What do you think?
Rate this book
DI Jack Dawes #2
The Bluebell Killer
HOW MUCH DO YOU TRUST YOUR NEIGHBOURS?
A naked body is found floating in the Thames. Its head and hands have been clumsily hacked off.
The murder rocks the affluent, influential residents of riverside Kings Richington. They band together to keep such savage goings-on out of the headlines and demand a discreet police cover-up.
Detective Inspector Jack Dawes is on the case, but his investigation keeps hitting dead-ends. Pride for respectability trumps the pursuit of justice.
AND PROVIDES THE PERFECT COVER FOR MURDER.
Jack is left scrambling to find a crack in the town’s facade. Then another body is found in a skip, a bullet lodged between the eyes. Jack must work against orders from his own side in the race to stop a killer.
HOW CAN ONE MAN EXPOSE A HUGE CONSPIRACY?
Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, LJ Ross, JR Ellis, Angela Marsons or Faith Martin.
MEET THE DETECTIVES
Detective Inspector Jack Dawes, tall and handsome, looks like the fuzz even when he’s off-duty. He rose up through the ranks at Scotland Yard and now is a well-respected detective in the murder squad. A career copper, he was married to the job until he met Coriander during a money laundering investigation, the case which earned him his promotion to DI. He has logical analytical skills. She has intuitive people skills. So he bounces ideas off her. They make a formidable and funny couple whose skills combine to solve crime.
DETECTIVE INSPECTOR JACK DAWES MYSTERY SERIES
Book 1: THE GREEK ISLAND KILLER
Book 2: THE BLUEBELL KILLER
Book 3: THE SHETLAND KILLER
Book 4: THE GALLOWS GREEN KILLER
249 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2010
1630 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Frances Lloyd
45 books47 followersFrances Lloyd was born in Essex but spent a nomadic childhood being carted between RAF stations until mercifully, she was allowed a crack at a proper education in Cheltenham, studying English and Classics. As an adult, she eventually fetched up in the south west of England but by then, had become something of a wandering minstrel with no physical or spiritual roots apart from work.
Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications, writing speeches and other parliamentary material for some well-known politicians.
Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications, writing speeches and other parliamentary material for some well-known politicians.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
December 29, 2016
3.5 Stars
It all begins with a mutilated corpse.. head and hands and other body parts are missing. And then a street woman is killed in a hit-and-run accident.
DI Jack Dawes is assigned the case, as are DS Malone and DC Pinkney, the newest member of the team. The area of these deaths is an affluent neighborhood, home of the rich, some famous, some are even politicians.
Dawes is being pressured from his boss and his boss's boss to find the killer/killers and to do it without bothering the privileged residents.
When the headless man is identified as one of those residents, all bets are off for Dawes. And then another man is found killed .... a local politician. There are no clues, no witnesses. And yet another man is shot and killed ... a Private Investigator who wasn't above a little blackmail here and there.
Tentative signs lead to a dance academy. What is the connection? Dawes is going to have to dig deep into people's lives to see what they all seem to be hiding.
This was not very suspenseful, but the characters are colorful. I love the relationship between Dawes and his wife, Cori, who owns and runs a catering service. She usually hears all about his cases before he even makes it home. Malone is an older man .. and takes Pinkney under his wings. Pinkney got in on a fast track and he's eager to prove that he has earned his position.
I wish to thank the author / Endeavour Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this novel. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
It all begins with a mutilated corpse.. head and hands and other body parts are missing. And then a street woman is killed in a hit-and-run accident.
DI Jack Dawes is assigned the case, as are DS Malone and DC Pinkney, the newest member of the team. The area of these deaths is an affluent neighborhood, home of the rich, some famous, some are even politicians.
Dawes is being pressured from his boss and his boss's boss to find the killer/killers and to do it without bothering the privileged residents.
When the headless man is identified as one of those residents, all bets are off for Dawes. And then another man is found killed .... a local politician. There are no clues, no witnesses. And yet another man is shot and killed ... a Private Investigator who wasn't above a little blackmail here and there.
Tentative signs lead to a dance academy. What is the connection? Dawes is going to have to dig deep into people's lives to see what they all seem to be hiding.
This was not very suspenseful, but the characters are colorful. I love the relationship between Dawes and his wife, Cori, who owns and runs a catering service. She usually hears all about his cases before he even makes it home. Malone is an older man .. and takes Pinkney under his wings. Pinkney got in on a fast track and he's eager to prove that he has earned his position.
I wish to thank the author / Endeavour Press / Netgalley for the digital copy of this novel. The opinion expressed here is unbiased and entirely my own.
June 6, 2024
3.75 stars
This one was a step up from book one in many, many ways. There was even a line in the book about people dying like it was an episode of Midsomer Murders which made me laugh out loud, because I compared the first book to that show in maybe not the most positive way.
I felt like the author really sharpened both the tone of the story, the complexity of the murder mystery, and the characters for the better. It sort of felt like a completely different series - in a good way.
I even liked the way Coriander was a bit more on the useful side, rather than a busy-body playing at being a detective simply because her husband is one. I liked her much better in this one.
Even if it was dark and grim, I soaked it up with morbid curiosity and interest.
I will probably jump onto book three pretty soon.
This one was a step up from book one in many, many ways. There was even a line in the book about people dying like it was an episode of Midsomer Murders which made me laugh out loud, because I compared the first book to that show in maybe not the most positive way.
I felt like the author really sharpened both the tone of the story, the complexity of the murder mystery, and the characters for the better. It sort of felt like a completely different series - in a good way.
I even liked the way Coriander was a bit more on the useful side, rather than a busy-body playing at being a detective simply because her husband is one. I liked her much better in this one.
Even if it was dark and grim, I soaked it up with morbid curiosity and interest.
I will probably jump onto book three pretty soon.
December 6, 2018
This book was an odd one to me and I could figure out why however some characters made me laugh (Corrie), the story did grip me with perfect little town hiding the rotten underbelly BUT I found myself skipping the odd page here and there; which is never a good sign! I soon realised the problem I had with this book was that I had seen this type of story before- Midsommer Murders- the small community where a secret is lurking behind every perfect rose bush! High unrealistic but once I'd gotten over that I did find it enjoyable and easy to read! Therefore this book suits those looking for an easy almost cosy mystery set in a closed community- a perfect beach read actually!
December 22, 2019
Very disappointing
After her first novel in this series, I expected more of this author. Sadly, and very frustrating, it wasn't until the middle of the second-to-last chapter that her wit and delightful complexity made an appearance. Otherwise I found the story line to be trivial, obvious, & boringly repetitive. There were 22 1/2 chapters to endure which repeated the same argument against the obviously guilty party, only argued by each of the main characters, one chapter after another... Good grief! I won't be reading any more of F. Lloyd's books.
After her first novel in this series, I expected more of this author. Sadly, and very frustrating, it wasn't until the middle of the second-to-last chapter that her wit and delightful complexity made an appearance. Otherwise I found the story line to be trivial, obvious, & boringly repetitive. There were 22 1/2 chapters to endure which repeated the same argument against the obviously guilty party, only argued by each of the main characters, one chapter after another... Good grief! I won't be reading any more of F. Lloyd's books.
July 27, 2020
Easy reading but.....
Although I quite enjoyed reading this I found that the stereotyped characters spoiled it for me. In particular, Sergeant Malone, the ‘Labour’ MP, Martin Laidlaw and his wife. The area it’s supposedly set would also be a very Tory area and I objected to references implying that Labour MPs are loony lefties etc. Corrie Dawes is also a very improbable character.
Also shame that a better proof reader hadn’t been used
Although I quite enjoyed reading this I found that the stereotyped characters spoiled it for me. In particular, Sergeant Malone, the ‘Labour’ MP, Martin Laidlaw and his wife. The area it’s supposedly set would also be a very Tory area and I objected to references implying that Labour MPs are loony lefties etc. Corrie Dawes is also a very improbable character.
Also shame that a better proof reader hadn’t been used
March 13, 2025
Intriguing! Interesting! Wildly Entertaining!
This is one of the books from this series that I hadn't read. I skipped over it due to the premise. It sounded too grisly and with too much blood, guts and gore for my taste. But after finishing book 12 recently I decided to go back and read the few I missed. I'm very glad I gave book 2 a try. After getting past the few opening chapters which described the gory details of the dismembered body, it was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Likeable, finely drawn characters with distinctive personalities, and a very intricate plot that kept me guessing until the end. in fact at the 40% mark I couldn't put it down. It became more interesting and convoluted with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. A very clever police procedural that at times had me holding my breath, laughing out loud and some instances shedding a few tears. All in all an excellent read. I have 4 more in the series that I missed and am looking forward to more of DI Jack Dawes, his wife Corrie and all of his police team. Highly recommend! 🎉🎉👏👏
This is one of the books from this series that I hadn't read. I skipped over it due to the premise. It sounded too grisly and with too much blood, guts and gore for my taste. But after finishing book 12 recently I decided to go back and read the few I missed. I'm very glad I gave book 2 a try. After getting past the few opening chapters which described the gory details of the dismembered body, it was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
Likeable, finely drawn characters with distinctive personalities, and a very intricate plot that kept me guessing until the end. in fact at the 40% mark I couldn't put it down. It became more interesting and convoluted with enough twists and turns to make you dizzy. A very clever police procedural that at times had me holding my breath, laughing out loud and some instances shedding a few tears. All in all an excellent read. I have 4 more in the series that I missed and am looking forward to more of DI Jack Dawes, his wife Corrie and all of his police team. Highly recommend! 🎉🎉👏👏
April 24, 2020
Mutilated corpse. Hit and run on a bag lady. These are taking place in the upmarket suburb of I am friends with the Chief Constable.
DI Dawes and his team are hampered at every turn by the top brass, who do not want to annoy the hoi poloi.
D I Dawes wants to investigate the very exclusive dance academy. But are again stopped by the Superintendent.
This is where Corrie the chef wife of Di Dawes comes into her own. She caters for all the dinner parties and Dance Academy so is DI Dawes back door to knowing all the gossip.
Another highly entertaining and very implausible story.
Love the characters and can see them as they go about their business. Especially Dawes and Corrie. They are hilarious.
If you want a bit of light entertainment these books will delight you.
If you want a straight cops and robbers don't bother.
DI Dawes and his team are hampered at every turn by the top brass, who do not want to annoy the hoi poloi.
D I Dawes wants to investigate the very exclusive dance academy. But are again stopped by the Superintendent.
This is where Corrie the chef wife of Di Dawes comes into her own. She caters for all the dinner parties and Dance Academy so is DI Dawes back door to knowing all the gossip.
Another highly entertaining and very implausible story.
Love the characters and can see them as they go about their business. Especially Dawes and Corrie. They are hilarious.
If you want a bit of light entertainment these books will delight you.
If you want a straight cops and robbers don't bother.
May 28, 2020
Ring those bells.
Another hilarious piece of detective nonsense. Headless, handless, tackleless man found in Thames in up-market area. Followed by other dearhs. Throw in a posh dance school frequented by the wealthy inluding senior policemen and legal folk all of whom wish to avoid scandal and our detective Dawes has to fight the powers that be to solve the case. But he does, of course he does. It is not all farfetched fun, well actually it is but who cares? It is quite gritty in places and the spoiled selfish female characters rival the similar men so we have equality of the sexes. One vital fact I guessed ( Whisper it, cross dressing) before the end but that did not spoil my enjoyment. A well written worldwide cynical little romp. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
Another hilarious piece of detective nonsense. Headless, handless, tackleless man found in Thames in up-market area. Followed by other dearhs. Throw in a posh dance school frequented by the wealthy inluding senior policemen and legal folk all of whom wish to avoid scandal and our detective Dawes has to fight the powers that be to solve the case. But he does, of course he does. It is not all farfetched fun, well actually it is but who cares? It is quite gritty in places and the spoiled selfish female characters rival the similar men so we have equality of the sexes. One vital fact I guessed ( Whisper it, cross dressing) before the end but that did not spoil my enjoyment. A well written worldwide cynical little romp. Highly recommended. Enjoy!
January 20, 2022
Murder with humour!
If you enjoy tongue in cheek murder mystery with a touch of Midsummer murder, this should be right up your street. A distinguished lawyer found be-headed with hands and other 'bits' chopped off and an unfortunate homeless killed in a hit and run leaves the Detective inspector and his team the task of finding the killer. Newly introduced Detective Malone and Pinkney add humour to the proceedings, together with the Inspectors wife who thinks she's Miss Marple. Easy reading, lots of silly parts made a happy read. BP Sheffield
If you enjoy tongue in cheek murder mystery with a touch of Midsummer murder, this should be right up your street. A distinguished lawyer found be-headed with hands and other 'bits' chopped off and an unfortunate homeless killed in a hit and run leaves the Detective inspector and his team the task of finding the killer. Newly introduced Detective Malone and Pinkney add humour to the proceedings, together with the Inspectors wife who thinks she's Miss Marple. Easy reading, lots of silly parts made a happy read. BP Sheffield
August 24, 2022
Poor DI Dawes. The bodies keep racking up and his wife, Corrie, is slap-bang in the middle again. In the very affluent part of a leafy suburb, a decapitated body turns up, also minus hands so as to delay identification. Post-mortem reveals that he died a natural death so why chop him up? This is the first of a number of bodies to turn up and Jack has his superior and Sir Barnaby on his back, both of whom associated with some of the deceased! What is going on? And who is the murderer? A good read. Now on to book 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2020
The 2nd book in the DI Jack Dawes series. I've thoroughly enjoyed both books, they're light hearted & make you smile. I disagree with the other reviewers, saying they're not keen on the characters - I love them!!
The more familiar they become, the more I absolutely love them. (But I do love a bit of cheese!)
If you want to pass the time enjoyably reading easy going mysteries (without giving yourself a migraine) go for this series! 😁
I'm ready for the next one!! Roll on whoop!
The more familiar they become, the more I absolutely love them. (But I do love a bit of cheese!)
If you want to pass the time enjoyably reading easy going mysteries (without giving yourself a migraine) go for this series! 😁
I'm ready for the next one!! Roll on whoop!
October 6, 2020
I enjoyed this book, I would call it easy reading. The only criticism was I thought it was a bit too easy to work out who the killer was quite early on in the story - not as much as the latest novel in this series where I had disappointingly figured out the killer and the motive when only 50% through, but soon enough to make me wish I didn't know who it was. Nevertheless, a fast paced, enjoyable read.
December 12, 2020
This is not a new work, so my review will count for nothing or little. However, I cam across it only recently. What struck me is how central to the plot a "trans" person is, and how little fuss this seemed to create. Whether the author doesn't have (obviously) the same iconic position as JKR, or whether mores have changed so much in ten years.... But the contrast with the latest Cormoran Strike is telling.
May 1, 2022
Lighthearted fun and great investigating
A must read series. I love the banter between DI Dawes and his wife Corrie. She certainly brings many laughs along with her investigative mind. I can almost smell the lovely dishes she prepares for Corrianders Cuisine.
Bugsy, Pinkney and Jack are great characters . There investigative work together and support despite the Top brass clamping down on them. They still get the perpetrators.
Well written and keeps you intrigued
A must read series. I love the banter between DI Dawes and his wife Corrie. She certainly brings many laughs along with her investigative mind. I can almost smell the lovely dishes she prepares for Corrianders Cuisine.
Bugsy, Pinkney and Jack are great characters . There investigative work together and support despite the Top brass clamping down on them. They still get the perpetrators.
Well written and keeps you intrigued
August 14, 2025
This book didn't quite gell with me. It felt like it had been written (or set) in the 1970's. Bluebell girls, Fonteyn, a PC handing over typed foolscap report (I'm 71 and was using that in 1970).
But also the dialogue was very "old school, proper".
But later we had computers, camera on mobiles, DNA.
Helena was born in 1941 (17 in 1958).
Gloria, 6years after.
The Child would of been 33 ish in 1990's,
So, 🤔
But also the dialogue was very "old school, proper".
But later we had computers, camera on mobiles, DNA.
Helena was born in 1941 (17 in 1958).
Gloria, 6years after.
The Child would of been 33 ish in 1990's,
So, 🤔
May 15, 2020
Hanky Panky In High Places
An interesting experience for our police hero in this man tiered plot, particularly when pressure is applied from upon high from within the police hierarchy to "back off" as things begin to warm up.
Our man stays true to his principles, however, and ultimately solves the case.
An interesting experience for our police hero in this man tiered plot, particularly when pressure is applied from upon high from within the police hierarchy to "back off" as things begin to warm up.
Our man stays true to his principles, however, and ultimately solves the case.
May 29, 2020
Great story
I really liked this book. The pace was fast and entertaining, the storyline intriguing and the characters well defined. Jack and Corrie are settling in as the intrepid investigator and somewhat over zealous helpful wife. This time around there are multiple murders in a posh neighborhood and many toes to step on to get to the truth. Fun read.
I really liked this book. The pace was fast and entertaining, the storyline intriguing and the characters well defined. Jack and Corrie are settling in as the intrepid investigator and somewhat over zealous helpful wife. This time around there are multiple murders in a posh neighborhood and many toes to step on to get to the truth. Fun read.
January 28, 2021
After reading book 1 ( which wasn’t great) I wasn’t expecting much from book 2 ... however ... I really enjoyed this one .... characters have been developed so that they feel more real ... I loved the one liners in there and as I read this on audio the delivery of those snippets of humour were superb ... enjoyed the storyline and the reveal at the end ... overall a good read
November 9, 2021
A good read
This is the second book in the series featuring Jack Dawes and his wife, Corrie. A body is found, missing limbs and head, which sparks off a very strange manhunt. Jack and Corrie are an endearing couple whose instincts work well together in spite of their differences. There are plenty of characters whose interactions keep the action moving apace.
This is the second book in the series featuring Jack Dawes and his wife, Corrie. A body is found, missing limbs and head, which sparks off a very strange manhunt. Jack and Corrie are an endearing couple whose instincts work well together in spite of their differences. There are plenty of characters whose interactions keep the action moving apace.
July 23, 2024
A very good murder mystery highlighting the depravity among the upper classes and the attempts of senior police officeers to keep them covered up. The struggles of the DI and his team being barred from even interviewing suspects because of their status are evenyually overcome with stunning results. Kept me interested to the very end. Worth reading.
June 3, 2020
Not bad
I knew from the beginning who the murderer was and got frustrated by senior police and their ways of protecting themselves. However it was enjoyable how things worked out with DI Dawes’ wife ‘interfering’!
I knew from the beginning who the murderer was and got frustrated by senior police and their ways of protecting themselves. However it was enjoyable how things worked out with DI Dawes’ wife ‘interfering’!
August 17, 2020
Compelling
Another good read. Good plot interwoven with almost slapstick humour centred on one of the characters. Enough clues to let the reader work out some of the culprits, but enough twists to intrigue .
Another good read. Good plot interwoven with almost slapstick humour centred on one of the characters. Enough clues to let the reader work out some of the culprits, but enough twists to intrigue .
October 4, 2020
Christie and Ngaio Marsh fans, you will love this series!
I enjoy the writing style and the characters. Excellent entertainment and a cosy read. Have enjoyed three in this series so far and plan to read everything by this author. Nicely done, Francis Lloyd!
I enjoy the writing style and the characters. Excellent entertainment and a cosy read. Have enjoyed three in this series so far and plan to read everything by this author. Nicely done, Francis Lloyd!
June 8, 2021
I can't say this is a light hearted police procedural. It has a unusual combination of a busybody wife and quite a inept husband handling major crime. Unusual? And what more the wife is a caterer! Turned out ok
July 9, 2022
Good story
Good reading. Good humor. They story tells how Jack and his team had to solve a murder of a mutilate body found by a river with missing parts and then a homeless woman being killed. Good reading. Good story.
Good reading. Good humor. They story tells how Jack and his team had to solve a murder of a mutilate body found by a river with missing parts and then a homeless woman being killed. Good reading. Good story.
Read
September 13, 2022First book was outstanding This had more cliché than I wanted Bugsy Malone carries sandwiches in his pocket and uses his tie as a napkin It is a current story and too much was made trying to protect the affluent people in the neighborhood I still liked it but not as much as book 1
September 21, 2022
Absolutely delightful reads, all the books. The touch of very human humour and smooth transition from one situation to another is extremely enjoyable! I highly recommend the Jack and Corrie mysteries!
June 24, 2024
Wacko Funny & A Verry Good Mystery
Only the English could do this. Serious crime, and at the same time, great comedy. If you want to think your way through a grisley murder or two, interrupted by your own snorting laughter, don't miss "Blebells"
Pat Nelson
Only the English could do this. Serious crime, and at the same time, great comedy. If you want to think your way through a grisley murder or two, interrupted by your own snorting laughter, don't miss "Blebells"
Pat Nelson
May 3, 2020
This book
I really like this author i love her dry sense of humour throughout the story .I feel now I know Jack Dawes and Corrie so look forward to reading more.
I really like this author i love her dry sense of humour throughout the story .I feel now I know Jack Dawes and Corrie so look forward to reading more.
May 30, 2020
Probably more a 3.5 than a 4*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews