A Mystery on Tyneside

Agnes Lockwood Mysteries #4

by Eileen Thornton

Agnes Lockwood is no stranger to crime scenes, but even she is shocked when she finds the body of a man lying on the floor of the ladies' room. With her partner Alan - the local DCI - they set about tracking the murderer. This time, they are joined by her friend Sandra. But is one of them holding back something that could further their inquiry? As Agnes begins to pull the loose ends together, danger stares her in the face once again. Together with Alan and Sandra, can she find the killer before another life is lost - and avoid becoming the next victim? This is the trade paperback edition of A Mystery On Tyneside, with a 5" x 8" trim size.

Genres: Mystery

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2020

About the author

Since beginning a comprehensive writing course with The Writers Bureau in 2001, my articles and short stories have been published in a variety of magazines. These include Heritage, Scottish Field, The Lady and People’s Friend. In 2005 a couple of my short stories were included in two quite different anthologies. The first story was in an International Anthology, published in June, while the second appeared in Café Ole – Too Hot To Handle, which was launched in Glasgow during August.

My debut novel, The Trojan Project, an action thriller, was published at the end of May 2008 by Austin & Macauley Publishers Ltd. Now my novel is to be re-published in the USA later this year with a brand new cover. Details of my novel can be found on my website. www.eileenthornton.co.uk I also review books for newbooks a bi-monthly magazine informing the public of new books on the shelves.

I am a member of the Society of Authors, the Society of Women Writer’s and Journalists, The Edinburgh Writer’s Club, The Borders Writer’s Forum, Mystery Women and The Melrose Literary Society, as well as being an Associate Member of NAWG (National Association of Writers Groups).

Reviews

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mystery on Tyneside is the 4th book in a wonderful series written by Eileen Thornton. I read the first three and was pleasantly surprised when I saw a fourth was being released this fall. In this caper, Agnes finds a dead body in the first few pages--a man who's been shot in the ladies' room of a high-end restaurant. What a fun way to kick off the book... and easily draw readers in!

To know Agnes is to love her. A widow in her fifties, she's nosy and direct. Alan, newly her boyfriend, runs a large part of the local police. He is adamant that she stays out of his cases, but she's insistent she stay involved in them. It makes for lots of fun banter. In this caper, they argue quite a bit, and it opens the door for Agnes to work with a new friend to help solve the case. As Alan and one of his detectives search for the killer, more crimes occur... so Agnes teams up to solve the case too. Who will get to the end first? Unfortunately, something awful happens along the way, and it made my heart race. Luckily, things come back together, but for a while, we had quite the suspenseful fear factor.

Agnes can be a little difficult time. And when she pushes Alan's buttons, I want to pull her aside and say "Stop it now, love. You aren't perfect either!" But she amuses me, and I wish we could be friends in real life. Can you imagine the fun we'd have, solving a crime? The action mainly occurs in the hotel and a restaurant, and it's a fun place to explore. Between overheard conversations, elevator workers, restaurant hosts, and other suspects, the books keeps you guessing. When the dead men all have similar names, what's not to love?

I enjoy these books. They're generally light, more focused on details and less on intense plots... there is a ton of helpful methodical analysis, including careful and deliberate word choices. Ultimately, I didn't guess this villain, and there was a twist. I recommend them for light mystery lovers and those with a zest for UK hospitality. So much to consider... now I hope to find out about a future book in the series too.

[S.A. Krishnan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A complex plot as Agnes tries to solve the murder of the man found in the ladies room at the restaurant. Agnes and Sandra together try to solve them murder as another body adds up to the mystery.
I enjoyed the character of Agnes. She is strong and all her traits surface as she tries to get to bottom of the mystery, this time without Alan's help. Enjoyed the intricate plot.

[Eileen Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously I can't review my own book. Therefore I am simply making everyone aware that Book 4 in the Agnes Lockwood Mystery Series is now available.
When Agnes finds a man's body lying on the floor in the ladies' room, she begins to delve into the case. However, she finds that nothing is straightforward...

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Mystery on Tyneside is the 4th book in this series written by Eileen Thornton. The narrator does an excellent job.

Agnes Lockwood is a widow in her fifties. She is nosy and direct. Alan, her boyfriend, is in charge of a large part of the local police. As usual with most law enforcement, he doesn’t want her involved in his cases. Agnes finds a body in the ladies’ room within the first few pages of the book. Alan and Agnes have a row, who will figure out who the killer is first? Also, Michael Andrews, Alan’s sergeant, has a similar disagreement with Sandra, his love.
Without giving anything in the story away, there are a lot of twists and turns while Sandra and Agnes try to get more information and solve the murder before Alan and Michael do.

I have only read books 3 and 4 but I wonder if Alan and Agnes will always have severe disagreements. I find that being right is petty. Either they can work past these issues or they should move on separately. This distracts from the story since the trick is used in both books that I have engaged. The other distraction is Agnes and her stubbornness. She has placed herself in harm’s way too many times in this story. A character flaw of Alan is the lack of faith in Agnes’s insights even though he grudgingly admits she is spot on.

I enjoyed the reveal and suspense at the end.

I like the observations that Sandra and Agnes make. I also think when the romantic couples are bickering, Sandra and Agnes complement each other in sussing out the mystery.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mystery on Tyneside
Agnes Lockwood Mysteries, Book 4

By: Eileen Thornton
Narrated by: Deborah Balm

The Twists! What a Ride! Go Agnes, go!

Overall: 5 of 5 stars Performance: 5 of 5 stars Story: 5 of 5 stars
Reviewed: 03-17-24

When a trip to the loo for a lipstick refresh results in the discovery of a GENT … no longer among the living, Agnes finds herself embroiled in another investigation! THIS time, to DCI Johnson’s horror, Agnes decides to bring a friend along for the ride! I have to say right here, right now, that “A Mystery on Tyneside” is stunning! THIS fabulously written story had me alternately laughing at the antics of Agnes and Sandra, (her friend who’s been bitten by the “investigation bug”), and perching on the edge of my chair, fearing for their safety as they dealt with the VARIOUS nefarious in this beautifully plotted mystery thriller! Yes, I DID say various, as in … more … than … one! I’m not giving details, I don’t want to ruin this brilliant journey for anyone! Trust our author! Everything is explained, all is clear, AND, believe me when I say that the journey to resolution held me enthralled, laughing, worrying, and perhaps, wanting to twist the ear of a character or two along the way! As you get there, you’ll understand and perhaps agree! I know that this one grabbed me, held me, and entertained me from GO! The narration was fantastic, truly bringing the author’s vision alive as I listened, enjoying every single second of this presentation! Five perfect stars. I loved it! Go Agnes go!

[Michael Wilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In for a treat
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8th 2023
Verified Purchase
If you ever get the opportunity of reading one of Agnes Lockwood’s cosy mystery series, don’t hesitate, you are in for a treat. In her latest book four offering, readers are faced with a complex plot that will keeping everyone guessing from start to finish. Whilst waiting for her boyfriend DCI Alan Johnson to join her in her favourite restaurant for lunch, Agnes decides to freshen up her lipstick in the ladies’ room for the occasion, and is in for an unexpected shock. Checking in the mirror, she catches sight of a body lying on the floor. Not content with raising the alarm and leaving the investigation in the hands of her boyfriend, DCI Alan Johnson, Agnes teams up with her friend Sandra, the girlfriend of the DCI’s right-hand man, Sergeant Andrews, to help her solve the murder before the police do. The victim is quickly identified but when a second body is discovered bearing the same name, it leads to confusion and rivalry between Agnes and her boyfriend as to who will solve the case first, inevitably placing her life in danger. Revealing any more of the plot at this stage would spoil the reader’s enjoyment of this tightly paced thriller, brilliantly portrayed, with all its twists and turns, before the final showdown. It only remains for me to award a well-deserved five star rating.

[G Toscano · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe it’s just me

This has to be perhaps the worst book I’ve ever read, though I note it does receive positive reviews from others. I bought it because of being set in Tyneside where I live. Some of the grammar is poor, especially irritating being use of the American ‘pry’ as opposed to ‘prise’. Characters are cartoon characters, without development. Obviously the plot is daft, as might be expected from a Miss Marple kind story, but it never once achieved any sense of tension, essential for a good mystery. The characters lose their tempers and fall out at the drop of a hat, but without leading the reader into the underlying reason, so it just comes out of nowhere. Dialogue is awful, and hardly varies between characters. Names of characters? Jones and Smithers? How long did that take (yes they are real names but it led to the sense of a story not fully thought through). Police procedures were ridiculous. The leading detective allows his lady friend free rein to investigate, and she sees no reason not to share her findings with the police. A killer is on the loose yet there doesn’t seem to be a major manhunt underway. The killer shoots the main character, yet she is not provided protection either at the hospital or in her hotel room when she returned. The police caution used was an old version, not the one that is now used. I could go on.

[Brian Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent mystery to keep you guessing

The third book in Eileen Thornton's cosy mystery series set in Newcastle will really keep readers guessing. When Agnes Lockwood discovers a man's body in the ladies toilet at her favourite restaurant it sets off a chain of events that will ultimately lead to her life being placed in danger. Although the victim is soon identified, the case is quickly complicated when a second victim is discovered who shares the same name as victim number one.
Her partner Detective Chief Inspector Alan Johnson finds himself leading a very strange case, which becomes even stranger when Agnes meets a third man, still living, with the same name as the two earlier victims.
This story is so well written that it will tie your thinking process into knots and leave you wondering just who did what to who, and how and why they did it. The author plays us along brilliantly until finally revealing everything at the end. I can't say much more without giving too much away so I'm going to leave it here, and giving it a 5 star rating and a wholehearted recommendation.
Great story, well done Eileen Thornton.

[Ellen White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Agnes awaiting for her detective boyfriend Alan to come to the high class restaurant for lunch. Finding a Special Service M15 body results of a execution murder in the ladies room.
Her taxi driver Ben asking if he had time for tea at the hotel where she previously been staying. Seeing a man enter now who’s face seemed familiar. Inquiring at the desk of who, an usual spelling of his last name.
While Alex is puzzling over the wallet contents the corner had given. A man with an unusual spelling of last name. Was he a Special Service M15 agent.
The plot flows as though one is talking with Agnes and the details of what has happened. Alan says stay out of it, but she has the time, curiosity and has helped before. A delightful series and one always enjoys knowing what Agnes is doing beside her love of Alan and shopping.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read the earlier 3 in the series, and I won’t be going back to fill in, but this one got under my defences. There were aspects I didn’t like, but I really did want to know how it worked out as well as how it ended. On the positive side, the relationships were contemporary, complex and reflective of what we know of life today. No glossing over. It is good to see a cosy crime author exploring the impact of coercive control in the police force.

My reservation relates to what seems to me a failure to accept the fundamental principle of accuracy and truth in an investigation. The relationship between Agnes and Alan is a stretch to start with, but when it proceeds with lies I lose patience, with both the investigation and the relationship. I did continue - but only just. While I’m glad I did, the issue remains and would be a strong disincentive to read more.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Agnes is a magnet for dead people!! It never fails--she goes somewhere and a dead person is right in front of her. Since she finds these people she insists that her partner allow her to help solve the case. Finding a dead man in the ladies room is definitely a new one!!

For the first time she and her partner end up not talking---will they be able to get over this little hiccup in their otherwise perfect relationship? Will Agnes and her friend Sandra be able to crack the case? Read the 4th book in this amazing series to find out.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Format: audiobook
Narrator: Deborah Balm

I believe this is the 4th book in this series but the first one I have read/listened to and although it makes reference to this not being the first case Agnes has been directly involved in I didn’t feel like I had to have read the other books for this to make sense, I probably will seek them out though as this was an enjoyable story with relatable characters.

The narrator does a good job, she’s pleasant to listen to portrays the characters well.

[Peggy J. Chambley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hope there is another book. Agnes was a very interesting character.

[Natasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book a lot more than the others in the series.

[odedo1 Audio book worm. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best one yet.


Agnes habits spread around.



It’s so obvious that the author Eileen Thornton is in love with her character in the story Agnes ( a woman with to much money and no friends at all ), she does whatever she feels like even if it’s illegal, she is rich and dependent on nobody, in truth it’s believable that her marriage to a high ranking officer was done only to get some substance and les boardroom into her life and maybe a tiny bit of love.
And now Agnes causes others to behave like she does as usual forcing herself into unbecoming behavior of a honest lady.


WOW, excellent twist
On top of another.
especially
with the door man.

But Agnes should follow her on advices.


The narration by Deborah Balm was done beautifully for each of the characters in this story.


My full
recommendations !!!



Oded Ostfeld.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so looking forward to this last story in the series but it was a bit of a disappointment. The lengthy animosity between the main characters was very distracting and didn’t seem to lend itself to the true relationship they had been building in the prior books. There were some editing errors where changes had been made and a word was duplicated or missed plus Chapters 24 and 38 seem to have different versions of the same events which is confusing and takes away from the flow of the read. In Chapter 39 we realize there are two timelines going on in 38 which cleared it up but it didn’t work for me as written.

That said, the plot was intriguing but as mentioned, it wasn’t a smooth read. Perhaps a bit more editing to smooth it out.

[Avril Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with the other three books in the Agnes Lockwood series, I really enjoyed the storytelling with its detail and twists. There are one or two repeated phrases that I found slightly wearing after a while, but they didn’t spoil the story. If you find the premise of ‘girlfriend’ of senior cop poking her nose into cases, getting herself into dire trouble but helping to solve the mystery cheesy, then look away. If you can find fun in the improbability of this scenario, then I recommend the series.