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Listening Length 8 hours, 16 minutes

Agnes Lockwood returns to Tyneside after spending a few months abroad. On her first visit, she gained quite the reputation as an amateur sleuth, as she helped the police solve a murder.

Now, she is simply looking forward to meeting again with Alan Johnson, a DCI with the Newcastle police force. Having missed him while she was away, she is hoping their relationship will continue to blossom.

But on her first day back in the city, she gets caught up in another murder. This time, her intrusion into the police investigation pushes Alan Johnson’s patience to the very limit.

Audible Audio

Published February 11, 2020

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About the author

Eileen Thornton

24 books126 followers
Since beginning a comprehensive writing course with The Writers Bureau in 2001, my articles and short stories have been published in a variety of magazines. These include Heritage, Scottish Field, The Lady and People’s Friend. In 2005 a couple of my short stories were included in two quite different anthologies. The first story was in an International Anthology, published in June, while the second appeared in Café Ole – Too Hot To Handle, which was launched in Glasgow during August.

My debut novel, The Trojan Project, an action thriller, was published at the end of May 2008 by Austin & Macauley Publishers Ltd. Now my novel is to be re-published in the USA later this year with a brand new cover. Details of my novel can be found on my website. www.eileenthornton.co.uk I also review books for newbooks a bi-monthly magazine informing the public of new books on the shelves.

I am a member of the Society of Authors, the Society of Women Writer’s and Journalists, The Edinburgh Writer’s Club, The Borders Writer’s Forum, Mystery Women and The Melrose Literary Society, as well as being an Associate Member of NAWG (National Association of Writers Groups).

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5 stars
216 (49%)
4 stars
135 (31%)
3 stars
62 (14%)
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16 (3%)
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6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for James.
Author 20 books4,386 followers
July 29, 2020
Earlier this year, I read the first book in the Agnes Lockwood mystery series by Eileen Thornton. I really enjoyed it and got a copy of the second book, Death on Tyneside, last month. I added it to my reading queue for November and finished it earlier today. Kudos to the author for delivering a robust sequel full of heart, mystery, and connections.

Agnes has returned from a trip to visit her sons in Australia. Upon arrival and a walk through the park, she stumbles on a dead body. It has no identification, no clues, and no history from what the cops can tell. Agnes' former friend and potential renewed love interest, a Detective Chief Inspector--Alan Johnson, begins to investigate the case. Agnes pushes her way into the mystery, as she often does, but this time, it's personal. A man she thinks has been following her tells her a story that could change her life. Will she believe him? And how are the two stories connected?

Thornton has created a fun and special character in Agnes. She's smart and reminiscent of Miss Marple, but probably a good 25 years younger, too. She sees things the cops don't see and gets herself stuck in very difficult situations. Hopefully she doesn't do it too often or she might exhaust all nine lives! (No, she's not a cat, I'm just being funny). I enjoy the hotel scenery and the back and forth point of views to see what's happening in the whole story from different character perspectives. Agnes also makes a new friend on the police, Morris, who I would like to see become a supporting and recurring character.

I'm hopeful we get to meet the two sons in the next caper. I would love to see Agnes rounded out even more. I also love the relationship between Agnes and Alan -- it's charming and complex in terms of never quite listening to one another but also challenging each other to be more open. It would be fun to see some scenes from their past, too

If you like lovely, light mysteries with a clever amateur sleuth who can be too nosy but always kind and helpful, you will love this one.
Profile Image for Phil Matthews.
509 reviews2 followers
August 25, 2018
Drop off

Similar plot from the last with more holes. Simply because no DNA match on victim and no prints in system hardly rules out as killer. Weak family identification of victims. Saying woman too weak to move victim but man able to disguise as woman okay pure hogwash. Like reference to NCIS.
3 reviews
June 21, 2018
Fun to read

Keep writing Eileen Thornton. These two Agnes mysteries were really fun to read. I like the characters, and I like the plot path. Well done!
Profile Image for Berk Rourke.
378 reviews
May 24, 2018
I have placed a longer review on Amazon for this book. I will not reiterate all of that review here. This is a wonderful book, immaculately written and well presented, as usual with anything done by Eileen Thornton. The characters are believable and wonderfully drawn. The story is filled with twists and turns, some you won't see at all, unless you read the story. You should do so because this book is well worth the time and the money.
Profile Image for Eileen Thornton.
Author 24 books126 followers
February 3, 2019
Death on Tyneside Free!
Obviously, I can't review my own novel. However, I would like you all to know that it will be free to download until 7th February 2019.
Why not take advantage of the offer and download a copy of Murder on Tyneside (Book one in the series) at the same time. In other words, get two books for the price of one.
That's a real bargain!
Profile Image for Fran.
Author 57 books148 followers
April 1, 2018
Death in Tyneside: Eileen Thornton
Tyneside seems to attract Agnes Lockwood but so does death seem to follow her path each time she is there. The first time she even assisted law enforcement solving a murder and actually using her critical thinking and reasoning skills to help solve the murder and bring the person to justice. But, what happens when she arrives again and comes face to face with a mutilated body? You got it! She becomes a witness, questioned and of course will once again use her sleuthing skills and curiosity to mix into the investigation much to the chagrin of her newfound boyfriend Alan Johnson.
Richard Harrison seems to be paying too much attention to Agnes and shows her a picture of a person that is supposedly her father and claims to be his. With someone named Joanne by his side Agnes thinks twice before letting him know that she does not believe a word she says. But, things escalate out of control as Detective Morris, once he is done being a wise guy, goes undercover to follow Harrison and his cohort and you won’t believe what is uncovered.
Agnes and Alan Johnson get closer but she becomes too involved in the case and manages to be in the wrong place at the wrong time too many times. Finding her at the scene of the crime puts her in danger. Seeing someone following makes her even more vulnerable and Morris is on her as a tail, but Sergeant Andrews helps with the final takedowns.
Encounters at breakfast, at times when she is shopping and at other times when going for a drink or walk, Harrison seems to be on her tail. Learning that he might be a scam artist with an accomplice who tries to wield unsuspecting people out of their money and businesses, Agnes realizes that he wants her to sign over Harrisons and anyone that knows her knows that will never happen.
A simple photo started it all off but first the body that Agnes found and then there are more mutilated bodies found and things get more dangerous as Agnes interferes in her own way. Smart, perceptive but at times impetuous she gets too involved in the cases and Alan begins to wonder if she should return home or check into another hotel. Richard Harrison seems too interested in her and although Morris is watching him and has become a decent detective, he can’t watch her 24/7. Evidence is found at the crime scene that takes the DCI and his sergeant to an exclusive jewelry show but its Morris who identifies the markings and where these pieces might have originated.
Scams happen all the time and this elusive woman named Joanne tries to convince Agnes that Richard might be her brother. But, something about her triggers a remembrance in her mind but where has she seen her before?
Author Eileen Thornton keeps the reader glued to the printed page and wondering just when the clues will be pieced together and if Agnes of the DCI or someone else will figure it out.
Things escalate even further as Agnes goes shopping but seems to be stalked by either Richard or his partner. Added in she spies him with another man and why does he look familiar?
The story that Joanne creates and wields for Agnes sounds convincing but will she believe what they have both created and the fictional biography of her father and family? As Alan and Andrews talk about the first body and if Agnes had been there when the killer dumped it would she have been next? Things get even more complicated as Agnes goes to have a glass of wine and Morris makes sure the glass falls in the floor and angers her. Why did he do that and why would she realize that something would have happened to her if he did not intervene? The jewelry storeowner implies that Alan is not smart enough to ask the right question or questions about the person who commissioned the pieces to be made. Paying cash was the first red flag. Second no address to deliver the items and only a phone number as a contact. What didn’t Alan ask? Why does the storeowner think he outsmarted him?
The Superintendent gets angry, nasty and accuses his detectives of not doing their job and even though they are quite skilled he feels they are novices. Alan defends them and know that he Chief Superintendent might ring him out but he’s not really concerned. Catching a deadly killer is his goal and using whatever limited resources he hopes will help him. But, within the story we get to know more about Alan and his feelings for Agnes but we have yet to learn if she will remain in Tyneside.
Taking the photo to someone that could tell if the picture was doctored since it is a police case and an ongoing one, I will not divulge what was found. Is Harrison a fraudster? Is he linked to the murders and if so how?
What did the lab technician find and is it enough to make an arrest? But, who is behind the murders and why is Agnes a prime target?
When the reason for the deaths are revealed and the tie in to Agnes is revealed and a past incident you won’t believe why someone wants her out of the way. Would she have had the same outcome if she never came to Tyneside? Did she arrive there too early? Did someone follow her travel arrangements? What happens when Agnes faces the killer and reveals a plot so heinous, do deadly that only author Eileen Thornton an award winning Just reviews/MJ magazine Women of the year, can deliver.
Will she face off with the killer? Will Alan save her in time? Will he realize who is behind the murders and why? What happens every time she comes to town? You guessed it none other than DEATH IN TYNESIDE! Watch out I’m sure there will be more!

486 reviews2 followers
November 5, 2018
Serial killers

Agnes Lockwood is back in Tyneside after visiting her two sons in Australia. This time she finds a body in a public park. As cozies go, you know she gets involved in the murder case as all the females in these cozies do. And she has a love interest. And they go to several dinners at restaurants. The only thing missing is a dog. The one annoying point about the story is, every time someone is going to make a relevant remark, it is interrupted.
84 reviews5 followers
November 11, 2018
Split personality

Great characters
Fab location
Story very in depth and characters new to this story very devious
Story has twists and turns s
Clever plot
Loved it
Need book number 3
Profile Image for Ann.
485 reviews6 followers
April 11, 2018
Agnes is back in Tyneside. Glad to see she is still as inquisitive as ever! So pleased DCI Alan Johnson is happy to see her. Will something come of their friendship in spite of Agnes' well meaning (and actually useful) 'help'? You will have to read this to find out.

This is an excellent murder mystery with Agnes in full detective mode. What on earth is Richard Harrison up to? Is he genuine or up to no good.

Alan is increasingly worried that Agnes will end up in trouble. Will she be safe or has she bitten off a bit too much this time?

Thank you Eileen Thornton for another excellent story. I loved it.
Profile Image for Victoria Simcox.
Author 20 books129 followers
May 24, 2018
Agnes Lockwood has required sleuthing skills abroad. She is eager to hook up with DCI, Alan Johnson—Newcastle police again, but Alan’s tolerance is almost run out with Agnes when she gets herself tangled in another homicide. This tale is a collection of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and it will have you scratching your head at the twist and turns…always a sign of a great author. I was entertained throughout. Award-winning author, Eileen Thornton has strong intellect and mindfulness in her well thought out plot’s…this story and the 1st one in the series: Murder on Tyneside (Agnes Lockwood Mysteries Book 1); a must read first. This series is a charming and thrilling murder-mystery.
Profile Image for Marie Shirley Griffin.
808 reviews10 followers
August 27, 2018
Disappointed

I enjoyed the first book in this series, but Agnes is just a rich VERY bored woman who just puts herself and others in harm's way.

If I were DCI Alan, I would probably ask someone to "slap her upside the head" just to knock some sense into her.

Just for the record I am 58, so I understand Agnes' wanting to play Miss Marple, but when bodies are dropping, etc. it's time to listen to the police.
Profile Image for Martha Cheves.
Author 5 books73 followers
May 9, 2019
Death on Tyneside - Review by Martha A. Cheves



"You want to be involved in solving this murder case. Hasn't it sunk in yet how close you came to being murdered yourself, the last time you poked your nose into a murder inquiry?"

"Alan, I know I very nearly got myself killed a few months ago." Agnes took his arm and they restarted their walk down the corridor. "But I got through that. Look at me. I'm still here - alive and well, and ready to be involved in this case. If the body had been found by someone else, then I might have stayed out of it. Might," she repeated, wagging her finger at him. "But it wasn't. It was found by me. And now I want to see it through." She stopped walking and swung around in front of him. "Alan, please, I need to see this through."


Agnes Lockwood has returned to Tyneside after spending a few weeks visiting her sons in Australia. This is where she was from and the ties were pulling her back. Or was it Chief Inspector Alan Johnson who was connected to those ties? The two had gone to school together and Alan had always had a crush on her. Now, after marriages and many years, they met again and Alan finds his feelings are still there and stronger than ever.



In her first visit, she and Alan had eaten dinner and were walking back to her hotel when they found a body laying on the sidewalk. The investigation into this murder almost got Agnes killed. Now she's back and finds herself in the middle of yet another murder.



I've read everything Eileen Thornton has written and must say that she grabs me from the beginning and all the way through to the end. She fills her writings with twists and turns that keep you guessing and flipping the pages to see what happens next. I love her work and can't wait for Book 3 of the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries.
489 reviews4 followers
March 13, 2024
Death on Tyneside
Agnes Lockwood Mysteries, Book 2

By: Eileen Thornton
Narrated by: Deborah Balm

Truly a five star experience!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 03-12-24

Back from a visit to Australia, Agnes Lockwood is looking forward to seeing what can develop with DCI Alan Johnson. She’s attracted, and her gut tells her it just might be mutual! Then Agnes stumbles upon a body … a mystery … and some nefarious fellow hotel guests … what’s a puzzle loving amateur sleuth to do? Well everything SHE can to help DCI Johnson solve the crime, whether HE likes it or not! Beautifully enthralling, and wonderfully entertaining “Death on Tyneside” kept my attention! I’m not giving plot details, (I don’t want to be a spoil sport), just know you can relax and enjoy without worry! The plot is interesting, entertaining, and believable! It’s also well drafted, easy to understand, and when all is said and done, makes beautiful sense! I throughly enjoyed the time I spent with these beautifully defined characters! As I got to know them, I found myself developing some strong opinions! Some I grew quite fond of, while others … pillary and stocks anyone? The narration bringing both the characters and the story alive is clear, smooth and throughly enjoyable, truly rounding out this five star experience! I loved it!
Profile Image for Sandra J Jackson.
Author 10 books138 followers
June 3, 2021
Agnes Lockwood returns to the Millenium Hotel in Tyneside, her childhood home, after visiting her sons in Australia. While she was supposed to stay in Australia a few weeks longer she cuts her trip short. Tyneside has a hold on her and besides, she misses Alan. It was only a few short months ago, that she helped Alan, the detective chief inspector, solve a murder, a string of robberies, and was almost killed in the process. But on her first day back in town, Agnes makes a gruesome discovery while visiting the city park. She’s stumbled across a body, and it looks like Agnes once again finds herself in the middle of a crime scene.

I quite enjoyed this 2nd book of the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries by Eileen Thornton. The mystery was interesting and the twist near the end definitely caught me by surprise. I found both Agnes and Alan endearing. The author did a great job showing the chemistry between them as well as the duplicitous nature of the villains.

If you like straightforward mysteries with unsuspecting twists, you’ll enjoy Death on Tyneside
33 reviews
March 14, 2020
Exciting Cozy Mystery

I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery. Agnes reminds me of a British Jessica Fletcher. She's spunky, stubborn, and extremely clever! She's always a step ahead of DCI Alan Johnson and his crew.

Agnes came back to Tyneside to rekindle her relationship with DCI Johnson, but right away finds a body in the park. The inspector is always worried about her safety, but Agnes's curiosity won't let her run away from a mystery. The narrator is excellent. She added so much to this story.

This works as a stand alone novel, but if you plan on reading Murder on Tyneside, make sure to read that one first. Otherwise this book will give some spoilers for that first book in the series.

I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in the Agnes Lockwood series!

This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
6,215 reviews219 followers
July 29, 2020
5 Star review Death on Tyneside (Agnes Lockwood Mysteries #2) by Eileen Thornton

Audio Review:

Both the author Eileen Thornton and narrator Deborah Balm are new to me. Death on Tyneside is a cozy mystery and one that I found thoroughly entertaining; I loved this book from start to finish and was riveted as Agnes Lockwood finds herself embroiled in another death. Hoping to re connect with DCI Alan Johnson who she recently met up with again during another murder investigation, Agnes returns to Tyneside. Agnes is a feisty character that I found easy to relate to.
The writing was descriptive and I could easily imagine myself in Tyneside. The narrator really brought this book to life for me and did a good job keeping me entertained. This was a a book filled with a intrigue and suspense which kept me riveted as I listened to this story.
Profile Image for odedo1 Audio book worm. .
803 reviews9 followers
November 4, 2023
Agnes gets on my nerves.




Eileen Thornton penmanship is really good including her books and stories but the character Agnes, a middle age woman keeps breaking the law thinking that she is above it, really gets on my nerves by using her first love, a DCI Police man do whatever she wants knowing that he will let her get away with anything.
And every smart lawyer can get his customer off because the case is tainted from the beginning because of Agnes meddling into it without a license & the DCI Officer would have been let go or at least punished for letting her because of his involvement with her.

Still a very good & enjoyable
story.

The narration by Deborah Balm was done beautifully for each of the characters in this story.

My recommendations !!!


Oded Ostfeld.
Profile Image for Michael Wilton.
Author 29 books11 followers
October 6, 2019
Format: Kindle Edition Verified Purchase


This the first book I’ve read by Eileen Thornton and have a suspicion it won’t be the last. I stumbled across the title – not, I hasten to add, like Agnes Lockwood and her ability to discover dead bodies – and I was hooked.
Here is a determined lady with an uncanny knack of getting involved in murder mysteries that the local police have been unable to solve. In doing so she meets up with her old friend Detective Inspector Alan Johnson who has his work cut out trying to ensure her safety whilst hunting down the killer.
Up to the finish the reader is left with the agonising uncertainty as to who will get there first. A first rate murder mystery.

116 reviews
January 25, 2020
Good mystery

This was an intriguing mystery, which started with the finding of a mutilated body in a park. While the detectives are working on the case, a second body is found in the same condition. With very few clues, the detectives flounder until a girlfriend of the chief inspector notes a few similarities in the cases. She herself is being hounded by a couple who insist she is related to them through her father and want a share of the business she inherited from him. The cases are at a standstill until the girlfriend starts putting some thoughts together. It is a tense story which takes the efforts of the whole police department to stop further killings and to find the perpetrators. Good book!
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
February 13, 2019
Agnes only came back to Tyneside because she really likes Alan---with all the hoopla that went on in Murder in Tyneside (see my review here) --it is hard to tell if he likes her--

Agnes Lockwood is a corpse magnet--no doubt about it. Alan Johnson with the Newcastle police force is forever trying to get her to get her nose out of all this dangerous business--but she is having none of it. And besides--this time it gets personal!!

Twists and turns that will keep you guessing--a definitely fun read! Will there be a third in this series--the ending makes it seem like there might be--I hope so.
Profile Image for Mike Briley.
166 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Towards the end there were one or two things that stretched credibility (I'll say no more...) but did not make the story too shaky. Agnes, the main character, comes over as an amusing and likable person with a distinct stubborn streak. I found the character of Alan, however, to be rather two dimensional and I hope the author will fill out this character in future books in the series. In this book he was essentially a foil for Agnes' dynamism and whit and I felt I wanted to know more about what makes him tick.
395 reviews4 followers
June 16, 2020
Headline (required)

Once again, author Eileen Thornton did a wonderful job in this 2nd book in this series. I already have book 3 and will soon be checking it out as well. It’s stories like this that make my hobby of reading an absolute joy and privilege in my daily life. As an over the road truck driver for many years, my reading was severely hampered. Now, it’s a necessary part of my daily life and I love being able to do what I love to do so well. Reading, one of life’s simple pleasures.
101 reviews
July 16, 2023
Quite riveting

The plot certainly kept me turning the pages. Plenty of suspense in a Miss Marples way, with a civilian woman, Agnes Lockwood, caught up with the investigation of a series of unsolved murders, insisting that she be kept on board with her Detective friend’s enquiries. Newcastle is a great setting for this ‘cosy’ mystery. My one piece of advice to Eileen would be to not have characters continually call others by name when only two are conversing. A good plot, with no swear words, makes me recommend this book as an enjoyable and suspenseful clean read.
Profile Image for Moona.
986 reviews78 followers
June 6, 2024
Death on Tyneside" by Eileen Thornton is the second installment in the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries. Returning to Tyneside after a few months abroad, Agnes, who gained fame as an amateur sleuth, reunites with DCI Alan Johnson, hoping to deepen their relationship. However, she soon finds herself entangled in another murder investigation, testing Johnson's patience. This cozy mystery promises intrigue and charm as Agnes navigates her penchant for solving crimes while balancing her personal life. Fans of the genre will enjoy this engaging and suspenseful read.
Profile Image for Jody Jackson.
30 reviews2 followers
May 31, 2025
The book was okay. I like Agnes and her independent ideals. This particular story had a nice twist in it at the end. However, I have a couple of nit picky things to point out. The author may need another proofreader. There were quite a few times when words were left out of a sentence. At first I thought it might have been a British English difference. But, there were too many and it was usually an article that was missing. Also, I think the word “nevertheless” is way overused. Just my opinion. I do like the stories enough that I purchased the last two books in the series, though.
171 reviews10 followers
September 5, 2021
Another Enjoyable Read.

Anges Lockwood made a visit to see her two son's in Australia. She ends her trip earlier as she's wanting to get back to Tyneside because she realizes how much she misses DCI Alan Johnson, more than she ever thought she could. On arriving back, she decides to take the walk through the park that she didn't get time to do last time, due to her help with an investigation she was involved in.
On her walk she notices birds hovering around bushes. It's here the story starts to take off with Anges finding the mutilated boady of a man. Now its up to Alan to make sure, his new found love with Anges is kept safe and out of the investigation. But this time Anges has more thinking to do, expecially when it turns out the case has a lot to do with her.
I really enjoyed this second book as much as the first one. Now I'm on to the third one.
A recommended read.
Profile Image for Kristjan.
588 reviews30 followers
November 20, 2023
Book: ***
Performance: ***

A Simple Mystery

Jumping into this series with established characters made it difficult to really connect to any of them (especially the MC). They just weren’t that inspiring (and in fact were quite boring in most aspects). The mystery itself was somewhat interesting, but developed very slowly, so it was hard to listen to without wandering off every now and then. This was not helped by the narration as the narrator struggled to differentiate the various character voices so it was hard to jump back into the story when I did wander off.


I was given this free advance review/listener copy (ARC) audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

#AMysteryOnTyneside #FreeAudiobookCodes
Profile Image for Pam.
834 reviews7 followers
November 11, 2018
A really good book, with great characters, Agnes is a widow with a very inquisitive mind, and a determination to help DCI Alan Johnson to solve some murders, I now can't wait to read the first book in this series, "Murder on Tyneside" although this one can be read as a stand alone book, I want to know what happened before.
Profile Image for P.S. Winn.
Author 105 books367 followers
November 11, 2018
I didn't read the first book in this series, and was happy to learn it is also a stand alone read. I have read several books by this author and always find she has great characters. In this mystery the main character is Agnes Lockwood and she is an amazing person. She also has a tendency to get into trouble. When she finds a dead body the adventure begins and a great story unravels.
696 reviews8 followers
November 28, 2018
Good book!

This story had intrigue, suspense as well as unusual motives for the murders that were committed . I found two errors in the story ( opposite was spelled with one p instead of two and one of the victims' wives was listed as Ann and then listed as Vera). I highly recommend this book to other mystery readers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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