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Fiji Islands Mysteries #3
Death Beyond the Limit
Can a landlubber detective combat evil on the high seas?
Inspector Joe Horseman stares into the eyes of a severed head. Fished out of a shark’s gut, the unknown victim is soon dubbed Jona by the media. Did the tiger shark kill Jona or was he already dead when it clamped its teeth around his neck? Horseman must battle ruthless criminals, bureaucracy and even the law itself to dredge up the answers.
But cracking the case may not be enough. Can Horseman stop this crime sinking without trace in the lawless ocean?
Death Beyond the Limit is the third novel in the exotic Fiji Islands Mysteries series. Crime fans who like diving deep into turbulent waters will love B.M. Allsopp’s gut-wrenching whodunit.
Inspector Joe Horseman stares into the eyes of a severed head. Fished out of a shark’s gut, the unknown victim is soon dubbed Jona by the media. Did the tiger shark kill Jona or was he already dead when it clamped its teeth around his neck? Horseman must battle ruthless criminals, bureaucracy and even the law itself to dredge up the answers.
But cracking the case may not be enough. Can Horseman stop this crime sinking without trace in the lawless ocean?
Death Beyond the Limit is the third novel in the exotic Fiji Islands Mysteries series. Crime fans who like diving deep into turbulent waters will love B.M. Allsopp’s gut-wrenching whodunit.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2020
338 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
December 19, 2020
I spent an entranced evening finding out how this plot played out - it was quite something, with several things in play at the same time, and the 'whodunit' not being too obvious!
An excellent book, which I really enjoyed reading, as I have with all books in this series. I think the most important reason they are so good, apart from being well written, good characterisation, and the sheer amount of research that must have been done for this book in particular, but the thing that I reckon makes these different from the crowd is that this author really knows and understands Fiji. Bernadette has lived and worked there, as it says in her blurb, and it makes such a difference to this series - a world of difference from authors who do a minimum of research and write about somewhere they do not know nor understand.
I love these books, each one in the series has, to my mind, been better than the one before - more complex, more exciting, and an excellent read. The hero of these books, Joe Horseman, is so well crafted that he seems to me to be a very real person. His sidekick, Susie Singh, is a great character and shows the author's understanding of the troubles a real Susie Singh would face. This author doesn't rush books out, but I look forward to each one and I am already looking forward to the next!
An excellent book, which I really enjoyed reading, as I have with all books in this series. I think the most important reason they are so good, apart from being well written, good characterisation, and the sheer amount of research that must have been done for this book in particular, but the thing that I reckon makes these different from the crowd is that this author really knows and understands Fiji. Bernadette has lived and worked there, as it says in her blurb, and it makes such a difference to this series - a world of difference from authors who do a minimum of research and write about somewhere they do not know nor understand.
I love these books, each one in the series has, to my mind, been better than the one before - more complex, more exciting, and an excellent read. The hero of these books, Joe Horseman, is so well crafted that he seems to me to be a very real person. His sidekick, Susie Singh, is a great character and shows the author's understanding of the troubles a real Susie Singh would face. This author doesn't rush books out, but I look forward to each one and I am already looking forward to the next!
November 16, 2020
This is a crime novel, but there's much more to it than solving the unusual crime! As with other books by B M Allsopp, this book gives the reader a palpable sense of Fiji, its flowers and foods, language and customs. The characters are well drawn; the reader can relate to them as real people. For example, Sikh detective Susila Singh's parents want to see her married! How they go about it makes for a very nice sub-plot. And Tevita, the lad from a desperately deprived background, wanting so much to impress the rugby star/detective Joe Horseman (with his dodgy knee).
These features only serve to enhance the main story, the solving of the grisly murder. So much intrigue, so many twists and turns, with complex elements of international law, modern fishing practices, and maritime boundaries.There is more, but to say too much more might involve plot spoilers. Best to get to enjoy getting into, and going along with, the plot for oneself.
These features only serve to enhance the main story, the solving of the grisly murder. So much intrigue, so many twists and turns, with complex elements of international law, modern fishing practices, and maritime boundaries.There is more, but to say too much more might involve plot spoilers. Best to get to enjoy getting into, and going along with, the plot for oneself.
May 5, 2021
DEATH BEYOND THE LIMIT is the third novel in the Fiji Island Mysteries series featuring superstar ex-Rugby player, now Police Inspector, Joe Horseman. This is one of those series that will work really well if you're reading it in order, but luckily won't matter too much if you don't.
Having really enjoyed the first two novels in this series, one of the aspects I was particularly intrigued about was the balancing act between what's increasingly becoming the two central police investigators - Horseman, with his Fijian background, culture and sensibility and his sidekick DS Susie Singh, with her Fijian Indian background and the slight variances in culture and tradition. These aspects are both particularly well executed and in DEATH BEYOND THE LIMIT, Singh's personal life takes centre stage, playing out a story of potential suitors, and the complications of maintaining a professional life in the face of traditional expectations.
The balance here, as in the earlier novels, is well maintained, with the central investigation of the gruesome find of a severed head, and then hand, all that's ultimately discovered of a victim's body, making identification, and what could have killed him complex and very vexing. As you'd expect in a smaller community though, connections start to emerge and it's partially those that lead to the identification, then to a potential crime scene, and ultimately to politics and the challenges of international fishing fleets and territorial waters.
On the gentler side of crime fiction, without necessarily falling into cosy classification, this is a lovely series of novels, entertaining and engaging, educational without tipping into lecturing, with a strong sense of place and the culture in which they are set. It also doesn't hurt that they are built around a couple of central characters with life scenarios dripping with potential. If you're looking for a series that's a bit different from the gory, dark, run of the mill sort of police investigation style, the Fiji Island Mysteries could be just the thing.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
Having really enjoyed the first two novels in this series, one of the aspects I was particularly intrigued about was the balancing act between what's increasingly becoming the two central police investigators - Horseman, with his Fijian background, culture and sensibility and his sidekick DS Susie Singh, with her Fijian Indian background and the slight variances in culture and tradition. These aspects are both particularly well executed and in DEATH BEYOND THE LIMIT, Singh's personal life takes centre stage, playing out a story of potential suitors, and the complications of maintaining a professional life in the face of traditional expectations.
The balance here, as in the earlier novels, is well maintained, with the central investigation of the gruesome find of a severed head, and then hand, all that's ultimately discovered of a victim's body, making identification, and what could have killed him complex and very vexing. As you'd expect in a smaller community though, connections start to emerge and it's partially those that lead to the identification, then to a potential crime scene, and ultimately to politics and the challenges of international fishing fleets and territorial waters.
On the gentler side of crime fiction, without necessarily falling into cosy classification, this is a lovely series of novels, entertaining and engaging, educational without tipping into lecturing, with a strong sense of place and the culture in which they are set. It also doesn't hurt that they are built around a couple of central characters with life scenarios dripping with potential. If you're looking for a series that's a bit different from the gory, dark, run of the mill sort of police investigation style, the Fiji Island Mysteries could be just the thing.
https://www.austcrimefiction.org/revi...
April 23, 2023
Totally enjoyed the pace as Detective Inspector Joe Horseman and Detective Sergeant Susila Singh unravel the intrigue behind a scull found in a shark's stomach. The story weaves the interplay of the multicultural aspects of Fijian cultures and some key issues facing modern Fiji. Allsop obviously lived in Fiji and brings out the joy of exploring the unique flavours of Fiji: the food, the people and the landscape. The intricacies of the Fijian fishing industry and modern technology for tracing ships I found fascinating. The book is a stand alone and very easy to read as the third book in the series.
April 1, 2023
Fiji fishing industry Murder!
What an exciting and twisted novel! I sure learned a lot about tuna long-line fishing boats around Fiji. When a human head is found in a shark, it’s not easy to identify the person or even their sex. When it’s finally identified as the man who was assigned to the Joy-13’s longliner vessel, by Fiji’s Fishing Observer Program, DI Horseman and DS Singh are called to investigate, and the games are on! I really enjoyed this book and even picked up some Fijian words!
What an exciting and twisted novel! I sure learned a lot about tuna long-line fishing boats around Fiji. When a human head is found in a shark, it’s not easy to identify the person or even their sex. When it’s finally identified as the man who was assigned to the Joy-13’s longliner vessel, by Fiji’s Fishing Observer Program, DI Horseman and DS Singh are called to investigate, and the games are on! I really enjoyed this book and even picked up some Fijian words!
March 24, 2024
Even though it was book 3 in the series, it was for me a wonderful introduction and I plan to continue with the series. It was interesting to learn about the Fiji Islands and language, all while following an interesting mystery. The nature of the mystery changed as they uncovered more and more information.
The main characters/detectives were genuinely good people - Joe, who also volunteers as a rugby trainer for underprivileged children, and Susila, whose family doesn't understand her commitment to her career and is pressuring her to find a husband.
Why not give the series a try?
The main characters/detectives were genuinely good people - Joe, who also volunteers as a rugby trainer for underprivileged children, and Susila, whose family doesn't understand her commitment to her career and is pressuring her to find a husband.
Why not give the series a try?
May 12, 2023
Absolutely the best detective book I have read in ages.
Everything about this book is great. The setting on Fiji, the cast of characters, the story and the way it is told and the use of Fijian words in the text. I found the plot easy to follow, the cast members are so clearly defined that I feel as though I have got to know them as real people. I live in New Zealand but have never been to Fiji but I have learned a lot about these beautiful islands. Brilliant!
Everything about this book is great. The setting on Fiji, the cast of characters, the story and the way it is told and the use of Fijian words in the text. I found the plot easy to follow, the cast members are so clearly defined that I feel as though I have got to know them as real people. I live in New Zealand but have never been to Fiji but I have learned a lot about these beautiful islands. Brilliant!
September 27, 2022
I really got hooked on this series. The characters are very interesting and complex. The descriptions of the Fiji islands and the customs factor heavily into the plot. The plots are fairly complex, seem to lead you in one direction only to take off into an unexpected direction. Best read in order.
April 27, 2023
good enough and interesting
I did enjoy reading this book. I was able to get pronunciation help from son in law who lived in Fiji for two yrs, so that was good. Story plot was also good. I sure learnt about some aspects of illegal fishing. Most interesting. Overall a clean read with a compelling plot and good descriptions of characters to love and despise.
I did enjoy reading this book. I was able to get pronunciation help from son in law who lived in Fiji for two yrs, so that was good. Story plot was also good. I sure learnt about some aspects of illegal fishing. Most interesting. Overall a clean read with a compelling plot and good descriptions of characters to love and despise.
October 10, 2024
Totally loved this book
I am very glad I got this book and read it. As a fan of mysteries this was the perfect addition to my TBR. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the intrigue, as my boyfriend is a fisherman and it reminded me of him so much. The outcome was somewhat surprising and overall I definitely want to dive into the rest of the series. Highly recommend!
I am very glad I got this book and read it. As a fan of mysteries this was the perfect addition to my TBR. I enjoyed the plot, the characters and the intrigue, as my boyfriend is a fisherman and it reminded me of him so much. The outcome was somewhat surprising and overall I definitely want to dive into the rest of the series. Highly recommend!
December 31, 2021
Another great Fiji-based police procedural from B.M. Allsopp. I was surprised to find this look at the fishing industry in the Pacific quite so interesting, although I knew that spending more time with with Joe Horseman, Susila Singh and their team was going to be good!
August 25, 2022
I love Allsopp's Paradise Island series - interesting Fijian culture, history, good on police procedures, interestingly convoluted making the reader wonder how the situation will be resolved, smooth, easy reading too.
April 22, 2023
Real pleasure to read
This is the third book in the series which I have read and enjoyed. The characters are beautifully drawn, there is tension, mystery and the joy of discovering Fiji, plus new knowledge of naval operations. Share the experience and read!
This is the third book in the series which I have read and enjoyed. The characters are beautifully drawn, there is tension, mystery and the joy of discovering Fiji, plus new knowledge of naval operations. Share the experience and read!
April 25, 2023
Sadly not for me
It's not a bad book. It's very informative, and fishing laws are very complex. I thought Singh's romance was unnecessary, and a bit mundane. Unless of course the next book gives it a credible reason for being there.
It's not a bad book. It's very informative, and fishing laws are very complex. I thought Singh's romance was unnecessary, and a bit mundane. Unless of course the next book gives it a credible reason for being there.
May 3, 2023
Another goodie! The second book in this series that I've read and enjoyed. The story is good, well told, evokes the Fijian atmosphere and culture - and this one includes a bit of chasing criminals action.
I'll be getting some more from B M and expect to enjoy them as much.
I'll be getting some more from B M and expect to enjoy them as much.
June 25, 2023
A Delightful Entertainment!
Allsopp comfortably draws readers into clearly visible scenes with realistic people with real feelings and emotions! although a bit hardcore at times, it all fits to keep readers turning pages! Well done B.M.
Allsopp comfortably draws readers into clearly visible scenes with realistic people with real feelings and emotions! although a bit hardcore at times, it all fits to keep readers turning pages! Well done B.M.
April 8, 2023
Zika
Innovative, kept me on the seat of pants. Wanted to read and read. A nice take on murder and the high seas. Poor Singh. Who really are our friends?
Innovative, kept me on the seat of pants. Wanted to read and read. A nice take on murder and the high seas. Poor Singh. Who really are our friends?
April 12, 2023
This is an entertaining and well-written book. The setting (Fiji) is interesting and the main characters are well developed and likable. The case is unusual and intriguing.
April 16, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed
I really enjoyed reading this book. Although it started off a bit grizzly, it was well thought out and carried through to a great ending.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Although it started off a bit grizzly, it was well thought out and carried through to a great ending.
April 28, 2023
Interesting
I like reading a book that teaches you new things, like places, and careers. The characters are well described and interesting. The story moved along well.
I like reading a book that teaches you new things, like places, and careers. The characters are well described and interesting. The story moved along well.
May 15, 2023
Maritime Debacle
An exciting book with an exotic setting and unusual rules and inexplicit maritime laws, making for an interesting story and complex variables.
An exciting book with an exotic setting and unusual rules and inexplicit maritime laws, making for an interesting story and complex variables.
Read
May 17, 2023Exciting and riveting
The characters were fully developed and the hero was dynamic. It was a good plot with lots of twists. It wad very entertaining.
The characters were fully developed and the hero was dynamic. It was a good plot with lots of twists. It wad very entertaining.
August 26, 2023
Who killed jimmy Inia and why??? AND he was dead when the shark bit off his head!!! I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
April 11, 2023
Another excellent mystery, keeps you guessing till the end with likable protagonists and a great location.
May 3, 2023
A little bit wooden writing, but the setting is interesting and the plot resonates with anyone reading international news.
November 6, 2020
Another successful Novel
Like the continuation of this series. Like the setting and cultural infusion of detail into all. Very easy to read.
Like the continuation of this series. Like the setting and cultural infusion of detail into all. Very easy to read.
October 28, 2020
I very much enjoy reading the Fiji books I have been reading them from the beginning. This one was very interesting as you don't really think of people being killed on the deep sea and how to solve a mystery of that nature. The characters are well-thought-out and I felt for them in their situations. I hope to read more of a work in the future.
October 29, 2020
Great story!
This third installment was terrific. I thought this was the best so far. Was it murder or something else? Each of the characters were very real. I'm looking forward to the next book!
This third installment was terrific. I thought this was the best so far. Was it murder or something else? Each of the characters were very real. I'm looking forward to the next book!
September 30, 2020
Savvy investigators and awesome technology!
I am amazed as to how the investigators were able to solve this case. I have read this series, in order of publication, from the prequel through to this book. I love the development of the recurring characters, not just their professional persona, but in their personal lives as well. This is an amazing story with a few interesting subplots to make it a genuinely great read!
B. M. Allsopp is a gifted author who wove such an engaging tale that it grabbed and held my attention from page one. This is a well-written, intriguing, and well-told story. I appreciate the lack of foul language, sexual situations, or graphic violence in the piece. I highly recommend this book as appropriate for any reader over the age of 13.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This gift did not affect my review of the book. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Merged review:
Savvy investigators and awesome technology!
I am amazed as to how the investigators were able to solve this case. I have read this series, in order of publication, from the prequel through to this book. I love the development of the recurring characters, not just their professional persona, but in their personal lives as well. This is an amazing story with a few interesting subplots to make it a genuinely great read!
B. M. Allsopp is a gifted author who wove such an engaging tale that it grabbed and held my attention from page one. This is a well-written, intriguing, and well-told story. I appreciate the lack of foul language, sexual situations, or graphic violence in the piece. I highly recommend this book as appropriate for any reader over the age of 13.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This gift did not affect my review of the book. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
I am amazed as to how the investigators were able to solve this case. I have read this series, in order of publication, from the prequel through to this book. I love the development of the recurring characters, not just their professional persona, but in their personal lives as well. This is an amazing story with a few interesting subplots to make it a genuinely great read!
B. M. Allsopp is a gifted author who wove such an engaging tale that it grabbed and held my attention from page one. This is a well-written, intriguing, and well-told story. I appreciate the lack of foul language, sexual situations, or graphic violence in the piece. I highly recommend this book as appropriate for any reader over the age of 13.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This gift did not affect my review of the book. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
Merged review:
Savvy investigators and awesome technology!
I am amazed as to how the investigators were able to solve this case. I have read this series, in order of publication, from the prequel through to this book. I love the development of the recurring characters, not just their professional persona, but in their personal lives as well. This is an amazing story with a few interesting subplots to make it a genuinely great read!
B. M. Allsopp is a gifted author who wove such an engaging tale that it grabbed and held my attention from page one. This is a well-written, intriguing, and well-told story. I appreciate the lack of foul language, sexual situations, or graphic violence in the piece. I highly recommend this book as appropriate for any reader over the age of 13.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This gift did not affect my review of the book. This review is my voluntary and honest opinion.
September 25, 2024
A fisherman who has not filled his boat decides to venture further out to try his luck around a fish aggregating device (FAD). His crew haul in not only a wahoo, two skipjack, and a yellowfin, but also a tiger shark, which it turns out has swallowed a human head. Fiji is a small island that attracts fishing boats from near and far. Though foreign vessels are restricted from fishing in Fiji’s territorial waters, these limits are hard to enforce. There seems to be no way for Detective Inspector Joe Horseman and his team to identify the victim, much less determine whether the death was an accident or murder. Detective Sergeant Susila Singh is on the case with Joe, but is quite distracted by her family’s determination to set her up with potential matches. Both the detectives are engaging characters and the plot becomes quite satisfyingly complex.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews