Death of a Hero

Fiji Islands Mysteries #0

by B.M. Allsopp

Meet young Joe Horseman. How much will he risk to save his dead hero’s honour?

Horseman idolises rugby captain Seru, who plucked him from the crowd of hopeful freshers to place him in his Fiji university’s top team. So when Horseman finds Seru’s corpse in the changing shed he vows to help investigate. But the police refuse to pass him the ball. Even his friends and Coach send him to the sidelines. Could his idol have feet of clay? To save Seru's honour, Horseman defies the rules and charges ahead.

Death of a Hero is the prequel to the Fiji Islands Mysteries series. Set in 1990s Suva, the young Horseman’s first case is not only a twisty whodunit that will have you reaching for your thinking cap, but a sensitive coming-of-age story that will touch your heart.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Crime

93 pages, ebook

First published November 6, 2019

Reviews

[She's So Novel! ꧁꧂]

2.5★

Note: review written by hand whilst I was on holiday in Fiji.

I wanted a Fiji read while I was holidaying in Fiji & found this title free on Amazon. The author is Australian, but she lived in Fiji for a while & loved her time there.

I nearly had a dnf @14% as the writing at the start was so amateurish, but I'm glad I didn't.

My main problem was with the stiff dialogue - all the more noticeable when you are reading while actually in the country. The Fijians we spoke with - their speech had a natural rhythm, grace & charm. I am glad I persevered though as I learned a bit more about this fascinating country.

the whole whodunnit aspect was very implausible.

& I'm writing this on Fiji time so I'll leave it at that!

https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...

[Jennifer (JC-S)]

‘This was either a trick, or he’d gone to sleep.’

Josefa (Joe) Horseman idolises rugby captain Seru who selected him for placement in the University of the South Pacific’s (USP) top team. Joe is happy to be responsible for the team’s gear and is happy to be the first to arrive at training. But Seru is already there, and he is dead.

The police think Seru took his own life, but Joe thinks he may have been murdered. Everyone seems keen to stop Joe, but Joe investigates further. What will he find? The mystery unfolds over six days, and the answer may surprise you as it did me.

This novella, set in 1990s Suva, is a prequel to Ms Allsopp’s Fiji Islands Mysteries series. This is my introduction to the series, and I really appreciated the glossary and guide to Fijian pronunciation that Ms Allsopp provides at the beginning. Now, to make time to read the other books in this series.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Sherry Fundin]

Review coming soon

[DianaRaven]

Death of a Hero: Fiji Islands Mysteries: How it all began by B.M Allsopp is a well written murder mystery. Her descriptions of Fiji, a beautiful tropical island, leaves you wanting to visit.  Ms. Allsopp also involves the native population and gracefully weaves their traditions into the story.

This Prequel is a great introduction to Joe Horseman and his first murder investigation. The one that changed the direction of his future.  Having previously read Death on Paradise Island and Death by Tradition, I really enjoyed reading about Joe's beginning.

The star rugby player for the University of South Pacific (USP) is found dead. Is it an accident, suicide or murder?  Getting no answers to his questions about what happened to his friend, Joe decides to find his own answers.  But will he like what he finds?

This isn't a typical, fast reading mystery, it has a relaxed pace matching the pace of the islands and the people who live there.  I enjoyed this four-star story and how the characters continued to develop throughout the story

I was gifted this book by the author and am providing a voluntary review.

[Darlene Riggs]

A prequel novella that does its job!
This prequel novella introduces Josefa “Joe” Horseman in the ‘Fiji Islands Mysteries’ series. I definitely enjoyed Joe’s backstory and am anxious to begin reading the books to follow. I was immediately drawn in and engaged in solving the mystery in the death of Seru (Joe’s friend, mentor, and hero). I was quite impressed with Joe’s determination to find the truth regarding Seru’s death as he overcame every obstacle laid before him. I don’t like spoilers; so, as a courtesy, I will not be divulging any in this review. I am especially thankful that it was obviously well written, edited, and proofread prior to publishing. I am looking forward to reading more from B.M. Allsopp.
Inasmuch as I discovered and was gifted this book through another author’s promotion; this review is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Ken Cook]

Prequel to a police procedural series set in the Pacific islands country of Fiji. Setting the principal character Joe in the capital and university, the author presents an interesting cast. The plot involves the rugby captain, and touches lightly on the racial issues. [Full disclosure: I visited Fiji and my Peace Corps Auntie in the early 90's.]

The book is a good introduction to the characters, and I hope to follow Joe into his police career.

As I am a gatherer of books, I collect books and ebooks from a variety of sources: Goodreads wins, Bookhub, BookFunnel, emails from authors and publishers, and others. I do lose track of their sources. But, as a reader, I feel I should give an honest, unencumbered review for all I read.

[Maria]

I wish the rating system would allow for a little more subtlety! I more than liked it(3 stars) but it was a very short story, so I have a reservations saying I really liked it (4 stars) and would prefer to say 3.5!
ok rant over :) As I said, this was a short story that I read in less than an hour, and it was an introduction to Fiji native Joe Horseman. It gives insight into Joe's character and how he was introduced to the world of police officers. An interesting little story, with wonderful descriptions of the islands, people and even some history of Fiji. and I would recommend it to any mystery lover.

[Pete]

This is a very entertaining novella which shows how a young Joe Horseman cut his teeth investigating the murder of his college rugby team captain and how it led to his joining the police to carry out official investigations.
I loved that he wasn't too clever, but rather that the way he approached things was very believable for a young man. The mystery itself was also satisfyingly complex for a shortish book.
An enjoyable read, and should definitely be read by anyone who has enjoyed any of the other Fiji Island Mysteries.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this review.

[Pete]

This is a very entertaining novella which shows how a young Joe Horseman cut his teeth investigating the murder of his college rugby team captain and how it led to his joining the police to carry out official investigations.
I loved that he wasn't too clever, but rather that the way he approached things was very believable for a young man. The mystery itself was also satisfyingly complex for a shortish book.
An enjoyable read, and should definitely be read by anyone who has enjoyed any of the other Fiji Island Mysteries.
I received an advance copy of the book, but have voluntarily written this review.

[Colin Morton]

A very good read, introducing Joe Horseman to the reader and showing how he decided to pursue his two key ambitions in life - rugby and a need to see justice prevail. From this you will want to know more..so I suggest you follow this up with the Fiji Island Mysteries taking you to three adventures featuring the newly promoted DI Horseman as he settles back on Fiji following a major injury which potentially threatens his future rugby career and forcing him to focus on that other desire - to be a good police officer. Not only will you find the mysteries entertaining but find out a what makes Fiji the paradise island but also what lies beneath the beautiful exterior.

[Ellen White]

DEATH OF A HERO ..Fiji......B.M..Allsopp
Horseman thinking he was the first to get to the field with the rugby equipment. Then seeing his captain .Seru slumped over in the corner.a trick or asleep, he didn’t answer. He feels fear, his idol was dead, natural or was there a cause. Not getting answers, he investigates. Good beginning and giving us a look into Fiji culture. Well done, and good character in Horseman wanting to honor someone who first believed in him.
GivenARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

[linda]

First read by this author and I wasn't disappointed. A young youth 'Horseman' is the 'fetch and carry me' person on the rugby coach, who is his hero, so he doesn't see the menial job as a chore, unlike the rest of the team. He enjoys the responsibility. Thing change rapidly when he gets to the training pitch early and finds his hero lying dead on the ground. The police suspect its a suicide but Horseman is convinced its murder and feels its his responsibly to prove to everyone he is right. Is a good easy book to read.

[James]

This prequel novella introduces the main character in the author's Figi Island Mysteries series. While the transitions are a bit abrupt, Ms. Allsopp gives the readers an excellent understanding of Joe Horseman's character and motivations as well as his determination. She introduced me to differing types of Figian culture through her storytelling without making me feel she was belittling my ignorance. I do not believe in reiterating a storyline as I feel it takes from a reader's enjoyment of the story. She has hooked me! I look forward to reading the series.

[Lise]

Seru, captain of the university rugby team, is found dead in the team's equipment shed. Joe Horseman, who had the sad distinction of finding the corpse, idolised his leader and vows to get the matter straightened out. As a freshman and a civilian, the police are disinclined to listen to him, but Joe will find the truth, whatever it may be.

I couldn't get involved with this story. The characters were too dissimilar from those I normally read about, the language was stilted, and the pacing was quite slow. This was my third attempt to finish the book, and happily, third time was the charm.

[Ellen White]

Horseman thinking he was the first to get to the field with the rugby equipment. Then seeing his captain .Seru slumped over in the corner.a trick or asleep, he didn’t answer. He feels fear, his idol was dead, natural or was there a cause. Not getting answers, he investigates. Good beginning and giving us a look into Fiji culture. Well done, and good character in Horseman wanting to honor someone who first believed in him.
GivenARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.

[Christine]

Ever wonder how Joe Horseman went from accounting major in college to the Fiji police force? In Death of a Hero by B.M. Allsopp, we meet Joe as a young university student. His plan is to follow in his father's footsteps and become an accountant, but of course, he still wants to play rugby. Then he finds his captain dead and decides to investigate. I love adult Joe, but young Joe is just as charming.

[Jenny]

An enjoyable tale from the background of Joe Horseman, with an insight into his early days playing rugby and giving us an indication of why he may later join the police force.
Thoroughly enjoyable, showing once again the gentle pace of life in Fiji, and with sufficient interest that anyone interested in this series simply has to read this book. Likewise a good starter for anyone who likes good whodunits.

[Norman Hirschman]

This was my first read and I really enjoyed it. A young rugby player and student finds his trainer dead in the the changing room. At first he was upst. The police thohght it might be suicide. But Joe Horesman could not accept this. However, the police told him to mind his own business. Easier said than done. However, later it was suspected murder with Joe as the possible suspect. Now Joe had to prove his innocence. But can he?

[Barb Foerst]

Josefa Horseman has just begun school and has made the A team for rugby. He works hard and admires Seru the team captain and star player. When Joe finds Seru dead, Joe becomes one of the chief suspects. Joe finds it necessary to pursue the case on his own as he becomes a prime suspect. I thoroughly enjoyed this story.

[Robyn Lobb]

This prequel to the author’s Fiji Mystery series gives an insight into why DI Joe Horseman decided to join the police force. It is set during his days as a University student on a rugby scholarship who becomes involved in the mysterious death of his rugby coach. Looking forward to continuing stories in this series.

[Kenneth Lingenfelter]

Seru Namata, captain of the rugby team was found dead. Josefa discovered the body. The police indicated that it could be suicide. Josefa wants to prove his friend and team mate would never kill himself. One of the detectives indicate to Josefa that he is a suspect. He sets out to find out the truth. This is a great story line and a quick read.

[Christmas Angel]

THIS IS A GREAT WAY TO SEE WHAT LIFE IS LIKE ON FIJI. LAID BACK AND BEAUTIFUL. AN INFORMATIVE STORY WITH AN ENGAGING AND INTENSE PROTAGONIST. IT'S A STORY THAT IS WELL WRITTEN AND LEAVES YOU WANTING MORE. ALWAYS BEST TO START AT THE BEGINNING.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
A FREE BOOK, THIS IS MY HONEST AND FREELY GIVEN REVIEW.

[Lynn]

Death of a Hero by Allsopp was an excellent story. It's amazing what a "kid" can do when he has the persaverence of a man. He kept pushing for answers ever when he was told to stay out of the way.
Fantastic story.
Cheers
Lynn🇨🇦
PS: I spent some time in Suva and the book brought back the beauty of the island.

[Rosemary Hughes]

Knowing how the islanders feel about their rugby, yes the death of one of their teams Captains, under suspicious circumstances, would be a big deal.
However, the young man, who was involuntarily flung into the midst of the case, seemed more ept at doing the investigating than the police themselves.

[MGB]

An interesting exploration of a young man's thoughts as he deals with the death of his hero. He is just a student and a rugby player but the reader can see there is more that drives him. The view is limited both by story length and the author's techniques for moving from scene to scene and clue to clue. There clearly is more to know and maybe we'll learn more as the series progresses.

[Jan]

This was a great story. It describes the earliest stages of Josefa Horseman's journey from young, college student, wannabe rugby player to his decision to become a police detective. I particularly enjoy the descriptions of the local culture, and the use of Fijian expressions.

[Sherlene]

I loved it!! I especially like the character Joe Horseman. I can't wait to read.more. I also.love the description of the beautiful island and the inhabitants in the story. All in all I believe it to be a fabulous read!!

[kc]

This is one terrific book, Very well written with components of Figian history as well as the life of young Joe in this exciting mystery. Allsopp’s best work!

[Susan Green]

This was a great introduction to Joe Horseman. I will definitely be reading more of the series.

[Margie d]

I enjoyed the early years of Joe Horseman. A great addition to the series!! 5 Stars!