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Kate Power #3
Murder by Arson
Previously published as Power Games
Detective Kate Power’s life seem to be finally improving.
But from the moment she rescues a budgie from a cottage destroyed in a lorry accident, the pressure never relents.
Why does an ordinary middle-class woman die alone in a shower after an evening out with friends and a game of tennis? Why does an art expert tell medics he had to light a bonfire at midnight? And why is the archaeologist working on a find in Kate’s garden so scared? And who’s behind a wave of arson attacks?
It’s hard enough pulling together all the disparate threads without police rivalries which see her being plucked from her colleagues in her CID team and transferred to a new elite murder investigation squad – though her boss there makes it clear she’s not welcome and duly suspends her.
Kate has to fight for her job and solve her toughest case yet.
Detective Kate Power’s life seem to be finally improving.
But from the moment she rescues a budgie from a cottage destroyed in a lorry accident, the pressure never relents.
Why does an ordinary middle-class woman die alone in a shower after an evening out with friends and a game of tennis? Why does an art expert tell medics he had to light a bonfire at midnight? And why is the archaeologist working on a find in Kate’s garden so scared? And who’s behind a wave of arson attacks?
It’s hard enough pulling together all the disparate threads without police rivalries which see her being plucked from her colleagues in her CID team and transferred to a new elite murder investigation squad – though her boss there makes it clear she’s not welcome and duly suspends her.
Kate has to fight for her job and solve her toughest case yet.
- GenresMystery
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2000
692 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Judith Cutler
91 books97 followersJudith Cutler was born and bred in the Midlands, and revels in using her birthplace, with its rich cultural life, as a background for her novels. After a long stint as an English lecturer at a run-down college of further education, Judith, a prize-winning short-story writer, has taught Creative Writing at Birmingham University, has run occasional writing course elsewhere (from a maximum security prison to an idyltic Greek island) and ministered to needy colleagues in her role as Secretary of the Crime Writers' Association.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 13, 2021
I have enjoyed all the books of this Kate Power series, but this one is SMASHING! They should be read in order, of course, if you want to be rewarded with this latest book's action and major events in the life of Detective Kate Power of Birmingham. Kate does a stellar job in following clues and pursuing suspects, bringing her own life and house in jeopardy.
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July 13, 2020
A Woman Driven
The more that I read about Kate, the more I like her. Once again Kate throws herself into a case, with sometimes unexpected consequences. I'm enjoying her reactions to Birmingham and it's people. Lots of action mixed with frustration.
The more that I read about Kate, the more I like her. Once again Kate throws herself into a case, with sometimes unexpected consequences. I'm enjoying her reactions to Birmingham and it's people. Lots of action mixed with frustration.
July 17, 2020
Hidden surprises
Interesting character development. Main cast of characters expanded. A plot with many twists and turns. This third in the series continues to hold ones interest and encourages moving on to the fourth.
Interesting character development. Main cast of characters expanded. A plot with many twists and turns. This third in the series continues to hold ones interest and encourages moving on to the fourth.
August 13, 2020
3.5 stars. A decent book but occasionally the transitions between sections are problematical.
August 8, 2020
Best of the Kate Power series so far!
I wasn't sure at first - in fact I think I have felt that way on each of the previous books. Its probably just me, I seem to get a bit lost at first.
However, the pace became fast & furious with lots going on.
A jaw droppingly, stomach churning, shocking ending!!!!
I wasn't sure at first - in fact I think I have felt that way on each of the previous books. Its probably just me, I seem to get a bit lost at first.
However, the pace became fast & furious with lots going on.
A jaw droppingly, stomach churning, shocking ending!!!!
October 7, 2020
Dropping stars.
The stories are good. But am finding I can work out the plot pretty early on.
I can also see her getting involved with her married boss.
I had high hopes of this series but find, as they go on, the writer is being lazy with Katie's character.
She is getting prissy, annoyed with her Aunt who gave her the house and loaned her money to do the renovations
So much more could have been done with this character. How she overcomes the prejudice against fast tracked women and how she railed against the sleeping with higher up, older, married colleagues.
I will be sadly disappointed if it carries on down this road. Dropping more stars along with my disappointment.
Look at the opportunity for expanding her personal life with the lovely Robin, who visits to record the collection of buttons unearthed when clearing a shed. I found more could have been done with this storyline.
The stories are good. But am finding I can work out the plot pretty early on.
I can also see her getting involved with her married boss.
I had high hopes of this series but find, as they go on, the writer is being lazy with Katie's character.
She is getting prissy, annoyed with her Aunt who gave her the house and loaned her money to do the renovations
So much more could have been done with this character. How she overcomes the prejudice against fast tracked women and how she railed against the sleeping with higher up, older, married colleagues.
I will be sadly disappointed if it carries on down this road. Dropping more stars along with my disappointment.
Look at the opportunity for expanding her personal life with the lovely Robin, who visits to record the collection of buttons unearthed when clearing a shed. I found more could have been done with this storyline.
May 20, 2024
Hi, ya'll. I know you missed my reviews but I'm telling you, not writing them was NOT my choice. You see I was unjustly arrested and put in prison! All I did was set that backstabber's house on fire, I hoped to kill her (hey, don't tell the court I said that ;) ) but unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be as she wasn't in the house at the time ( If anyone asks, I knew she wasn't there and had no intention of killing her). I was inspired by this book you see, after the failure of a guide that was 'how to kill you're best friend' I needed something better. That was this book. And whilst I still haven't been able to achieve my goal of getting rid of my husband's mistress, it sure did scare her off and now I'm back from prison, it means that I have my darling Demitri and Gertrude all to myself. Xx
August 19, 2024
Interesting case.
DS Power deals with an interesting case, much less convoluted than the previous one. Less self-pitying politics in this book, but still more than necessary. The problem, for me (perhaps not for others), this time around is a “generous” helping of gross sexual innuendo. According to our protagonist, a colleague using the term “answer to a maiden’s prayer” is beyond the pale, but her informing us that her “vagina salivated” is peachy keen. I really wish I hadn’t purchased the entire series.
DS Power deals with an interesting case, much less convoluted than the previous one. Less self-pitying politics in this book, but still more than necessary. The problem, for me (perhaps not for others), this time around is a “generous” helping of gross sexual innuendo. According to our protagonist, a colleague using the term “answer to a maiden’s prayer” is beyond the pale, but her informing us that her “vagina salivated” is peachy keen. I really wish I hadn’t purchased the entire series.
August 27, 2020
Another Great Kate Power Book
Judith Cutler really does a great job with this series. This is the third one I have read and so far they have not disappointed me. Granted I don’t always like a few of the characters but that in no way takes away from the books. The author does a very good job in developing the plots. Again I would recommend you reading them in order of publication. They are not best read as stand alone books.
Judith Cutler really does a great job with this series. This is the third one I have read and so far they have not disappointed me. Granted I don’t always like a few of the characters but that in no way takes away from the books. The author does a very good job in developing the plots. Again I would recommend you reading them in order of publication. They are not best read as stand alone books.
November 7, 2020
Another intriguing story
Judith Cutler tells the life of Kate as a Detective in the way it happens. The reader is but a shadow following Kate about during her daily life. This gives a sense of realism to these stories and this is no exception. Several crimes and miscellaneous come together and Kate finds comfort from her superiors. An interesting twist with corruption at the heart.
Judith Cutler tells the life of Kate as a Detective in the way it happens. The reader is but a shadow following Kate about during her daily life. This gives a sense of realism to these stories and this is no exception. Several crimes and miscellaneous come together and Kate finds comfort from her superiors. An interesting twist with corruption at the heart.
December 4, 2020
Engaging and we'll thought out plot
I am enjoying this series immensely. I think it would adapt nicely to a Television series. Interesting cast of characters and intricate varied crimes and plots. Looking forward to continuing this lot. Kudos to Judith Cutler. I highly recommend losing yourself in some British Crime novels from her work. Intelligent and engaging. Great escape during these difficult covid times.
I am enjoying this series immensely. I think it would adapt nicely to a Television series. Interesting cast of characters and intricate varied crimes and plots. Looking forward to continuing this lot. Kudos to Judith Cutler. I highly recommend losing yourself in some British Crime novels from her work. Intelligent and engaging. Great escape during these difficult covid times.
May 3, 2025
This is the third story in the box set I have and I enjoyed it. Kate is a likeable character, though I don't always agree with her decisions.
It starts with a lorry smashing into a house, then a body is found at the tennis club...
This was a well-written British crime drama with twists and turns and surprises. The characters suited the plot. I liked the writing style; the humour and sarcasm demonstrated Kate's strength.
Engaging and recommended.
It starts with a lorry smashing into a house, then a body is found at the tennis club...
This was a well-written British crime drama with twists and turns and surprises. The characters suited the plot. I liked the writing style; the humour and sarcasm demonstrated Kate's strength.
Engaging and recommended.
July 14, 2020
!Excellent!
Very good series of police procedurals set in 1990's. Kate, as a female, receives criticism and intense attention from the male officers. She perseveres and works in large team, investigating arson and murder! Great characters as supporting team and friends help support her efforts.
Very good series of police procedurals set in 1990's. Kate, as a female, receives criticism and intense attention from the male officers. She perseveres and works in large team, investigating arson and murder! Great characters as supporting team and friends help support her efforts.
July 27, 2020
Murder by Arson
There are a number of arson cases in the area and Kate becomes involved when someone is found dead in the burnt remains of a building. But this is just the start of a difficult and complex case for Kate.
Murder by Arson is brilliant. Judith Cutler has written a novel that is hard the put down and full of twists and turns.
Highly recommended.
There are a number of arson cases in the area and Kate becomes involved when someone is found dead in the burnt remains of a building. But this is just the start of a difficult and complex case for Kate.
Murder by Arson is brilliant. Judith Cutler has written a novel that is hard the put down and full of twists and turns.
Highly recommended.
Read
October 12, 2020A spate of warehouse fires, culminating in the death of a homeless person, is taking up Kate Power's time, while off-duty she becomes fascinated by a pile of antique buttons that have been unearthed in her garden. She is called to investigate the body of a woman found at her own tennis club.
Very good series.
Very good series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2020
Very Idiomatic British Storytelling
Arson, death, burglary, and wealth and privilege versus historical preservation all tangled together with a police inspector and her unsettled life.
Arson, death, burglary, and wealth and privilege versus historical preservation all tangled together with a police inspector and her unsettled life.
July 14, 2020
Next one please
Enjoyable and believable. Love the characters and procedures written plus good positive read all three books and look forward to more in this series
Enjoyable and believable. Love the characters and procedures written plus good positive read all three books and look forward to more in this series
July 18, 2020
This series keeps getting better and better it’s so gripping
I need the next in the series so bad
Graham I do hope he opens up more to Kate
I need the next in the series so bad
Graham I do hope he opens up more to Kate
July 27, 2020
Fantastic
Have loved reading this series hope that there will be more with Kate power. A definite must read. Thank you
Have loved reading this series hope that there will be more with Kate power. A definite must read. Thank you
August 5, 2020
Not good
Rambling and hard to follow. Terrible dialogue. I rarely give up on a book, but had to with this one as it was so annoying and not a gripping plot
Rambling and hard to follow. Terrible dialogue. I rarely give up on a book, but had to with this one as it was so annoying and not a gripping plot
August 21, 2020
Excellent
What a pleasure this book is to read . I couldn't put it down and enjoyed every chapter. I will definitely recommend these books to my friends.
What a pleasure this book is to read . I couldn't put it down and enjoyed every chapter. I will definitely recommend these books to my friends.
August 24, 2020
Loving the character Kate power looking forward to the next in the series
September 18, 2020
Great series.
This series of books are getting better with each issue,l long may it continue.
Let's hope the author doesn't stop too soon.
This series of books are getting better with each issue,l long may it continue.
Let's hope the author doesn't stop too soon.
December 26, 2020
Another great read
Can't wait to read the next book ,to see what happens to Kate and Graham well done its exciting and gripping all at the time
Can't wait to read the next book ,to see what happens to Kate and Graham well done its exciting and gripping all at the time
April 29, 2021
Really boring.
November 1, 2021
Fast moving and gripping.
August 31, 2023
Good read that the storyline had more depth than the previous books. Kate powers is a good detective and really get her teeth into the cases she is given. On to book 4
August 28, 2024
another in a brilliant series
I thourally enjoyed this Kate Power book. I feel like I’ve got to know her now but continues to surprise me. I shall quickly move on to the next one.
I thourally enjoyed this Kate Power book. I feel like I’ve got to know her now but continues to surprise me. I shall quickly move on to the next one.
October 5, 2024
Slightly better than #3 I may stay until # 6 only time will tell .
December 30, 2020
Another great story
Another great story by Judith featuring Detective Kate Powers and her associates. Well written with lots of twists and turns and an exciting ending.
Another great story by Judith featuring Detective Kate Powers and her associates. Well written with lots of twists and turns and an exciting ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews