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Slater & Norman Mystery #4
The Wrong Man
When Diana Woods is found stabbed to death in her kitchen, her family, friends and neighbours are quick to tell investigating officers, DS Dave Slater and DS Norman Norman, what a wonderful person she was, and the finger of suspicion is quickly pointed in the direction of her estranged husband Ian.
According to them, Ian Woods seemed nice enough on the outside, but behind closed doors he was a bully who regularly abused his wife. When questioned, Woods is vague about his whereabouts on the afternoon of the murder, and is unable to explain why it took him almost eight hours to complete a four hour journey home.
It seems clear to Norman, that Ian Woods not only had a motive to kill his wife, he also had the opportunity. Their boss, DCI Bob Murray, is in no doubt and orders them to make an arrest.
But Slater’s not so sure they’re being told the whole story about Ian Woods, or Diana, and it’s not long before he learns that Ian Woods isn’t quite the monster her friends are so keen to suggest he is, and Diana certainly isn’t the angel they’ve been told about.
Further enquiries suggest there’s another likely suspect in Diana’s boss Bruce Rossiter, and then, when someone comes forward to give Ian Woods an alibi for the time he was supposedly murdering Diana, it seems pretty clear they’ve been focused on the wrong man. Mounting evidence against Bruce Rossiter suggests they’re now on the right track, but they begin to wonder if some of the evidence they are finding isn’t just a little too convenient.
Have they got the wrong man again? Is it possible Diana was murdered so Rossiter could be framed? The problem is, he’s not the most popular guy in town, and there are a number of likely candidates who would love to see him out of the way. Can Slater and Norman figure out who it is?
According to them, Ian Woods seemed nice enough on the outside, but behind closed doors he was a bully who regularly abused his wife. When questioned, Woods is vague about his whereabouts on the afternoon of the murder, and is unable to explain why it took him almost eight hours to complete a four hour journey home.
It seems clear to Norman, that Ian Woods not only had a motive to kill his wife, he also had the opportunity. Their boss, DCI Bob Murray, is in no doubt and orders them to make an arrest.
But Slater’s not so sure they’re being told the whole story about Ian Woods, or Diana, and it’s not long before he learns that Ian Woods isn’t quite the monster her friends are so keen to suggest he is, and Diana certainly isn’t the angel they’ve been told about.
Further enquiries suggest there’s another likely suspect in Diana’s boss Bruce Rossiter, and then, when someone comes forward to give Ian Woods an alibi for the time he was supposedly murdering Diana, it seems pretty clear they’ve been focused on the wrong man. Mounting evidence against Bruce Rossiter suggests they’re now on the right track, but they begin to wonder if some of the evidence they are finding isn’t just a little too convenient.
Have they got the wrong man again? Is it possible Diana was murdered so Rossiter could be framed? The problem is, he’s not the most popular guy in town, and there are a number of likely candidates who would love to see him out of the way. Can Slater and Norman figure out who it is?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2015
1381 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
54 books236 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
April 8, 2022
They keep getting better!
I am really enjoying this series! Much more than I thought I would. So once again, we have an original story line, lots of twists and turns, and more than one guilty party! All to set up another party, who was low life, but not a murderer. And it was a very captivating read! And I'm on to the next one!
I am really enjoying this series! Much more than I thought I would. So once again, we have an original story line, lots of twists and turns, and more than one guilty party! All to set up another party, who was low life, but not a murderer. And it was a very captivating read! And I'm on to the next one!
April 4, 2017
Another enjoyable read in this series. Cosy crime with a good plot. Recommended.
January 28, 2016
3.5 stars. Not bad but I don't think the characters are interesting enough for a higher rating.
March 3, 2021
The Right Book For Me.
I was hooked from chapter one. Amazingly, I did not think for a moment Woody was the culprit.
I had some theories. I like how the author of this book would you write to the front door in the beginning to the guilty party, and then text you away. You have to really pay attention hard and gather all the information to figure it out for yourself. I'm not quite that slick. It kept me going to the very last page and I like that kind of book. I don't like when you figure out so easily yourself you can go straight to the back of the book and tell who did it. I was never tempted with this book. He holds your interest very well and I cannot wait to read The Red Telephone Box.
I was hooked from chapter one. Amazingly, I did not think for a moment Woody was the culprit.
I had some theories. I like how the author of this book would you write to the front door in the beginning to the guilty party, and then text you away. You have to really pay attention hard and gather all the information to figure it out for yourself. I'm not quite that slick. It kept me going to the very last page and I like that kind of book. I don't like when you figure out so easily yourself you can go straight to the back of the book and tell who did it. I was never tempted with this book. He holds your interest very well and I cannot wait to read The Red Telephone Box.
November 12, 2022
I always write a review immediately after I finish the book. I wonder where those reviews end up? The Wrong Man (#4) is another good Slater/Norman very British mystery. P.F. Ford writes in a way that is easy to understand and enjoy the differences between British and American English. "Takeaways" are "Carryouts" or "ToGo" food orders and Norman's favorite activity. I wonder just how big he is. This time we were wrong on our "WHODONEIT" guess. Also surprised with the very last reveal. Having read The Red Telephone Box as our first S/N we now understand why what happened in #5. Perhaps it would have been more appreciated now with the development that occurs. #4 is more on the sleazy side as far as plot goes. Ford does well to keep his story from going too far afield.
June 17, 2019
4th book in the DS Slater & Norman series. I have read all 4 now and enjoyed them all. Slater and Norman are called to attend a murder of a woman at a house outside of Tinton. Initially it would seem “the husband” did it. However “he’s a nice guy” and it does not seem all the evidence stacks up. Her friends claim butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth and he must have done. His friends and work colleagues say she was at it with anything in trousers and he is innocent. Slater, Norman and Jane Jolly have to work out who is telling the truth. The ending will surprise you but you will enjoy it!! Looking forward to some more Dave Slater adventures
March 15, 2023
Great mystery with a twist or two as Detective Sergeant Dave Slater and Detective Sergeant Norm Norman sort through clues to find a killer.
Slater fixed a stupid grin on his face and turned to Norman. ‘There you go,’ he said. ‘I’m happy. Okay?’
‘That’s a very insincere smile. Which, in itself, is indicative of possession of a negative attitude.’
‘Oh nuts,’ said Slater, swinging his door open. ‘The use of over-wordy pronouncements indicates the desire to appear superior, which surely, in itself, is a negative trait.’
Norman tried to think of a smart remark of his own, but Slater was out of the car and the moment was gone.
November 27, 2024
Another great Slater and Norman mystery. I enjoy the characters, but want to know what's up with Norman in this one - personal stuff he says. Also partway through you want to know what is going on with their boss DCI Murray - you do find out but I'm not saying! He has been after redundancy for a couple of books now, will he finally get it in the next one? And then who will be their boss and cause them trouble! This one had you thinking various people must be the murderer, but there are multiple red herrings and switches and turns. Ford is very clever with his plots and his characters and I am enjoying this series a lot. I am glad there are 14 of them, and then there is the Wales series too.
June 24, 2025
Diana Woods is found dead in front of her kitchen sink, knifed in the back by someone she apparently knew and trusted. Was the murderer her estranged husband, or one of her (many) lovers. While their boss urges them to quickly arrest the husband, Tinton police detectives Slater and Norman resist jumping to conclusions. Their caution is vindicated, as it turns out the truth is much more complicated than anyone expected.
In this fourth book in the series, Norman continues to provide welcome emotional support for Slater, while remaining resistant to Slater's efforts to learn more about his problems. The teamwork among Slater, Norman, and DC Jane Jolly is a highlight of the series.
In this fourth book in the series, Norman continues to provide welcome emotional support for Slater, while remaining resistant to Slater's efforts to learn more about his problems. The teamwork among Slater, Norman, and DC Jane Jolly is a highlight of the series.
February 5, 2021
Fun British Procedural
P. F. Ford starts this whodunit with Diana Woods, soon-to-be murder victim, admiring herself in a mirror. (I knew that the writer must be male because Diana is perfectly satisfied with her appearance.) Diana was either a sinner or a saint, depending on which acquaintance, witness, or suspect detectives Slater or Norman are interviewing. The two banter and handle some introspective interactions well; however, the female characters tend to be one-dimensional stereotypes, so four stars only. Good plot and worth reading.
P. F. Ford starts this whodunit with Diana Woods, soon-to-be murder victim, admiring herself in a mirror. (I knew that the writer must be male because Diana is perfectly satisfied with her appearance.) Diana was either a sinner or a saint, depending on which acquaintance, witness, or suspect detectives Slater or Norman are interviewing. The two banter and handle some introspective interactions well; however, the female characters tend to be one-dimensional stereotypes, so four stars only. Good plot and worth reading.
April 11, 2022
A good twist at the end
This is a murder investigation without the usual stomach clenching, overly detailed description of the victim's death. Also no high speed car chases or fancy US CSI type means offering instant results. DS Norman and Slater rely upon pure 'plodding' detective work. First one person is the prime suspect, until an alibi is produced. A second character comes under scrutiny, again providing an alibi. And another.
If you enjoy British detective novels with plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected end, I recommended The Wrong Man.
This is a murder investigation without the usual stomach clenching, overly detailed description of the victim's death. Also no high speed car chases or fancy US CSI type means offering instant results. DS Norman and Slater rely upon pure 'plodding' detective work. First one person is the prime suspect, until an alibi is produced. A second character comes under scrutiny, again providing an alibi. And another.
If you enjoy British detective novels with plenty of twists and turns and an unexpected end, I recommended The Wrong Man.
September 17, 2022
Clever plot and engaging characters
This is a thoroughly enjoyable series. The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life. The partnership between Norman and Slater feels very real. Like all colleagues and friends, they have their inside jokes and they have disagreements. The reader also gets to know the bad guys, and the peripheral players. After reading the first book, I went for the whole series. I just finished The
Wrong Man, and I have to say I didn’t see the final plot twist coming. Well done, Mr. Ford!
This is a thoroughly enjoyable series. The author does a great job of bringing the characters to life. The partnership between Norman and Slater feels very real. Like all colleagues and friends, they have their inside jokes and they have disagreements. The reader also gets to know the bad guys, and the peripheral players. After reading the first book, I went for the whole series. I just finished The
Wrong Man, and I have to say I didn’t see the final plot twist coming. Well done, Mr. Ford!
November 12, 2022
Another (with reservations) Good P. F. Ford
We're enjoying these Slater/Norman British mysteries. In The Wrong Man (#4) both DS heros get their chance to put their CDI down a few notches. Overall the plot is a bit on the smarmy side but Ford keeps it from going to far afield. PC Jolly remains a good member of the team. We read #5 as our first Slater/Norman mystery and now understand the dynamic change seen in the Red Telephone Box. Have to admit we guessed wrong and were surprised by the ending.
We're enjoying these Slater/Norman British mysteries. In The Wrong Man (#4) both DS heros get their chance to put their CDI down a few notches. Overall the plot is a bit on the smarmy side but Ford keeps it from going to far afield. PC Jolly remains a good member of the team. We read #5 as our first Slater/Norman mystery and now understand the dynamic change seen in the Red Telephone Box. Have to admit we guessed wrong and were surprised by the ending.
December 8, 2022
I changed my mind so many times I lost count. What a wild goose chase that was, and reading it was almost confusing!! Appropriately titled!!! This story was a roller coaster, of red herrings, lying and deceit, and set ups. I’m so glad I read it. It really took me with it along for a ride. I just love this author’s imagination and his ability to twist, and then double twist a storyline!! After I read each book I wonder is it possible that he can make this any better? Can the next book be any better than this book and I’m so amazed that yes he can!!
February 16, 2025
I am really enjoying the Slater & Norman series of mysteries by P. F. Ford. The way he describes his characters, one is Mr. Negative while the other is Mr. Positive, makes them fun to read about. Somehow working together, they always manage to eventually get their man! In this fourth book in the series, Diana Woods is knifed in the back in her own home. It seems that she wasn't the angel that her parents thought she was. Following along as Slater and Norman piece together the clues, kept me entertained from start to finish.
February 10, 2020
A case of neighbors saying she was so gentle and nice, it had to be her husband that murdered her The autopsy reveals a different picture of hers. The husband whom ever one is saying is guilty, doesn’t fit the picture.They question the hours it took to return home after a job, he could of done it.
The words of Slater when he finds a diary “why have one if they aren’t going to use, and to help them in their case. The ending has an unusual twist. Delightful series.
The words of Slater when he finds a diary “why have one if they aren’t going to use, and to help them in their case. The ending has an unusual twist. Delightful series.
February 10, 2021
Police Detective team Slater and Norman, working in the rural town of Trenton in the English countryside, are caught up in the investigation of a mysterious and unexplained murder of prominent local woman. Following a series of dead end leads and puzzling clues, the two detectives scramble to tie together a picture of the case that will eventually lead to the killer. This is a well written and intriguing story that will keep a reader engrossed up to the last page.
March 14, 2021
Very clever ploy by the author to give a free book away which is one of a series of books. Despite being book number 4 in the series, the author skilfully introduces the characters gradually. Once you figure an infinity with the characters, it’s easy to follow and support them. Some nice twists which the reader can readily follow and probably see coming. Overall a really good read and a great free taster of the author’s work. The ploy worked; I’ll definitely be downloading more of this series.
April 14, 2023
A pretty good story, well told. And well enough written to keep me engaged and wanting to find out 'who dunnit'. I'd worked out exactly who the bad person was - wrongly, twice! So bonus points to P F Ford for those garden paths to chase up.
There were just a few things that didn't ring quite true, or true enough for me. But overall I'll be looking out for some more from this author.
Well done, P F Ford :-)
There were just a few things that didn't ring quite true, or true enough for me. But overall I'll be looking out for some more from this author.
Well done, P F Ford :-)
June 3, 2019
I really like the series with Dave Slater. This one had a surprising twist
at the end. DS Slater and DS Norman were trying to solve a brutal murder
and at first they thought they had the right man but new witnesses threw
them a curve and they found themselves with three viable suspects! Read
to find out how it ends!!!
at the end. DS Slater and DS Norman were trying to solve a brutal murder
and at first they thought they had the right man but new witnesses threw
them a curve and they found themselves with three viable suspects! Read
to find out how it ends!!!
July 8, 2020
I am enjoying the Dave Slater series. The Wrong Man is a particularly good one. There seem to be a little less banter between Slater and Norman in this book and a little more hard work discovering what is going on. There is however a great laugh regarding a new expression to avoid offending everyone. I think it’s delightful.
February 1, 2021
Do people really think they can get away with murder?
This is a very suspenseful thriller that takes you through several layers to find the real killer and there are two willing to commit conspiracy! It's a very interesting and fascinating premise! This book is very entertaining! Enjoy!
This is a very suspenseful thriller that takes you through several layers to find the real killer and there are two willing to commit conspiracy! It's a very interesting and fascinating premise! This book is very entertaining! Enjoy!
August 15, 2022
Confusion reigns
Talk about a whodunit! There were too many people who could have, to the point I was lost. Makes you keep guessing and just when you think they got it right, they were wrong! Surely keeps you guessing to the end! If this had been a panty raid, everyone would have been guilty!
Nice job!
Talk about a whodunit! There were too many people who could have, to the point I was lost. Makes you keep guessing and just when you think they got it right, they were wrong! Surely keeps you guessing to the end! If this had been a panty raid, everyone would have been guilty!
Nice job!
July 5, 2018
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series! The plots are intricate, the repartee between Slater and Norman refreshing, and the storylines keep readers intrigued! I just wish these books were more readily available. (The second one, Just a Coincidence, is my favorite of the four!)
July 6, 2018
Sorry felt betrayed at the end of this one. Not by the mystery itself (a bit predictable--has been done, but entertaining enough) but about the twist regarding one of the r'glars. Almost too cynical of the author.
September 10, 2018
When Diana Woods is found dead her ex-husband becomes the first suspect. DS Slater is unsure, unlike his partner DS Norman and boss DCI Murray so Slater continues to investigate.
Another enjoyable story in this series.
Another enjoyable story in this series.
April 16, 2019
Review
Once again the author has written a really good cozy mystery. The dynamics between the two main characters really make the book's stand out. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really good cozy mystery.
Once again the author has written a really good cozy mystery. The dynamics between the two main characters really make the book's stand out. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys reading a really good cozy mystery.
February 16, 2020
What a twist
Well that 1 caught me by surprise!!! Another great episode in the like of Norman and Slater, I thought I had it worked out , then red herrings kept getting thrown in ,had me in suspense until the big twist at the end great book. .. bring on the next 1 .
Well that 1 caught me by surprise!!! Another great episode in the like of Norman and Slater, I thought I had it worked out , then red herrings kept getting thrown in ,had me in suspense until the big twist at the end great book. .. bring on the next 1 .
February 4, 2021
Who murdered the PA?
An interestng mystery with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing just who killed Diane. Loved the banter between the two detectives who were in charge of the case.
An interestng mystery with lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing just who killed Diane. Loved the banter between the two detectives who were in charge of the case.
February 6, 2021
Slater and Norman are at it again. Banter and brain work. One man is accused but the. Has an alibi, he could not have killed his ex wife, back and forth they finally get their man or is it their woman?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews