay.
There’s an interesting bond between three women: Alice Crow, wife of the deceased Larry Crow, librarian Evelyn Caldwell and Agnes Picking, widower.
On the shady side is: Larry Crow, blackmailer, scammer and abusive husband. Melvin “Vinnie the Horse” Horshauer, loan shark, gangster and grocery store owner, Ossip Jarvis.
I follow several different mystery series from different time periods and
“A Detective Heath Barrington Mystery” is my favorite series set in Milwaukee 1947. Pederson knows how to bring the era to life, with his colorful descriptions of dress, places, phrases and music of that era. Pederson also provides interesting facts and ideas that help develop this story with “Mystery History”.
I highly recommend “A Detective Heath Barrington Mystery” series. “Death Overdue” is suspenseful and an absolute page-turner. Pederson has a book six in the works “Death”s Prelude”, unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for 2021.
Heath Barrington, the by-the-book, sharp as a tack, detective is falling apart. Something that just isn’t in his nature. But when he’s blackmailed by a very dangerous low-life his world is taken for a spin. The blackmailer will not only destroy Heath, his cousin Liz Valentine, but also, Alan Keyes and Heath can’t let that happen.
Because Heath is a possible suspect he’s been warned not to interfere with the case being handled by Detective Alvin Green. But one small note that could destroy him and Allan gives Heath no choice but to find the guilty party. Police Officer Alan Keyes has been special to Heath for a long time. When Alan learns of Heath’s fears about the murder of the blackmailer he knows he has no qualms about helping Heath.
David S. Pederson does an amazing job showing a different side to Heath Barrington. Heath is always confident and aware of everything around him, now he struggles with lost time. With the loss of time and not remembering, Heath has to stay focused as he traces his steps very meticulously. His emotions and fear is very clear as he knows the punishment that could befall him and Alan Keyes if their relationship is revealed. This also brings out how much Heath cares for Allan and the concern he has for his cousin Liz.
This story also opens up views and opinions about: laws that concern spousal abuse, self-defense, accomplices and accessory to crimes of murder and the intolerance and misconception and hurt that presents itself with being gay.
There’s an interesting bond between three women: Alice Crow, wife of the deceased Larry Crow, librarian Evelyn Caldwell and Agnes Picking, widower.
On the shady side is: Larry Crow, blackmailer, scammer and abusive husband. Melvin “Vinnie the Horse” Horshauer, loan shark, gangster and grocery store owner, Ossip Jarvis.
I follow several different mystery series from different time periods and
“A Detective Heath Barrington Mystery” is my favorite series set in Milwaukee 1947. Pederson knows how to bring the era to life, with his colorful descriptions of dress, places, phrases and music of that era. Pederson also provides interesting facts and ideas that help develop this story with “Mystery History”.
I highly recommend “A Detective Heath Barrington Mystery” series. “Death Overdue” is suspenseful and an absolute page-turner. Pederson has a book six in the works “Death”s Prelude”, unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for 2021.
August 17, 2020
This brilliant author immediately brings the reader right into the story with a suspense-laden note that aspiring young detective Heath Barrington receives concerning his relationship with love interest and police officer Alan Keyes. Set in the 1940’s in Milwaukee Wisconsin, one is transported back into time and can well imagine the struggles and intricacies of gay relationships during that time period, with the author’s sensitive, thoughtful, and colorful depiction of the romance between Heath and Alan, and the very real dangers associated to career and lives should their ‘secret’ relationship be revealed.
The plot has all the fabulous drippings of a great Agatha Christy novel complete with the captivating twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing, and utterly intrigued as the author expertly crafts his tale with intriguing and compelling suspects that offer a mirad of different ways the murder could have taken place.
I particularly liked the way the author smartly and seemingly effortlessly let the story softly unfold after the initial ‘bomb drop,’ and the way the colorful list of suspects became more and more narrow. One is literally left in suspense as the final suspect or suspects is/are revealed.
This book is the fifth book in the Detective Heath Barrington Murder Mysteries. However, I feel that one does not necessarily have to read any of the previous books in order to get a sense of history or character evolution, as each book seems to allow for a unique, well rounded, and thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery reading experience.
I highly recommend this great book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. They will not come away empty handed, instead they will greatly anticipate more subsequent books from the Detective Heath Barrington Murder Mystery Series.
The plot has all the fabulous drippings of a great Agatha Christy novel complete with the captivating twists and turns that keeps the reader guessing, and utterly intrigued as the author expertly crafts his tale with intriguing and compelling suspects that offer a mirad of different ways the murder could have taken place.
I particularly liked the way the author smartly and seemingly effortlessly let the story softly unfold after the initial ‘bomb drop,’ and the way the colorful list of suspects became more and more narrow. One is literally left in suspense as the final suspect or suspects is/are revealed.
This book is the fifth book in the Detective Heath Barrington Murder Mysteries. However, I feel that one does not necessarily have to read any of the previous books in order to get a sense of history or character evolution, as each book seems to allow for a unique, well rounded, and thoroughly enjoyable murder mystery reading experience.
I highly recommend this great book for anyone who enjoys a good mystery. They will not come away empty handed, instead they will greatly anticipate more subsequent books from the Detective Heath Barrington Murder Mystery Series.
June 14, 2020
Part of the Detective Heath Barrington series set in Milwaukee 1947.
Heath is being blackmailed by the Police Station janitor Larry Crowe who had been married to Heath’s cousin Liz.
Larry is blackmailing Heath over his relationship with Alan Keyes - this would have been scandalous in the forties. He wants 500 dollars or else he will tell their secret.
Heath meets him on the Saturday afternoon afterwards he gets drunk , only coming round on the Sunday morning feeling awful and not remembering anything about the previous evening.
Alan phones to tell him that Crow is dead.
Heath and Alan set out to find the truth which hopefully means Heath didn’t kill him - luckily there’s are several other potential suspects, including Heath’s cousin Liz. and the local librarian.
Slow paced and old fashioned thriller , in step with the time it is set. The fear that homosexuals had of being discovered and outed is handled well.
Heath is being blackmailed by the Police Station janitor Larry Crowe who had been married to Heath’s cousin Liz.
Larry is blackmailing Heath over his relationship with Alan Keyes - this would have been scandalous in the forties. He wants 500 dollars or else he will tell their secret.
Heath meets him on the Saturday afternoon afterwards he gets drunk , only coming round on the Sunday morning feeling awful and not remembering anything about the previous evening.
Alan phones to tell him that Crow is dead.
Heath and Alan set out to find the truth which hopefully means Heath didn’t kill him - luckily there’s are several other potential suspects, including Heath’s cousin Liz. and the local librarian.
Slow paced and old fashioned thriller , in step with the time it is set. The fear that homosexuals had of being discovered and outed is handled well.
May 31, 2021
What an enjoyable murder mystery! Having read all the other Detective Heath Barrington mysteries, this one does not disappoint. Using the dread of blackmail that many closeted gay men fear, the author skillfully navigates Heath through his initial anguish at being blackmailed up to his blackmailer being found murdered. Being one of the suspects, Heath desperately searches for clues to prove his innocence but not without several plot twists along the way.
I found this version of Heath to be a lot more nuanced than in previous stories. He has flaws, sometimes breaks the rules, and risks his career to solve the murder, prove his own innocence and retrieve the evidence that the blackmailer had stolen. I highly recommend this book and series! They keep getting better and better.
I found this version of Heath to be a lot more nuanced than in previous stories. He has flaws, sometimes breaks the rules, and risks his career to solve the murder, prove his own innocence and retrieve the evidence that the blackmailer had stolen. I highly recommend this book and series! They keep getting better and better.
September 18, 2020
A complex plot and a well paced story but I just didn’t warm to the characters. This is set in the 1940’s and being gay is something you get blackmailed for. Detective Barrington is being blackmailed and is unsure how to proceed in a way that saves his job, his lover but still stops the criminal. The developments are all credible and the ancillary characters are excellent and the ending is well drawn. I couldn’t put my finger on what I felt was missing but maybe I couldn’t identify with the period or the place. I would certainly give David Pederson another try as his writing is faultless.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in return for an honest review.
May 9, 2021
Still enjoying Heath’s outings, this one cutting a little lose to home.
Cousin Liz’s abusive ex husband is murdered and there are any number of known and mystery suspects - including Heath and his bloodstained shirt and Liz.
Despite being under suspicion and keen to get back the damning evidence Larry held, Heath has to work through Alvin Green as lead detective - doesn’t stop him getting involved though.
I like the way the books reflect the time, so whilst techniques are quite simple, they do reflect the era. All those Fedora’s!
Cousin Liz’s abusive ex husband is murdered and there are any number of known and mystery suspects - including Heath and his bloodstained shirt and Liz.
Despite being under suspicion and keen to get back the damning evidence Larry held, Heath has to work through Alvin Green as lead detective - doesn’t stop him getting involved though.
I like the way the books reflect the time, so whilst techniques are quite simple, they do reflect the era. All those Fedora’s!
April 1, 2024
The first book of this series gave hope for an excellent series and by book 5 Heath Barrington's character had developed into a very interesting and believable person. He went from being quite robotic to being a character I could relate to and care about.
November 5, 2020
Phenomenal read!!!
November 7, 2020
Best so far!
January 30, 2025
David Pederson is changing my reading choices by exposing me to mystery books. Another fun read for long January nights
July 23, 2025
So I *really* hate mysteries that involve the detective personally. Clearly, other people like them, but I DO NOT.
July 18, 2021
Good mystery, although I still find the author’s writing style stilted.
August 6, 2020
Fun read
Good storyline. Kept you guessing until nearly the end. References to Milwaukee accurate and history of that time interesting. Fun read.
Good storyline. Kept you guessing until nearly the end. References to Milwaukee accurate and history of that time interesting. Fun read.
January 23, 2023
A well written, enjoyable post war mystery, with likable characters.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews