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Slim Hardy Mysteries #5
The Angler's Tale
THE NEW SLIM HARDY MYSTERY
Attempting to forget his problems with the bottle, former soldier turned private detective John “Slim” Hardy joins what ought to be a peaceful fishing package holiday in Dartmouth, South Devon.
But when a violent tragedy affects one of the other tour guests, Slim finds himself on the trail of a potential killer.
Set in the beautiful surrounds of the River Dart estuary and Agatha Christie’s Greenway, The Angler’s Tale will take Slim Hardy into places darker than any he has faced before.
Attempting to forget his problems with the bottle, former soldier turned private detective John “Slim” Hardy joins what ought to be a peaceful fishing package holiday in Dartmouth, South Devon.
But when a violent tragedy affects one of the other tour guests, Slim finds himself on the trail of a potential killer.
Set in the beautiful surrounds of the River Dart estuary and Agatha Christie’s Greenway, The Angler’s Tale will take Slim Hardy into places darker than any he has faced before.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2020
44 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Jack Benton
49 books91 followersJack Benton is the mystery writing pen name of British science fiction writer Chris Ward.
Chris Ward is a native of Cornwall, England, but currently lives and works in Nagano, Japan. He is the author of multiple series across several speculative genres, as well as writing under pen names in several more.
He spends his time, snowboarding, writing, playing guitar in his rock band, Steampunk Unicorn (www.reverbnation/steampunkunicorn), and generally having too much to say about just about everything.
For more information, please visit www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.net/tok...
Chris Ward is a native of Cornwall, England, but currently lives and works in Nagano, Japan. He is the author of multiple series across several speculative genres, as well as writing under pen names in several more.
He spends his time, snowboarding, writing, playing guitar in his rock band, Steampunk Unicorn (www.reverbnation/steampunkunicorn), and generally having too much to say about just about everything.
For more information, please visit www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.net/tok...
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 6, 2022
This makes the fifth Slim Hardy book I have read to date, but I think this should be a wrap for me. Many of the lines of "investigation" for this PI resulted in rather grotesque scenes. The scene is Dartmouth centered around a "rehab" facility where Slim meets up with some pretty shady characters most of them women. The first death is someone well known. And then the body count mounts as danger to Slim himself increases.
October 7, 2020
Slim is one amazing character that makes this book outstanding. Didn’t think this book could possibly be better but it definitely was. Loved it.
June 9, 2023
Par for the course for the series: great characters, great setting, meandering and slow plot. Spoilers ahead.
This is actually the same for many British detective novels. I usually love the setting and the characters - the plot not so much. But now that I think about it, it's a rare author that's able to create an edge of the seat mystery.
Summary: Slim goes on a river retreat for his alcoholism. Apparently it's one for many others with afflictions too, so that they can rest, relax and reset. One of the others is an over the hill TV and radio personality, Ben Carson. After Slim rejects Carson's friendly advances to hang out together, Carson is found dead with his feet died together. It's ruled a suicide but Slim isn't convinced.
Things get worse when another of the group, Irene Long, is found dead in a boat. Slim was actually investigating Carson's death at the time when he was pushed over the pier and lands in the boat on Long's dead body. Long's death is also ruled a suicide and Slim is even more suspicious something is going on.
Slim is not arrested but is certainly under suspicion from the police. He decides to go off the radar and investigate the deaths on his own. He checks out of his hotel and hides in an abandoned house. Partly it's because he's afraid he will be next on the list to be killed, partly it's because he wants to investigate without being hampered by the police.
As usual he's helped by his two friends, Don and Kay, who are able to answer any number of requests that Slim puts to them. This part has become some kind of joke since Slim doesn't pay them anything or return any favors, yet Don and Kay drop whatever they're doing to help him. This pertains to background checks, ability to get computer passwords, etc. The other thing is that Slim keeps falling prey to his drinking and blanks out a few times.
Eventually, Slim asks enough questions to pinpoint the right people involved and the mystery is solved. However, during the final encounter, he kills the antagonist and is convicted.
I'm now on the next book despite this being not a great detective series but I do like Slim and hope he recovers from his addiction.
This is actually the same for many British detective novels. I usually love the setting and the characters - the plot not so much. But now that I think about it, it's a rare author that's able to create an edge of the seat mystery.
Summary: Slim goes on a river retreat for his alcoholism. Apparently it's one for many others with afflictions too, so that they can rest, relax and reset. One of the others is an over the hill TV and radio personality, Ben Carson. After Slim rejects Carson's friendly advances to hang out together, Carson is found dead with his feet died together. It's ruled a suicide but Slim isn't convinced.
Things get worse when another of the group, Irene Long, is found dead in a boat. Slim was actually investigating Carson's death at the time when he was pushed over the pier and lands in the boat on Long's dead body. Long's death is also ruled a suicide and Slim is even more suspicious something is going on.
Slim is not arrested but is certainly under suspicion from the police. He decides to go off the radar and investigate the deaths on his own. He checks out of his hotel and hides in an abandoned house. Partly it's because he's afraid he will be next on the list to be killed, partly it's because he wants to investigate without being hampered by the police.
As usual he's helped by his two friends, Don and Kay, who are able to answer any number of requests that Slim puts to them. This part has become some kind of joke since Slim doesn't pay them anything or return any favors, yet Don and Kay drop whatever they're doing to help him. This pertains to background checks, ability to get computer passwords, etc. The other thing is that Slim keeps falling prey to his drinking and blanks out a few times.
Eventually, Slim asks enough questions to pinpoint the right people involved and the mystery is solved. However, during the final encounter, he kills the antagonist and is convicted.
I'm now on the next book despite this being not a great detective series but I do like Slim and hope he recovers from his addiction.
August 31, 2020
A fishing holiday with a surprising twist…
Slim may lack some restraint when it comes to alcohol but he certainly doesn’t lack in persistence. His war-time experience may have worn him down but it also gave him an instinct for survival. When it comes to unsolved mysteries he is just as addicted to seeing it through as he is to the bottle or maybe more so. Whatever it takes, even with his life on the line and barely existing, Slim won’t let it go. Fortunately, it would seem, he has a guardian angel but never the less has to pay for the consequences of his actions.
The plot, descriptive writing, diverse characters and the plight of our private investigator keeps drawing you in and accelerates your page turning. Slim is raw and determined and to his own detriment will withstand dire circumstances beyond what you and others may tolerate. You may find yourself wishing you could bring him a hot bowl of chicken soup. This is part of what makes his character and reading this book so intriguing.
You may have a hunch but you will not quite know until the end as to who gets most of the blame. Slim explores every avenue while he and the reader gather more clues to two recent deaths…Another great addition to The Slim Hardy Mystery Series.
I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Slim may lack some restraint when it comes to alcohol but he certainly doesn’t lack in persistence. His war-time experience may have worn him down but it also gave him an instinct for survival. When it comes to unsolved mysteries he is just as addicted to seeing it through as he is to the bottle or maybe more so. Whatever it takes, even with his life on the line and barely existing, Slim won’t let it go. Fortunately, it would seem, he has a guardian angel but never the less has to pay for the consequences of his actions.
The plot, descriptive writing, diverse characters and the plight of our private investigator keeps drawing you in and accelerates your page turning. Slim is raw and determined and to his own detriment will withstand dire circumstances beyond what you and others may tolerate. You may find yourself wishing you could bring him a hot bowl of chicken soup. This is part of what makes his character and reading this book so intriguing.
You may have a hunch but you will not quite know until the end as to who gets most of the blame. Slim explores every avenue while he and the reader gather more clues to two recent deaths…Another great addition to The Slim Hardy Mystery Series.
I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
September 5, 2020
An incredible story that mixes crime and tales from the past involving witches and mermaids. The main character - Slim - becomes obsessed in finding the truth regarding the death of two people with who he had a very brief contact. It also shows the very sad side of addiction as he does things and later on only has a faint rememberance of what happened. This is a story about persistence, the difficulty veterans face to get involved with society ipon return from deployment, of finding and valuing friendship and of a profound belief that the truth must always prevail.
A very good book, entertaining !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A very good book, entertaining !
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2020
I am not a big mystery reader but this book is really good. Along the style of Agatha Christy. There are a lot of twist and it is very hard to guess who the culprit really is. I had a good time reading this mystery and Slim Hardy is a wonderful character. Recovering Alcoholic Private Investigator and is who Slim Hardy is and he will take you on a great ride in this book.
September 10, 2020
I enjoy 'Slim' Hardy though am constantly amazed how he gets as much done as he does, considering his problem.
As usual the ending is not as expected and the route to it is convoluted. You definitely need to pay attention as you read but it is an allround satisfying book to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As usual the ending is not as expected and the route to it is convoluted. You definitely need to pay attention as you read but it is an allround satisfying book to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2023
CHIRP AUDIOBOOK
I found the storyline of this book to be very good, but parts of it were challenging to follow… The Sea Witch and her descendants? It seemed like part of the mystery was trying to understand who was who… It all comes together in the end, but it wasn’t the really great conclusion to the mystery that I was expecting. (Slim ends up in the slammer?)
I found the storyline of this book to be very good, but parts of it were challenging to follow… The Sea Witch and her descendants? It seemed like part of the mystery was trying to understand who was who… It all comes together in the end, but it wasn’t the really great conclusion to the mystery that I was expecting. (Slim ends up in the slammer?)
September 15, 2020
If you're a fan of a good thrilling mystery, you'll want this book in your library. Strong and well developed characters and a story line that's captivating and holds your attention from start to finish.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2020
Enjoyable, but not the best in the series
This one got bogged down in the middle, too many things & places that weren’t particularly interesting, even if they did feature into the ending.
This one got bogged down in the middle, too many things & places that weren’t particularly interesting, even if they did feature into the ending.
June 21, 2025
Pity this not so good as the previous one. Like Groundhog Day as the lead character continually bent back and forward on buses. But of a daft plot and not much substance. Disappointing. (Note to remind me what read and whether liked.)
September 12, 2020
Great. Story.
Great story. Loved it........... ... ...... .... .... ... ... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ?. ? ?
Great story. Loved it........... ... ...... .... .... ... ... ... ... ... ...... ... ... ... ?. ? ?
December 4, 2021
Another great tale in the Slim Hardy series. He never gives up. These books also give an insight into how addiction can control a life no matter how hard one tries to conquer it.
July 16, 2022
Intriguing and twisted story — an interesting read and good narration. Hated the end but it’s a series so it’s not really the end.
July 20, 2022
Interesting story. My first Slim Hardy mystery. #5 in series but worked well as a standalone.
March 4, 2023
Another amazing read in the Slim Hardy Mysteries.
September 13, 2023
Just couldn't get into this one. Felt lifeless and dull dragging out a dull mystery, will say the last 10% of the book was 2 star at best buy overall I just didn't enjoy this story at all.
October 30, 2023
An unpredictable reveal. Nice.
January 3, 2024
Enjoy this author and series !
October 9, 2024
Boring. Slim spent most of this novel drunk. Still can’t figure out why he is in going to jail at the end. He seriously needs to sober up. Muddy tale all around.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 18, 2025
A good read
A very engaging novel on the Private Investigator Slim Hardy. His toughest case so far. I was willing him on with every page.
A very engaging novel on the Private Investigator Slim Hardy. His toughest case so far. I was willing him on with every page.
September 10, 2025
Confusing, hard to follow. I hope the next int thr series is better
January 11, 2024
In deep trouble
PI “Slim” Hardy is trying to stay away from the booze, so goes on a fishing holiday with a group in Dartmouth; however, not long after his arrival, a body is discovered, and he cannot resist conducting his own investigation into the tragedy.
Set in a tranquil location, this is anything but a peaceful vacation for “Slim”, and his life is put in danger as he continues to probe for clues.
I am totally addicted to this brilliantly written series and cannot recommend it highly enough to lovers of good crime fiction.
PI “Slim” Hardy is trying to stay away from the booze, so goes on a fishing holiday with a group in Dartmouth; however, not long after his arrival, a body is discovered, and he cannot resist conducting his own investigation into the tragedy.
Set in a tranquil location, this is anything but a peaceful vacation for “Slim”, and his life is put in danger as he continues to probe for clues.
I am totally addicted to this brilliantly written series and cannot recommend it highly enough to lovers of good crime fiction.
December 19, 2020
I think this is the best book so far in the Slim Hardy series - and that is because the author manages to create a really evocative sense of spookiness, mystery, and set our dysfunctional detective in the middle of a very unusual murder.
I was particularly impressed with the wonderful way that the scene was set - without actually going to Dartmouth we almost can feel as though we are there, watching as Slim goes round in circles, in the plot as well as through the local geography.
I really did enjoy reading this one, although Slim can be frustrating, and thought it was well written, very twisty, and a good use of a mystery reader's time.
I was particularly impressed with the wonderful way that the scene was set - without actually going to Dartmouth we almost can feel as though we are there, watching as Slim goes round in circles, in the plot as well as through the local geography.
I really did enjoy reading this one, although Slim can be frustrating, and thought it was well written, very twisty, and a good use of a mystery reader's time.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews