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Eric Ward #3
The Quayside Murder
Looking for a classic murder mystery from an acclaimed crime writer?
Discover Eric Ward, policeman turned lawyer. This beautifully told story, from a time before smart phones and DNA testing, will have you gripped from start to finish.
“Tough, salty and realistic.” Times Literary Supplement
Please note this book was first published as “A Limited Vision”.
AN OFFER TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Former police officer-turned-solicitor Eric Ward is recovering from a serious eye operation when the offer comes in.
Come down to London.
Help Philip Scarn, a successful entrepreneur, break into the North East.
Get paid handsomely doing it.
On the journey, Ward is nearly killed. At the other end of a phone call, a shadowy voice warns this is just the beginning.
Then a young woman is murdered. Ward finds himself caught up in a turf war between gangs as he races to prevent another killing.
Is an old enemy from his policing days on his tail? Or is this something to do with Scarn?
Can Eric Ward discover his enemies when what’s preventing him from seeing them has nothing to do with his eyes?
This fast-paced mystery will have you enthralled from the start. Set in England in the early 1980s, this is the third book to feature Eric Ward. More coming soon.
DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY WRITER
Perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.
THE DETECTIVE
Eric Ward is forced to retire from the police when he discovers he suffers from glaucoma but qualifies as a solicitor (lawyer) and sets up his practice on the Quayside in Newcastle, where he deals with the seamier side of the law. When he marries a wealthy young woman she attempts to persuade him to settle in Northumberland and work with wealthier clients but he stubbornly refuses to give up his criminal practice in Newcastle. Although she draws him into the world of high finance he still insists on continuing at the Quayside — which causes tensions within his marriage, and lead to fatal consequences.
Roy Lewis is one of the most critically acclaimed crime writers of his generation.
“Roy Lewis is a writer who believes in keeping his readers on their toes with plenty of twists and surprises. He writes well, too with an admirable sense of character and place.” Daily Telegraph
“Good on atmosphere.” Newcastle Journal
“A wrenching and compassionately handled tragedy that transcends the conventional mystery form.” Chicago Sun-Times
“Tightly written, well-paced and relentlessly accurate.” Oxford Times
ERIC WARD BOOKS
Book 1: THE SEDLEIGH HALL MURDER
Book 2: THE FARMING MURDER
Book 3: THE QUAYSIDE MURDER
INSPECTOR CROW BOOKS
Book 1: A LOVER TOO MANY
Book 2: ERROR OF JUDGMENT
Book 3: THE WOODS MURDER
Book 4: MURDER FOR MONEY
Book 5: MURDER IN THE MINE
Book 6: A COTSWOLDS MURDER
Book 7: A FOX HUNTING MURDER
Book 8: A DARTMOOR MURDER
More Roy Lewis mysteries coming soon!
Discover Eric Ward, policeman turned lawyer. This beautifully told story, from a time before smart phones and DNA testing, will have you gripped from start to finish.
“Tough, salty and realistic.” Times Literary Supplement
Please note this book was first published as “A Limited Vision”.
AN OFFER TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Former police officer-turned-solicitor Eric Ward is recovering from a serious eye operation when the offer comes in.
Come down to London.
Help Philip Scarn, a successful entrepreneur, break into the North East.
Get paid handsomely doing it.
On the journey, Ward is nearly killed. At the other end of a phone call, a shadowy voice warns this is just the beginning.
Then a young woman is murdered. Ward finds himself caught up in a turf war between gangs as he races to prevent another killing.
Is an old enemy from his policing days on his tail? Or is this something to do with Scarn?
Can Eric Ward discover his enemies when what’s preventing him from seeing them has nothing to do with his eyes?
This fast-paced mystery will have you enthralled from the start. Set in England in the early 1980s, this is the third book to feature Eric Ward. More coming soon.
DISCOVER YOUR NEXT FAVOURITE MYSTERY WRITER
Perfect for fans of Peter James, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James and Peter Robinson.
THE DETECTIVE
Eric Ward is forced to retire from the police when he discovers he suffers from glaucoma but qualifies as a solicitor (lawyer) and sets up his practice on the Quayside in Newcastle, where he deals with the seamier side of the law. When he marries a wealthy young woman she attempts to persuade him to settle in Northumberland and work with wealthier clients but he stubbornly refuses to give up his criminal practice in Newcastle. Although she draws him into the world of high finance he still insists on continuing at the Quayside — which causes tensions within his marriage, and lead to fatal consequences.
Roy Lewis is one of the most critically acclaimed crime writers of his generation.
“Roy Lewis is a writer who believes in keeping his readers on their toes with plenty of twists and surprises. He writes well, too with an admirable sense of character and place.” Daily Telegraph
“Good on atmosphere.” Newcastle Journal
“A wrenching and compassionately handled tragedy that transcends the conventional mystery form.” Chicago Sun-Times
“Tightly written, well-paced and relentlessly accurate.” Oxford Times
ERIC WARD BOOKS
Book 1: THE SEDLEIGH HALL MURDER
Book 2: THE FARMING MURDER
Book 3: THE QUAYSIDE MURDER
INSPECTOR CROW BOOKS
Book 1: A LOVER TOO MANY
Book 2: ERROR OF JUDGMENT
Book 3: THE WOODS MURDER
Book 4: MURDER FOR MONEY
Book 5: MURDER IN THE MINE
Book 6: A COTSWOLDS MURDER
Book 7: A FOX HUNTING MURDER
Book 8: A DARTMOOR MURDER
More Roy Lewis mysteries coming soon!
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1984
769 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Roy Lewis
174 books74 followersJohn Royston Lewis, who published his fiction under the name Roy Lewis, was a prominent English crime writer who wrote more than 60 novels. He was also a teacher, and he taught Law for 10 years before being appointed as One of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Further & Higher Education. He lived in the north of England where many of his novels are set.
Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Lewis is also the author of several law texts, which he published under the name J.R. Lewis.
Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 20, 2023
Philip Scarn, successful businessman recruits solicitor Eric Ward to help expand his entertainment business into the North-east. But nothing is straightforward.
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1983
An enjoyable modern mystery
Originally published in 1983
February 7, 2023
This book was described as ideal for someone looking forward to a classic murder mystery so I thought it would be right up my alley after finishing a supernatural thriller. Set in the 1980’s it’s not as classic as Christie or Sayers; most modern conveniences are in evidence but the narrative is unburdened with forensics, DNA, cell phones and high tech security systems and cameras so it came as a disappointment that the book didn’t have enough charm and atmosphere to offset the missing elements.
Even though I thought it was just okay, I liked it enough to go straight back to the first book in the series (“Quayside” is #3) to familiarize myself with the characters and their backgrounds. The other aspect of the book that specifically didn’t work for me is fact that the protagonist is suffering from glaucoma and has risked surgery to allow him to gain enough of his sight back to work at his new career as a solicitor after being considered no longer being fit to serve as a police detective. I can see why the author uses this device but it never worked for me in this book.
Eric Ward, the policeman turned lawyer, has some appeal as a character but I never found him very engaging. In this book he travels to London to visit an entrepreneur looking for help expanding his entertainment business interests into the north. At this meeting Ward gets an offer almost too good to be true. He is skeptical but eager to start work after his operation. He suffers an accident, a young woman is murdered and Ward is threatened and finds himself caught up in a turf war between gangs.
He suspects the threats are coming from an old enemy from his policing days but they could also be connected with his recent offer after setting up his practice in Quayside, Newcastle. His wealthy wife wants him to give up this new opportunity and settle into a quiet family life and their relationship suffers when he persists investigating things that could be dangerous. The book is well written and the audiobook I ‘read’ has good performances but didn’t work for me as well as hoped.
Even though I thought it was just okay, I liked it enough to go straight back to the first book in the series (“Quayside” is #3) to familiarize myself with the characters and their backgrounds. The other aspect of the book that specifically didn’t work for me is fact that the protagonist is suffering from glaucoma and has risked surgery to allow him to gain enough of his sight back to work at his new career as a solicitor after being considered no longer being fit to serve as a police detective. I can see why the author uses this device but it never worked for me in this book.
Eric Ward, the policeman turned lawyer, has some appeal as a character but I never found him very engaging. In this book he travels to London to visit an entrepreneur looking for help expanding his entertainment business interests into the north. At this meeting Ward gets an offer almost too good to be true. He is skeptical but eager to start work after his operation. He suffers an accident, a young woman is murdered and Ward is threatened and finds himself caught up in a turf war between gangs.
He suspects the threats are coming from an old enemy from his policing days but they could also be connected with his recent offer after setting up his practice in Quayside, Newcastle. His wealthy wife wants him to give up this new opportunity and settle into a quiet family life and their relationship suffers when he persists investigating things that could be dangerous. The book is well written and the audiobook I ‘read’ has good performances but didn’t work for me as well as hoped.
January 23, 2024
Roy Lewis continues to build an in-depth and fascinating portrait of Newcastle and its criminal underbelly seething with rich gangsters, corrupt cops and small-time crooks all clawing at their share of the pie. In "The Quayside Murder," Eric Ward becomes a person of interest for a number of people and soon faces trouble coming his way, alongside his health issues and a complicated relationship with Anne.
There is much less focus on legal disputes than in the previous two books, but the story is equally gripping and Lewis's characters and their inner turmoil show the depth of the author's understanding of human nature.
Overall, "The Quayside Murder" is another excellent instalment of this wonderful series. Most enjoyable and highly recommended!
There is much less focus on legal disputes than in the previous two books, but the story is equally gripping and Lewis's characters and their inner turmoil show the depth of the author's understanding of human nature.
Overall, "The Quayside Murder" is another excellent instalment of this wonderful series. Most enjoyable and highly recommended!
March 14, 2022
Though Eric Ward is struggling with his eyesight (he's had an eye operation) he finds himself falling down stairs in London while on a case for his new boss. Was he pushed or did he trip? He has a phone call telling him he will come to harm because the stairs was no accident. The ending was quite exciting.
January 6, 2023
I enjoyed this book. It was good to read a book where I knew the places they referred to and could imagine the characters walking through the streets. The story itself was good but quite predictable. It was easy relaxed reading so would read another book by the same author in the future
March 28, 2023
I felt the author was trying to pad out the word count, the main subject was always called Eric Ward not just Ward and the descriptions of landmarks or scenes was very wordy. I doubt I’ll continue reading this series
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December 31, 2019I didn't care for this book and didn't finish it. Roy Lewis is not my favorite mystery writer.
July 14, 2020
thrilling,entertaining and a gripping read,really enjoyed this book
January 10, 2021
Grittier and easier to follow than the previous book and some more exciting twists. Envy and greed.
May 3, 2021
The best of the series thus far.
The whole bit with Ward’s eyes still wears on me, but the overall plot over road the eyes stuff. A good ending.
The whole bit with Ward’s eyes still wears on me, but the overall plot over road the eyes stuff. A good ending.
June 10, 2021
This series just gets stronger and stronger. A thoroughly good read.
June 24, 2021
I enjoyed the three books. Out of all the books, book one is the best.
March 1, 2022
Very good best one so far nice but some times the legal bits can lose you
July 31, 2022
Great story, really kept me quessing
I recommend this to all ages, really great storyline, with lots of twists and turns. Can't wait to read the next one.
I recommend this to all ages, really great storyline, with lots of twists and turns. Can't wait to read the next one.
January 14, 2023
Another excellent book on Eric Ward.
December 6, 2019
Newcastle is an interesting.place.
January 4, 2025
Originally published in 1984 under the title "A Limited Vision," this third book in the Eric Ward series finds the protagonist recovering from glaucoma surgery. Despite recommendations to rest and recuperate, he travels down to London to meet with a man who is offering an eye-watering amount of money to represent his legal interests in acquiring commercial property in and around Newcastle. It's pretty clear this guy is not entirely reputable, but the work seems to be aboveboard, and Ward agrees.
However, an accident that lands him in the hospital and a series of threatening phone calls has him looking into potential old enemies from his time as a policeman. His old ex-jockey buddy/investigator is initially happy to help and then gets spooked, and so he drafts in the help of an ex-colleague kicked out of the police for excessive force. Things get very tangled and confusing, and Ward's rich young girlfriend flits around trying to get him to quit. And when a young woman he questions turns up dead, the police brass also tell him to butt out and leave the investigating to them.
Naturally he doesn't, and further action ensues... It's a kind of interesting story as Ward is forced to confront the results of his stubbornness. However, it all rests on a pretty large coincidence involving the murdered woman's connection to both the storylines. So... not sure about this series -- none of the three so far have really hit the mark, but they all have interesting elements to them.
However, an accident that lands him in the hospital and a series of threatening phone calls has him looking into potential old enemies from his time as a policeman. His old ex-jockey buddy/investigator is initially happy to help and then gets spooked, and so he drafts in the help of an ex-colleague kicked out of the police for excessive force. Things get very tangled and confusing, and Ward's rich young girlfriend flits around trying to get him to quit. And when a young woman he questions turns up dead, the police brass also tell him to butt out and leave the investigating to them.
Naturally he doesn't, and further action ensues... It's a kind of interesting story as Ward is forced to confront the results of his stubbornness. However, it all rests on a pretty large coincidence involving the murdered woman's connection to both the storylines. So... not sure about this series -- none of the three so far have really hit the mark, but they all have interesting elements to them.
September 7, 2019
Great Read
This is the first book I've read written by Roy Lewis and it definitely won't be the last. Even though I haven't read Book 1 and 2, it didn't take me long to get lost amid all the drama---by lost I mean; I thoroughly enjoyed the story, so much so that everything else going on in my life was put on a back burner until I hit THE END!
Highly recommend this book to readers who love reading Crime Fiction.
This is the first book I've read written by Roy Lewis and it definitely won't be the last. Even though I haven't read Book 1 and 2, it didn't take me long to get lost amid all the drama---by lost I mean; I thoroughly enjoyed the story, so much so that everything else going on in my life was put on a back burner until I hit THE END!
Highly recommend this book to readers who love reading Crime Fiction.
September 12, 2019
A good read.😎
The third book in the series,same standard of writing by the author.I gave it five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟stars because I liked it,look forward to the next book.,
The storyline flowed at a good pace and was quite tense in parts also Ward blundered about in this story,his skill has a solicitor was not used as in the other books I have a preference for law as well as mystery and murder,hopefully the author will bring back my preference in his next book
The third book in the series,same standard of writing by the author.I gave it five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟stars because I liked it,look forward to the next book.,
The storyline flowed at a good pace and was quite tense in parts also Ward blundered about in this story,his skill has a solicitor was not used as in the other books I have a preference for law as well as mystery and murder,hopefully the author will bring back my preference in his next book
October 15, 2019
A Tyneside murder mystery
Eric Ward a retired Police Inspector has newly trained as a Solicitor. He is offered work by a firm involved in the entertainment business in Tyneside. As a former police officer, he becomes suspicious about his new employer's activities and his investigation leads to fatal events. An exciting and interesting read.
Eric Ward a retired Police Inspector has newly trained as a Solicitor. He is offered work by a firm involved in the entertainment business in Tyneside. As a former police officer, he becomes suspicious about his new employer's activities and his investigation leads to fatal events. An exciting and interesting read.
September 23, 2019
A lovely fat aced slow developing move with a perfect ending.
A very enjoyable read. Excellent writing a !just for fans. Will definitely read more by this author. Looking forward to the next edition in this series.
A very enjoyable read. Excellent writing a !just for fans. Will definitely read more by this author. Looking forward to the next edition in this series.
October 17, 2019
Good
Completed 0plot and interesing chacters. But too many British slang for this yankee. Will probably try some other book by him.
Completed 0plot and interesing chacters. But too many British slang for this yankee. Will probably try some other book by him.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews