Wrongly Convicted

Slater & Norman Mystery #12

by P.F. Ford

Can anyone really be taken at face value?

In February 2008 Julie Harris left home to spend the weekend with an old friend. Several weeks later her battered body was found on a caravan site in Wales. Her husband was later found guilty of her murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Steve Harris always protested his innocence, and now, ten years later, evidence has come to light that suggests he may well have been wrongly convicted.

Slater and Norman are tasked with the job of uncovering the truth, but with a widening pool of suspects, and a shrinking list of potential witnesses, can they discover what really happened on that fateful weekend and catch the real killer?

Wrongly Convicted is the twelfth book in P.F. Ford’s Slater and Norman Mystery series.

Buy this book today if you like an intriguing plot and engaging characters.

Genres: Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

First published May 21, 2018

About the author

Having spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’

Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.

Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.

He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.

Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!

Reviews

[Ian Colebourn]

The author that keeps on giving...

I am of course an avid fan of PF Ford and this latest book does not disappointed. How clever to integrate two stories, the investigation and of course "Watson". As always, the book was light hearted, easy to read and disappointing when you finish them. If only they could go on. We shall have to wait for the next one.
Finally, my thanks to Peter's wife for encouraging him otherwise we would not have had the pleasure in reading his books.

[Kim J]

Ha Ha Ha! That ending though!

Nothing like a good old fashioned conspiracy! Unless of course you are two of the smartest exp coppers out there! Looks like good Ol Norm is getting a life , while Dave is throwing in one wrench after another in his! But I truly love these two characters. I can't believe I o my have 2 more in this series, but then there is the next one to look forward to!!!

[Lee Brothers]

The last three books have been a complete upheaval and teardown of everything Slater and Norman knew, and took for granted. And during each book I wondered where the crap is this author going and just what is he gonna do and is the book/story gonna be any good? Slater has faced problems on the professional and personal levels; dealing with one too many things that have happened to him. And each time he tries to put his life back together, something comes along and blows it apart. Well, for the past three books, that’s been very interesting and entertaining but I hope that’s over and that we’re now going in a new direction and we’re going to see some butt kicking detective work!! This whole series is well worth your time to read it and enjoy it, I love it!!!

[Jane Shand]

Another enjoyable installment in the Slater and Norman mysteries. This one had them both in, working together. They had 2 cases to solve, one with a personal interest for Slater... Not much to say different about these now I am on book 12 - if you liked the first few, you will no doubt continue to like them. They are not perfect. Sometimes things happen just for the sake of the plot, or someone doesn't quite behave as you would expect. But they are well written, fun, and well paced with likeable characters and intriguing plots. What's not to enjoy? Only 2 more to go and then I shall read the West Wales series.

[Nancy Brown]

Slater and Norman Investigate a Solved 10 Year Old Murder

A woman presents a decade old murder trial and conviction of her brother to Norman, asking for help in appealing for retrial. Investigating the witnesses and others directly involved leads Slater and Norman on so many tales of sex and lies, twists and turns in the plot and many who were alive 10 yrs ago are dead or murdered. Clues are hard to come by. Some guess work and a bit of hacking keep them on the right track. I enjoyed this book as all other OF Ford books.

[barbara a. woodruff]

A man is sentenced to prison for murder. The actual murderer conspires to payoff people to lie during the trial. Slater and Norman are private detectives who have been hired by the man's sister to try and find the real murder. During the investigation, a second issue becomes apparent. Slater's car which was loaned to a friend is part of a plot by a possible spy and may be part of a bombing. Witnesses are unreliable or unavailable.
Plot twists keeps the interest high to figure out what has happened. Could not close the book until I was able to read to the last page.

[Syl]

I’m a great fan of PF Ford and have read all the Slater and Norman books. This one was another great read and I enjoyed the story immensely. It continues the story with Norman running the PI business while Dave Slater is on holiday in Thailand with no indication of when, or whether he’ll return. His new case turns up just as Slater returns and things get exciting. Definitely worth reading if you’re a fan of Slater and Norman.

[Scott Kalas]

the plots are good, but….

Let’s just say Slater’s romances, love life, what ever you want to call it, easily takes a three, maybe even a four star plot to a two story. I’m looking forward to catching up on all he books so I can hopefully find one where the protagonists’ stories are a soap opera. The female characters, some who are good until it becomes a romance thing, come and go like soap bubbles.

[Dobby [on hiatus]]

Such eloquent writing ...

As he sipped at a cup of tea, Slater stared blankly out of the window. He felt empty. He could think of about a dozen things he could, and probably should, have said but, of course, these things never come to mind at the right time, do they?

I'm right there with Dave, staring out the window. This is part of the magic of Ford's world- and character-building.

[J Davies]

I've really enjoyed this last one in the twelve book collection Slater and Norman escapades. It's interesting to look back and see how those two main characters have changed and developed. As well as tying off some loose ends, this book has a very good storyline. The two, now private detectives have had to modify their was of working,but they they do it efficiently with plenty of their usual humour and banter along the way.
Turns out that the series continues. Next one already downloaded. Yay!

[Donna]

Another great addition to this series.

This series is just getting better and better! The story was great, had good detail and was well written. I love the central characters and am keen to keep reading about them, I can't wait for the next book.
I would highly recommend that you read this series from the start, it's really enjoyable.

[Patricia]

Another chase to the truth

Poor Dave Slater can never seem to get it right with the ladies. He has the worst luck. Thankfully he and his buddy, Norm, have been asked to investigate and prove a man was wrongfully sent to prison. Suffice it to say it is another gripping tale you won't want to miss. Plus you'll find out what happens with Dave's lady friend!

[Kay Stammerjohan]

Ford's books keep me guessing

This book, Wrongly Convicted, was as usual, a story I could not easily put down. I really enjoy Norman Norman & Slater as their characters have become real and their adventures and dialog fun to read. Thank you P.F.Ford for great reading.

[Mags Shaw]

Another Dave and Norman resolution.

Easy reading, random humor thrown in at the right time, couple of good twists at the end — just good easy, enjoyable reading. Author Ford continues to have excellent research of surroundings, countryside and job responsibilities. Particularly like the emotional relationships between characters.

[Timstandish]

Slater a d Norman together again.

Nice to see Norman and Slater working a case together again . Seems like ages since that has happened. Have always enjoyed the banter between the two of them and the way they bounce ideas off of each other. Sorry the way things ended for Watson(Sam). I enjoyed her in the past couple of books.

[JA]

Great!

I love this series and have enjoyed all the books but this one stands out for me. I think the writing is terrific and it was a great story too... just all around good reading... can't wait for the next installment. Keep them coming!!!

[Brinsgirl]

Another winner from !r Ford

It has been a real delight reading the latest Slater and Norman book. Great plot with believable characters who have become good friends. More please Mr Ford, Dave and Norm have an exciting future I am sure.

[Mrs. Juanita G. Bass]

Good Read

In some places, the details were tedious, but the book was written well. Dave Slater and Norman Norman are enjoyable. Their relationship is natural and thus believable. I like the series and have read all of them.

[Noralee Eversaul]

Enjoyable reads

I have enjoyed all of P.P.Ford's works. They're not so heavy you find yourself skimming the page to get to the real story. The characters are believable as is the villainy.

[Regina L Davis]

Absolutely wonderful read. One of the best in the series. Hoping there will be more books. Norman and Slater are just good together. I also like that these books include the characters' personal lives, but much less than some of the other series I have read. Great Job, Mr. Ford.

[mary e savini]

Back on track

This was REALLY GOOD. The last few books were ok but not really good, more a 3 and maybe a 4. But with Dave and Norm back together and the story line I sped through the book in three sittings. Makes me anxious again for the next book which I just downloaded!

[Keith Chambers]

Next please!

I have read/am reading so many detective series but none of them have this constant changing of circumstances of the two main characters. Never boring, don't know how he does it. Absolutely fantastic story telling. Would highly recommend.

[Keith Bell]

Amazing where life takes you

With all those conflicting things going on in the life of Slater & Norman, to me the storyline runs like Norms old car, keeps going and keeps you on your toes, really do enjoy the characters and the constant introduction of new names and stories.

[Megan Delf]

Enjoy the Slater and Norman books, though hope that one day Slater will find the love of his life.

Always enjoy the Slater and Norman books, though hope that one day Slater will.find the love of his life as Norman seems to have.

[JULIE WALSHAM]

Could not put it down

It starts with a holiday then a murder and a second case of trying to work round the ten missing years that need to prove a miscarriage of justice but you never know what is round the corner and it ends with a walk with the dog great book .

[Sandy McKenna]

A complex case.

A woman approaches Norman to help her brother, who she believes was wrongly convicted of the murder of his wife ten years previously.
This very complex case takes Slater and Norman all over Britain as they search for clues.

There is trouble for Slater on his return from a holiday in Thailand.

Once again, P.F. Ford has penned an excellent who-dunnit, which keeps the readers guessing throughout. Highly recommended for fans of this genre.

[Linda Ashby]

Wrongly Convicted

I think P Ford keeps you on your toes all the time as there is always s twist in the tale.

[Michele M Barron]

Two likable P.I.'s

I'm have been growing quite fond of Dave Slater and Norman Norman. This book reminds me of why I like English Mysteries. Keep up the good writing Mr Ford!

[Liz Walker]

Awesome!

I love the Dave Slater mysteries. Quite entertaining. Dave and Norman Norman are the best. Can’t wait for the next one!

[Carla DeMarco]

Great series

I have read all 12 books in this series and truly enjoyed each and every one. I hope there will be more in the future.