Once Dying, Twice Dead

Eric Ward #4

by Roy Lewis

A thriving law practice and a happy mar¬riage to a beautiful woman nearly convince solicitor Eric Ward that he has overcome his painful past and started a new life. Two seemingly unrelated cases shatter his belief:
Ward represents an investigative reporter, badly beaten by a local roughneck when he goes too far in pursuit of his story; and he tries to find a man who's been missing for three years, at the request of a woman from Ward's own half-forgotten past. When a gruesome discovery in the first case leads to the bizarre solution of the second, Ward finds that the past, though dead, will not stay buried.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

John 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.

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Diamond Murder is book four in the Eric Ward series by Roy Lewis. Law enforcement officer turned Lawyer Eric Ward caught a new case of the beaten of investigative journalist Eddie Stevens. Eric Ward's investigation led to criminal ties in Marseilles. While investigating Eddie's case, Eric Ward became involved with someone from his past. Will this affect his marriage or his life? The readers will continue to follow Eric Ward to find out the answers.

Diamond Murder is an excellent historical murder mystery set in Newcastle, England. I enjoy that Roy Lewis portrays his characters and the setting of his books with flaws, making the story more authentic and engaging for me. Diamond Murder was well written and researched by Roy Lewis. I love Roy Lewis's portrayal of his characters and the way they intertwine with each other throughout this book. I like Roy Lewis's description of the settings of Diamond Murder which allows me to imagine being part of the plot of this book.

The readers of Diamond Murder will learn about living in Newcastle in the 1980s. Also, the readers of Diamond Murder will know that sometimes it is better not to know the answers about your past.

I recommend this book.

[Helen Bakunowich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Stars

Not one of the best in the series but all in all a book that I did enjoy a lot. The pairing of Eric and Anne is what I enjoy the most. An unlikely pairing that seems to work well while overcoming so many hurdles that tests their marriage a lot. On one hand although Eric is loyal and committed to Anne he does push the boundaries to a large degree. This story was about the reappearance of his first wife, the case concerning his wife's estate which were entwined somehow regarding the crux of the book. This author has a great mind for keeping the reader involved in the story. Another great read. Well done.

[Sherry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I so love the other series by Mr. Lewis with the main character of Arnold Landon that I'm surprised this series doesn't entice me the same way. I'm finding that while I like the character of Eric Ward, I'm not a fan of the setting and the other characters. I'm finding the plot line difficult to follow although there are pieces of each book that are interesting. Such as the information about badger hunting that is found in this book.

[Alžběta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately for him, Eric Ward attracts the attention of all the wrong people. The man, however, does not make things easier for himself and agrees to help a highly suspicious and anxiety-inducing person. "The Diamond Murder" offers less legal wrangling and more sly investigation and scheming, but the quality of the plot, pace, characterisation and atmosphere remain sky-high and Roy Lewis delivers another great story in this excellent series.

[Scott Kalas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good ending

Finally a book without Ward’s eyes playing a reading role. The series isn’t as clean as the first but still not enough to turn from the series.

There is a twist at the end that I didn’t see coming.

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best in the series so far for me. The plot felt assured, as did the storytelling and the background to Eric Ward's life clashing with his current existence made this a compelling read. A really good series.

[Eirlys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

Another helping of Eric Ward and his mystery solving. This is a very complicated plot with emotions running high throughout the book.
I liked the characters, who were believable, and pivotal to the plot.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, really wasn't expecting that twist and sting in the tail at the end! Another really good gritty story with a good plot and some baddies thrown in!!

[C K Dundas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story does drag out a bit at the end

[Sally Winsor · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read with enough twists and turns to keep the reader enthralled.

[R.L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story starts slow, gradually builds suspense, until a fast-paced ending. I enjoyed it. Eric Ward is a great protagonist.

[KH Khaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

My fifth book of the series and still enjoying it as much!!

[Allan Pendlebury · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really found it difficult understand the business dealings; got it in the end but a very complicated scenario.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

While out on a story reporter Eddie Stevens is attacked but when he comes to he notices a part of a body. But who's. Meanwhile Eric Ward is investigating two problems, one for his wife and the other for his ex-wife.
An entertaining modern mystery.
Originally published in 1984.

[Paul Maessen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Eric Ward series and this was the first book where the plot twisted so considerably, I couldn't see the end coming. The quality of Lewis's writing is such however, where this sort of suspense is not required for enjoyment; the characters the setting and the slow turning of events are always compelling. The Diamond Murder story had elements of genuine surprise and tension and all the ongoing drama of Eric Ward's life which I have come to appreciate. Having read the whole series, this is certainly the highlight so far, and added to this was the alleviation of some of Eric's previous medical difficulty which I also found personally relieving! - perhaps demonstrating how deeply Lewis has drawn me in to the life of his characters.

[Maggie Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

Although I found the beginning of this story a bit turbid, once I was into it I found It difficult to put down.
Not as exciting as Roy Lewis's last book, but it doesn't stop me from looking forward to his next novel.

[Brian Murgatroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A shorter read.😎

Pack full of incidents and turns and twists.A good mixs of law and criminal activity.it is well worth it's five stars.☺☺

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

Where does he get the ideas for these stories from?. Another great story with plenty of action and lots of twists and turns. I hope that there are more to come.

[Rhona Macgregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing story kept me reading

Good story quite complicated but very enjoyable found it difficult to put down , so ended up reading till the small hours.

[ian jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book's Librarylibefy N q book's pleasure

Slightly boring did not enjoy this as much as I thought I would, was disappointed and would not recommend it

[BarbJerry Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok