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Toby Whitby #0.5
Alibi
December 1940: While London burns and bombs fall every night, Toby Whitby must save a man from hanging.
Ralph Pemberton, a mild-mannered man with a weak heart has been accused of looting. His fingerprints place him at the scene and he refuses to offer an alibi. While Ralph waits in jail for the judge to pass sentence, Toby Whitby must try to find what Ralph was doing while the bombs were falling and the city was burning.
When Ralph declares that it is his patriotic duty to keep silent, Toby must find his own answers to the questions that will save his client. Where are Ralph's children? Why is Ralph’s wife desperate for money? What happened to Ralph’s bicycle, and what is happening in the bicycle sheds at Buckingham Palace.
In the first ever Toby Whitby story, we are introduced to a determined young lawyer who will run into a burning building to save his client, even when the client does not want to be saved.
Ralph Pemberton, a mild-mannered man with a weak heart has been accused of looting. His fingerprints place him at the scene and he refuses to offer an alibi. While Ralph waits in jail for the judge to pass sentence, Toby Whitby must try to find what Ralph was doing while the bombs were falling and the city was burning.
When Ralph declares that it is his patriotic duty to keep silent, Toby must find his own answers to the questions that will save his client. Where are Ralph's children? Why is Ralph’s wife desperate for money? What happened to Ralph’s bicycle, and what is happening in the bicycle sheds at Buckingham Palace.
In the first ever Toby Whitby story, we are introduced to a determined young lawyer who will run into a burning building to save his client, even when the client does not want to be saved.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2019
118 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Eileen Enwright Hodgetts
37 books119 followersEileen Enwright Hodgetts is a much traveled writer. Brought up in England and Wales, she has also lived and worked in South Africa and Uganda. Eileen and her husband, Graham, now make their home in Baden, PA. Eileen’s life experiences allow her to use exotic backgrounds for her novels and to understand how an adventure can begin with just one small incident. For ten years she directed a humanitarian mission in East Africa as an employee of Christ Church at Grove Farm in Sewickley, PA. and her whole family continues to be involved in Uganda through the Ugandan Gold Coffee project bringing coffee to the United States and returning the profits to Uganda to be used for drilling water wells. She writes historical fiction from Arthurian sagas to World War Two murder mysteries. The major movie "Unsinkable", currently in production, is based on her national award-winning stage play "Titanic to all Ships". Her latest work "The Girl on the Carpathia - A novel of the Titanic" reflects over twenty years of research into both the US senate hearings and the British inquiry into the sinking.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 15, 2020
4,25 stars - English Ebook 🦋🦋🦋🦋
**** while the bombs are falling, and London is burning, and I do not have by bycicle, I will keep quiet....*****
A man is witness to something England does not know. And can not know. Even when he is accuised of looting, punishable by hanging. But he can serve the country by beeing silent. And he does. Till a young lawyer tries to get somebody to give this man an alibi. Because he did not do what they say he did. First in the series about Toby, in this story a young clerk. The War is coming alive in the pages of this novel. We often forget the “little” heroes who where there. Not only in the big the war was won, but also the small made the outcome. 🌹🌹🌹
**** while the bombs are falling, and London is burning, and I do not have by bycicle, I will keep quiet....*****
A man is witness to something England does not know. And can not know. Even when he is accuised of looting, punishable by hanging. But he can serve the country by beeing silent. And he does. Till a young lawyer tries to get somebody to give this man an alibi. Because he did not do what they say he did. First in the series about Toby, in this story a young clerk. The War is coming alive in the pages of this novel. We often forget the “little” heroes who where there. Not only in the big the war was won, but also the small made the outcome. 🌹🌹🌹
August 16, 2020
1.5 stars & 2/10 hearts. At first I really liked this book. It was pretty British, I loved the WWII setting, and the mystery was baffling. But at the end the husband surprised his wife in adultery and that ruined the whole thing. I felt betrayed by Sheila & that, added to the little other content things (drinking, a few swear words, & hints that Ralph or Sheila might be unfaithful), just wrecked the book. And finally, it ended without any resolution. Nothing about what happened to Ralph & Sheila, if they made up, what happened to the kids, what they did next... nothing! Again, I was disappointed, because this could have been a really good book.
July 5, 2019
This was a well-done mystery set in London during Hitler’s bombings. Although there are clues that lead to the resolution of the mystery, the end was a surprise without being outlandish.
The focus of the story is a barrister in training, Toby, and his unwilling first client, Ralph. The mystery is the secret Ralph is hiding for which he would rather be hanged than reveal the secret to provide the alibi he sorely needs.
The background includes the day-to-day struggles of the common person to live and survive the nightly air raids. Character development is good and the story held my interest.
The focus of the story is a barrister in training, Toby, and his unwilling first client, Ralph. The mystery is the secret Ralph is hiding for which he would rather be hanged than reveal the secret to provide the alibi he sorely needs.
The background includes the day-to-day struggles of the common person to live and survive the nightly air raids. Character development is good and the story held my interest.
June 2, 2022
4 stars English Ebook
It is a good story well told. Great secret that provided the alibi that could not be told!
It makes the story believable.
Good portrayal of London during the Blitz, and a truly unpleasant baddie who took advantage of the War and fraility to make money.
It is a good story well told. Great secret that provided the alibi that could not be told!
It makes the story believable.
Good portrayal of London during the Blitz, and a truly unpleasant baddie who took advantage of the War and fraility to make money.
May 27, 2019
12/1940, London, England. The bombs had fallen & London was still burning.
Gilbert’s Premium Motor Repair (Cavendish St.). Ralph Pemberton was late for work because he didn’t have a bicycle.
Mr. Clive Gilbert, & Rodney Swaffield (associate) called him into th4e office.
There was a smash/grab raid at the jewelry store last night. The coppers need his fingerprints.
The 2 mechanics: Ted, & Lennie (Scottish) were back working.
On the rooftop Nobby Newcombe, Eddie Fenton, & Toby Whitby (Home Guard) watched a squadron of Spitfires fly overhead.
People were coming out from the Underground Station.
Mrs. Lambert (Toby’s landlady), & Toby were listening to Sheila Pemberton (Cockney, wife/mother), Ralph Pemberton (Sheila’s husband/father) was accused of looting.
He had drove a car through the jeweler’s window, grab the diamonds, & took off on foot in the dark.
Ralph is being held at the Bow St. Police Station.
Toby one day was going to be a lawyer. He volunteered to be Ralph’s solicitor.
The Sergeant said looting is a hanging offense.
Mr. Parson (solicitor), & Mr. Cedric Squires (solicitor) were giving Toby advice even they don’t deal in matters of this kind.
Argyle Arms pub (Argyle St.). Rodney Swaffield offered to buy Toby (Parson & Squires solicitor office clerk) a drink.
The bombing’s continued.
What news did Sheila have for Toby when she called?
What will happen to her husband?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written WWII crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great WWII crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free BookFunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
Gilbert’s Premium Motor Repair (Cavendish St.). Ralph Pemberton was late for work because he didn’t have a bicycle.
Mr. Clive Gilbert, & Rodney Swaffield (associate) called him into th4e office.
There was a smash/grab raid at the jewelry store last night. The coppers need his fingerprints.
The 2 mechanics: Ted, & Lennie (Scottish) were back working.
On the rooftop Nobby Newcombe, Eddie Fenton, & Toby Whitby (Home Guard) watched a squadron of Spitfires fly overhead.
People were coming out from the Underground Station.
Mrs. Lambert (Toby’s landlady), & Toby were listening to Sheila Pemberton (Cockney, wife/mother), Ralph Pemberton (Sheila’s husband/father) was accused of looting.
He had drove a car through the jeweler’s window, grab the diamonds, & took off on foot in the dark.
Ralph is being held at the Bow St. Police Station.
Toby one day was going to be a lawyer. He volunteered to be Ralph’s solicitor.
The Sergeant said looting is a hanging offense.
Mr. Parson (solicitor), & Mr. Cedric Squires (solicitor) were giving Toby advice even they don’t deal in matters of this kind.
Argyle Arms pub (Argyle St.). Rodney Swaffield offered to buy Toby (Parson & Squires solicitor office clerk) a drink.
The bombing’s continued.
What news did Sheila have for Toby when she called?
What will happen to her husband?
I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one. All thoughts & opinions are entirely my own.
A very awesome book cover, & great font/writing style. A very well written WWII crime thriller book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great WWII crime thriller movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free BookFunnel; Author; PDF book
Tony Parsons (Washburn; MSW)
June 11, 2019
This novella, told from alternating viewpoints, follows Toby Whitby, a clerk for a law firm, as he navigates WW2 London. Although Toby is ineligible for military service, due to his poor eyesight, he finds other ways to contribute to the war effort. Through his landlady, he's put on the case of someone in a similar situation (ineligible for military service due to a heart problem) who is accused of looting diamonds - now a hanging offense.
I found that the author did a good job of setting the scene - nightly bombings, construction and demolition efforts, hardships (such as rationing, separation from loved ones, etc). Even so, I didn't really feel immersed in the world. I felt that slang from the era was missing - and I think more quotidian details (wardrobe, work processes, etc) would have helped enrich the setting and firmly set it during the war years. Admittedly, I've done as much as I can to avoid actually learning about this period in history (I'm just too disturbed by it), so it's possible this reveals my ignorance, but I felt that, aside from being told that it's during the war, I wouldn't have picked out that era.
I also felt that the denouement was a bit pat and hurried. There was a build-up, and I felt a bit let-down by the way it ultimately worked out.
Overall, it was a good read, and I think Toby Whitby has the potential to be a good lead character, especially as he has a lot of room to grow and develop during a momentous place and time in history.
I found that the author did a good job of setting the scene - nightly bombings, construction and demolition efforts, hardships (such as rationing, separation from loved ones, etc). Even so, I didn't really feel immersed in the world. I felt that slang from the era was missing - and I think more quotidian details (wardrobe, work processes, etc) would have helped enrich the setting and firmly set it during the war years. Admittedly, I've done as much as I can to avoid actually learning about this period in history (I'm just too disturbed by it), so it's possible this reveals my ignorance, but I felt that, aside from being told that it's during the war, I wouldn't have picked out that era.
I also felt that the denouement was a bit pat and hurried. There was a build-up, and I felt a bit let-down by the way it ultimately worked out.
Overall, it was a good read, and I think Toby Whitby has the potential to be a good lead character, especially as he has a lot of room to grow and develop during a momentous place and time in history.
August 14, 2019
While I did like the book and the insight into life during WW2 London, I didn’t care for the formatting. Thoughts/internal dialogue were hard to differentiate from the narrative. Imho, the thoughts should be italicized to show the difference between the two.
Spacing between scene breaks are usually 2 blank lines (3 when double-spacing) to show a change in location or time. The part where Toby asked to borrow his employers’ car bled right into talking to sentries at the gate. Very confusing.
Spacing between scene breaks are usually 2 blank lines (3 when double-spacing) to show a change in location or time. The part where Toby asked to borrow his employers’ car bled right into talking to sentries at the gate. Very confusing.
August 15, 2019
Great reviews?
Don't understand all the great reviews. Writing style was fine, but the novel was silly. Figured it out as soon as the royalty showed up.
Don't understand all the great reviews. Writing style was fine, but the novel was silly. Figured it out as soon as the royalty showed up.
October 1, 2020
In this book - "Alibi: World War Two Murder Mystery", Toby Whitby is still a law clerk and the blitz in London is in full swing. He has been unable to join the forces because of poor eyesight. Instead he is one of the legion who guard London against fire during the night time bombing raids.
Smash and grab raids (looting) are common in the blackout the penalty for which has been increased to hanging. So to is the practice of dodging military service by having a person with some disability take your place for the medical examination.
Against this well drawn background of the ordered chaos of a city under unimaginable stress, we follow the story of Ralph who has been arrested for a smash and grab raid of which he is clearly innocent. Inexplicably he refuses the help that Toby offers. Toby sets out to discover why.
Perhaps the ending is not quite as satisfying as it might have been, and the story is a little short. But even if you find these are shortcomings, it is a worthwhile read if only for the setting.
My review copy was given to me by the author, for which I thank her.
Smash and grab raids (looting) are common in the blackout the penalty for which has been increased to hanging. So to is the practice of dodging military service by having a person with some disability take your place for the medical examination.
Against this well drawn background of the ordered chaos of a city under unimaginable stress, we follow the story of Ralph who has been arrested for a smash and grab raid of which he is clearly innocent. Inexplicably he refuses the help that Toby offers. Toby sets out to discover why.
Perhaps the ending is not quite as satisfying as it might have been, and the story is a little short. But even if you find these are shortcomings, it is a worthwhile read if only for the setting.
My review copy was given to me by the author, for which I thank her.
April 27, 2020
First book I have read written by Eileen Enwright Hodgetts and It was a nice surprise how much I enjoyed it. Her style reminds me a little bit of the books written by Anne Perry.
Brings you into the time frame and actions of that time. London has been bombed on a regular bases. Children are been send to safer areas, some within England but also as far away places as Canada and Australia. As a parent it has to have been nerve racking not to have information about your kids and then there is always somebody to use that fear to get somebody to do something they would not do under normal circumstances.
Clear becomes the man that are the real patriots and the ones that would do anything to get out of serving their country.
Brings you into the time frame and actions of that time. London has been bombed on a regular bases. Children are been send to safer areas, some within England but also as far away places as Canada and Australia. As a parent it has to have been nerve racking not to have information about your kids and then there is always somebody to use that fear to get somebody to do something they would not do under normal circumstances.
Clear becomes the man that are the real patriots and the ones that would do anything to get out of serving their country.
November 4, 2019
I liked this book and I learned a few things about the Second World War that I didn’t know.
It is about two men one charged with looting a jewellery store and the other one trying to represent him but the accused will not provide an alibi for his whereabouts when the crime was committed because it is a matter of national security. What part of national security does this man hold secret when he has a bad heart and a menial job?
There are several twists and turns, realistic characters and some nasty bad guys.
It’s a short story and an easy read.
It is about two men one charged with looting a jewellery store and the other one trying to represent him but the accused will not provide an alibi for his whereabouts when the crime was committed because it is a matter of national security. What part of national security does this man hold secret when he has a bad heart and a menial job?
There are several twists and turns, realistic characters and some nasty bad guys.
It’s a short story and an easy read.
January 28, 2021
This book was a brilliant story, combining the best of WWII period historical fiction and mystery genre. Toby Whitby, the young aspiring lawyer, embarks on a journey to save a strangely unwilling client from a crime he did not commit. The plot of this book was in equal parts brilliant and unexpected. This was the second book I have so far read from this series and I eagerly anticipate the next ones. These are some of the cleverest books I have read in a long time. Eileen Hodgetts is a truly gifted writer.
March 16, 2019
I found the book very interesting and authentic in the a.ctions during the war. it is well worth reading.There are actually 2 Heros in my opinion. Ralph who is willing to go to prison rather give a plausible Alibi. The other hero would be Toby Whitby who is a lawyer apprentice who tries to defend Ralph.
August 28, 2019
This is a clever look at war time in London.
Did he drive the car for the theft? If not, why won't he say where he was?
The problem of people dodging their armed service duty by having someone who can't pass the physical take the exam for them is chilling.
How to get him cleared of the charge without compromising his refusal to say where he was?
Can Toby manage it?
Did he drive the car for the theft? If not, why won't he say where he was?
The problem of people dodging their armed service duty by having someone who can't pass the physical take the exam for them is chilling.
How to get him cleared of the charge without compromising his refusal to say where he was?
Can Toby manage it?
May 25, 2020
Not recommended
The book moves slowly and characters are pretty flat. The old lawyers were interesting. Ralph came across as pathetic. Shelia was two faced. Mrs Lambert and Lennie were good people. Seemed like a lot of words that filled space. Sorry, I won't read others by this author.
The book moves slowly and characters are pretty flat. The old lawyers were interesting. Ralph came across as pathetic. Shelia was two faced. Mrs Lambert and Lennie were good people. Seemed like a lot of words that filled space. Sorry, I won't read others by this author.
November 25, 2019
Clever English Mystery!
This unique English mystery set during World War II blitz in England introduces us to Toby Whitney, a law clerk, and 1940s London. The prequel is intriguing and totally enjoyable. I look forward to reading more of the series.
This unique English mystery set during World War II blitz in England introduces us to Toby Whitney, a law clerk, and 1940s London. The prequel is intriguing and totally enjoyable. I look forward to reading more of the series.
April 6, 2020
Good story!
Very believable and a good mystery, characters were very British and I felt they were true to what went on during the War and the attitude of the general population was right on. Kept you guessing till the end.
Very believable and a good mystery, characters were very British and I felt they were true to what went on during the War and the attitude of the general population was right on. Kept you guessing till the end.
November 11, 2020
A very good read from VRO. Enjoyed this mystery and liked the character of the main story who, dispute his poor health, was so determined to do the right thing that he was willing to die for it. Difficult to put down. This is the second book I have read from this author, and both were great.
January 17, 2022
I liked it a lot, a novel set at the time of bombings in London during World War II; Mr. Lemberton is accused of theft, taking advantage of the aerial alarms and the confusion caused in the population to reach the shelters and protect themselves. A young man who works in a law firm supports his defense Toby Whitby. Who knows the accused did not commit the crime he is charged with and is given the task of finding his possible defense, discovers the reason of the accused silence, and his refusal to tell the truth despite facing the penalty of imprisonment death applied in those cases. From there, the reasons that motivate Lemberton to keep his silence are discovered and confronted. Intrigue, deception, betrayal.
I found it very interesting, this is the preamble to a series of novels in which the character of Toby is still present. He continued with Air Ride.
I highly recommend it, especially to those who like to continue reading the saga
I found it very interesting, this is the preamble to a series of novels in which the character of Toby is still present. He continued with Air Ride.
I highly recommend it, especially to those who like to continue reading the saga
February 19, 2022
I have loved the previous Toby books. This one was a prequel and introduction to Toby during the war. It wasn’t as easy to get into the story and characters as the previous books- but still worthwhile if you are a fan.
July 10, 2019
This story was an easy read but didn't particularly grab me like some stories do.
This book was sent to me for free by the author through Voracious Readers Only.
This book was sent to me for free by the author through Voracious Readers Only.
September 25, 2019
I really enjoyed this historical mystery and am continuing to read the series.
March 15, 2021
Good
I enjoyed this book. Although it was fairly short. I enjoyed this book and the character Toby Whitney. I always enjoy a good mystery.
I enjoyed this book. Although it was fairly short. I enjoyed this book and the character Toby Whitney. I always enjoy a good mystery.
January 18, 2020
Good read picked it up and couldn't put it down .
February 24, 2020
Spend a long afternoon with this family-friendly mystery set in London in 1940. I had an ARC and this voluntary review is my own opinion.
September 25, 2019
An AWESOME READ!!
This was an amazing read!! Toby is a young clerk for 2 older Lawyers. Toby gets pulled into the mystery, of a man, who he feels has been wrongly accused of murder. The impulse to figure out, who really committed the murder, won't let him stop. An engaging story, that takes place at the beginning of World War Two in England. A very hard to put down book!!
Me? I'm off to read book 2!!
This was an amazing read!! Toby is a young clerk for 2 older Lawyers. Toby gets pulled into the mystery, of a man, who he feels has been wrongly accused of murder. The impulse to figure out, who really committed the murder, won't let him stop. An engaging story, that takes place at the beginning of World War Two in England. A very hard to put down book!!
Me? I'm off to read book 2!!
December 30, 2023
I liked the book--original plotline-- and would have given it a higher rating except that it ended way too abruptly. I would like to know what happened to the characters after the mystery was resolved. I understand this is the first in a series so the author wants you to purchase her next books. But it would not have changed my desire, one way or the other, to read her later books had she tied up all the loose ends in this one!
July 29, 2019
Ralph Pemberton, a married man and father has a weak heart and has been accused of looting. A hanging offence in the time of war (1940). The nearest help is an articled clerk named Toby Whitby. Ralph refuses to give an alibi for the time, but Toby seems determined to investigate.
An enjoyable and interesting crime novella.
An enjoyable and interesting crime novella.
November 1, 2019
A fun read; it makes me want to get the next book in the series and see what happens in Toby's life. On my reading device, the formatting was off and a bit confusing to read at times. I think it needs more work in that area.
August 11, 2019
Alibi: World War Two Murder Mystery(Toby Whitby Book 0). My second read from author Eileen Enwright Hodgetts was thoroughly entertaining & enjoyable & I already have more of her books on my TBR list.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews