A hotel in Cornwall. A few days of peace and quiet by the sea. Dan Corrigan was looking forward to the change of scene.
But he can’t help burrowing beneath the surface of every situation, and among his fellow guests there’s a rich seam of secrecy and deceit. Then the cryptic typewritten notes start to appear. And when the fabric of truth begins to unravel, it’s up to Dan to piece together the facts, one thread at a time. Some secrets should never be kept.
But when they’re too terrible to tell, all that’s left is revenge.
And it seems that, after all, the scene is set for a mystery.
The Devonshire Mysteries are traditional British mysteries in a modern-day setting.
I read this out of order, which I now regret. I think it would have been preferable to have paid more attention to the sequence. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this one. I like these two characters and find it very refreshing to follow a series involving a productive, caring friendship between two men.
The writers retreat was a good and reasonably credible way of changing the scene from the village - before it begins to rival Midsomer as the village with the most murders in Britain.
I did not care much for this book and was barely able to finish it. The characters were difficult to keep sorted out and the plot was weak. I did not like the two main characters who conducted the investigation in between seeking out coffee, tea, and lunches. It was just too cozy a murder for me.
This book was very boring and slow. I didn’t like any of the characters and perhaps I’d Dan and Alan were a gay couple it would have been better. Practiced speed reading to get through it.
I'm done with this series. I can't push by the premise that people (often murder suspects) would submit to questions from some joe off the street who they don't know and who has no connection to law authorities. Plus I don't find one of the two protagonists (the one usually doing the questioning) very likeable (another reason why I find it hard to accept that people would respond to his intrusive questions). I mean, Miss Marple was always so gentle and round about in her questioning of witnesses/suspects.
Just finished the third book in the Devonshire Mysteries. I’ve enjoyed them for the most part. Alan and Dan are quite the dynamic duo, each filling in with strengths where the other falls short. Alan is a good natured, literary type, ex school teacher. A gentle soul. He loves his life in his little village. Dan can really be an in your face butt head, but also has good points. Alan was consistent throughout the three books, keeping his genteel nature and dry humor going. At first Dan, the big city wheeler, dealer, was learning a lot about the simpler things in life and was bearable and somewhat endearing during this learning experience, as long as he got good coffee. We got some good intel on high end coffee beans and vegan foods, and beer as well but not to the point that it was overwhelming. Lots of back and forth, chit chat between the two which started to get a bit tedious although both characters were so well written that my interest held. I really liked those guys. I felt that Dan became a bit too aggressive in book three, accusing and hounding without good reason, even if he was right much of the time. After all he was meant to be intuitive, not psychic. Perhaps it was because they were no longer in the quaint village where they lived, but some of Dan’s magic of discovery seemed to be missing in the third book. For instance, when they got back from the conference I was really disappointed to not hear about how wonderful the renovation of Dan’s cottage was going. But maybe that’s just me. Yep, I’d read a fourth book ‘cause I like hanging out with Dan and Alan.
Because his cottage was under renovation as well as fumigation for wood rot, Dan had to find somewhere else as temporary accommodations so when Alan's annual writer's retreat in Newquay had a cancellation, he put Dan on the slot. Given Dan's penchant for real unpretentious coffee, a cafe was his first agenda upon arrival at the seaside town... something to do while Alan would be chasing his muse. Well, given the eclectic smorgasbord of personalities and egos... conflicts inevitably ensue and when notes suddenly appeared on each writer's room... though most of them had encouraging overtones, one had a threat in it. So when Edward Hatcher received his note after hiring Dan as buffer against a persistent journalist, Hatcher suddenly disappeared. Then Dominic Rudge, their organizer, was subsequently murdered... given Dan's concern for his absent employer and now Rudge's murder, it behooves the two friends to find the culprit amongst their group of scribblers and one 'bodyguard' plus amid some red herrings and leads. What I find Good in this series is the Atmosphere of friendship... good repertoire... vicarious yet almost real food and drink... and very relatable characters... even the murderers were given a human side.
Murder Between the Tides - a review by Rosemary Kenny
When Dan Corrigan's house needs fumigating and he has to leave the premises for a while, his rather pretentious neighbour Alan unexpectedly offers him a room-share on a writer's holiday, as his companion/assistant. Unsure what to expect and being of the newspaper and slippers brigade, rather than of a literary/Conan Doyle-wannabe persuasion, Dan hesitates, but then (rather reluctantly), joins in what should be a relaxing and mildly stimulating (for the writers), country hotel stay, with a change of scenery thrown in. Needless to say, it's anything but!
Why not get a copy of Michael (Mikey to his friends and many fans), Camping's excellent crime-thriller, Murder Between the Tides, Book 4 in his wonderful A Devonshire Mystery series today? In fact why not get them all - your crime-thriller bookshelves will thank you profusely!
Another great adventure for Dan and Alan! This is a delightful light mystery series reminiscent of Agatha Christie. A most pleasant way to spend your evening.
Dan is truly settled into his new life in Embervale. In fact, Christmas is fast approaching and he has even sprung for decorations for his house. However things could be going a bit better on the home renovation project. Each time it seems near completion another problem crops up. This time it is wood worms.
Since Dan will be displaced for a few days, Alan invites him along to a writer’s retreat at the coast. Since he hasn’t yet found work, why not indulge in a short vacation? It might have been a relaxing experience except for the anonymous notes slipped beneath the writer’s doors. But when one of the writers disappears, it turns into a real mystery.
I have always enjoyed the stories written by Mikey Campling as they are intelligent, artfully crafted, and witty.
Murder Between the Tides is no exception. Campling aptly captures the essence of an English seaside village and populates the village with distinctive supporting characters.
As the story progressed, I read about a woman wronged, a couple of cads, either of whom was sure to be the victim or the killer, a few other main characters who were sympathetic or had their own dark secrets. Of course my suspicions were all wrong in the end as the real killer was revealed.
This was an excellent whodunit and is highly recommended.
I'd recommend this author's murder mysteries. They are clever, inventive and with nice touches of humour. I really like his two main characters - Dan, clever, surly and perhaps a bit on the autistic spectrum and his neighbour and friend Alan - gentle, kind and perceptive, much better with people. A good pairing. This is the third in the series and intriguing, set amidst a gathering of authors in Newquay, Cornwall. It was a good read and just challenging enough; not too simple, not too complicated. All of the characters are believable and well-drawn and the style is easy to read and satisfying. I shall certainly be reading more by Campling.
Just finished this series. Enjoyable, easy read. I like a little mystery and detective work. The characters are well developed and mostly likable. Dan is a bit of a consternation at times, a bit pushy with an odd sense of entitlement. I was surprised he and Alan became friends after their first meeting. Perhaps Alan's easy going nature is in large part the reason they do? I also like learning about the history of a place and the history's of the families. Worth picking up to read.
This is the second Devonshire Mystery I have read and I really like these books. The characters are interesting, the plot convoluted, (just the way I like them) and the pace of the book just right. The author is talented and his work is engaging. I cannot recommend his Devonshire Mysteries enough, and I for one am looking forward to the next instalment of this excellent series.
Another one hit over the fence (tee hee inside joke - read the book)
Dan and Alan have upped the game! Still drinking the best coffee and brews, but ever on the job. Not so much a murder mystery of the who done it variety as a why was it done. I was clueless to the end, well not the end end, that part I figured out when the black lace panties showed up.
I enjoyed the "Devonshire Mysteries" there is a simplicity to the writing and storyline that draws you in along with the main characters, Alan and Dan, to solve the case. However there are surprises you never saw coming! These stories have the flavour of a "Good old Fashioned Mystery.
Loved all three books, wished there were more. The characters were quirky and seemed like someone you would like to know and be friends with. Looking forward to and hoping there will be another book in the series. Excellent mysteries, had to read the entire book in one sitting to find out whodoneit.
This is the third Devonshire Mysteries book that I’ve read. I enjoyed it very much but favored the first two more. This book seemed harder to get through; however, I liked learning the cryptic references to other British literature. I will read the fourth book soon. I like this new cozy type.
I loved this book. Dan and Alan are very thought out great characters that mesh well with each other. I love the dialogue and banter between them as well as their moments of vulnerability and sometimes self doubt. The author never leaves a stone unturned or a dangling thread that serves no purpose. Everything is put in place to bring us on our journey. I highly recommend this series.
Enjoying this series more and more. The dynamic between the two men is developing, although I thought they were much older than they actually are, which changes my perception of their relationship a bit. This mystery takes place in a new setting, which freshens things up a bit. Dan is losing some of his rudeness, which is a plus.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. I've been to Newquay and stayed in a hotel similar to the one in story. Have read one other book by this author and will certainly read more.
Another great murder mystery for neighbourly duo Dan and Alan, while they take a short seaside holiday to a writers retreat in Cornwall. With good writing, brisk pace, and story reminiscent of Agatha Christie, this mystery novel is highly recommended.
Just finished reading all 4 books in this series and want to recommend each and all highly. I particularly appreciated and enjoyed the character development.The plots were marvelously complex yet everything moves quickly. More please!!
A fresh, smart, and masculine cozy mystery! Our two heroes are the epitome of the ideal 21st cent. Detecting Duo! Smart, strong, and complex women who do not need rescuing is a significant part of the rating. A perfect mental get-away after a long day!
Enjoyable read, Dan & Alan caricatures are growing and getting a little stronger with each book. It’s the best of the three books. Best intro for Dan’s upcoming venture which the 4th book opens with. Easy read. - Steven, thursdayfile.com
M Camping's work is one to be savored as you enjoy British Pubs, small town scenery, and a grand hotel. Great characters woven in with Dan, and Alan's opposing temperaments. Yet still a solid mystery to keep you entertained.
Alan Hargreaves is on a Writers Retreat at Newquay and invites his neighbour Dan Corrigan. But soon one of the writers disappears and another is killed. They decide to investigate. An enjoyable modern mystery