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DI Jack Dawes #6
The King's Market Killer
You can get anything at the Kings Market — a vibrant, noisy hotchpotch of stalls, rammed with bustling traders, each with their own colourful stories.
But now some people are getting more than they bargained for.
Fenella Wilson has had enough of her rude, sniping mother-in-law, Ida. And she’s sick of her husband always siding with Ida.
Fenella and her friend cook up a plan to slip anti-freeze into her homemade jam.
Jericho, the elderly owner of the Jamaican music stall is found dead. Apparently, his heart gave out . . .
Detective Jack Dawes has a lot on his plate. And now even his wife is under suspicion.
WHO’S IN THE MARKET FOR MURDER?
But now some people are getting more than they bargained for.
Fenella Wilson has had enough of her rude, sniping mother-in-law, Ida. And she’s sick of her husband always siding with Ida.
Fenella and her friend cook up a plan to slip anti-freeze into her homemade jam.
Jericho, the elderly owner of the Jamaican music stall is found dead. Apparently, his heart gave out . . .
Detective Jack Dawes has a lot on his plate. And now even his wife is under suspicion.
WHO’S IN THE MARKET FOR MURDER?
- GenresMystery
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2020
About the author
Frances Lloyd
46 books51 followersFrances Lloyd was born in Essex but spent a nomadic childhood being carted between RAF stations until mercifully, she was allowed a crack at a proper education in Cheltenham, studying English and Classics. As an adult, she eventually fetched up in the south west of England but by then, had become something of a wandering minstrel with no physical or spiritual roots apart from work.
Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications, writing speeches and other parliamentary material for some well-known politicians.
Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications, writing speeches and other parliamentary material for some well-known politicians.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 12, 2020
The Kings Market Killer is the sixth instalment in the Detective Inspector Jack Dawes Mystery series, set in the fictional town of Kings Richington in the Borough of Richmond. This is a series that is best described as cosy mystery crossed with a police procedural and as each instalment has a self-contained plot, it isn't necessary to have read any of the previous five before diving into this one. The Kings Market is renowned for its vibrant, noisy multitude of stalls offering fresh artisan produce each and every weekend. Should you visit on a Saturday or Sunday you'll find everything from florists with their glorious, colourful offerings to interesting antiques and from tasty street food to stunning vintage fashion. Fenella Wilson is a local artist and children’s book illustrator who is fed up to the back teeth of her interfering mother-in-law, Ida, and her bullying behaviour. She often supplies the stall belonging to Richington Ladies’ Guild with homemade jams and chutneys to supplement her income. Fenella and friend Jude decide to take vengeance on both Ida and her soft touch husband, David, who always supports her actions no matter how infantile, by poisoning their strawberry jam with antifreeze but the situation swiftly spins out of their control...
This is a compelling, interesting and well-plotted mystery which was extra enjoyable due to the mouthwatering and delectable descriptions of food, and what was a planned poisoning predictably starts to kill unintended targets much to Fenella’s dismay. Jack Dawes, who is already busy with a rising crime rate in the local area, finds himself thrust to the helm of a serious and rather sizeable investigation, and as a former Scotland Yard officer who is now a well-respected member of the Murder Squad, he earned his stripes by being a career copper until he met his wife Coriander, or Corrie, during a money-laundering investigation. He is a likeable and intelligent chap who has extraordinarily accurate gut instincts. Corrie is a superb and affable communicator, so when their skills are combined they make a formidable team. I loved the market setting, the well-sketched characters and the perfect pace at which it moves and there is a few surprising twists and turns throughout the narrative. It's a quick, easy and thoroughly entertaining mystery and one I highly recommend to cosy fans, in particular, yet there's enough action and exciting developments to keep any crime reader gripped and absorbed. Many thanks to Joffe for an ARC.
This is a compelling, interesting and well-plotted mystery which was extra enjoyable due to the mouthwatering and delectable descriptions of food, and what was a planned poisoning predictably starts to kill unintended targets much to Fenella’s dismay. Jack Dawes, who is already busy with a rising crime rate in the local area, finds himself thrust to the helm of a serious and rather sizeable investigation, and as a former Scotland Yard officer who is now a well-respected member of the Murder Squad, he earned his stripes by being a career copper until he met his wife Coriander, or Corrie, during a money-laundering investigation. He is a likeable and intelligent chap who has extraordinarily accurate gut instincts. Corrie is a superb and affable communicator, so when their skills are combined they make a formidable team. I loved the market setting, the well-sketched characters and the perfect pace at which it moves and there is a few surprising twists and turns throughout the narrative. It's a quick, easy and thoroughly entertaining mystery and one I highly recommend to cosy fans, in particular, yet there's enough action and exciting developments to keep any crime reader gripped and absorbed. Many thanks to Joffe for an ARC.
November 17, 2020
3.5 stars rounded up to 4
DI Jack Dawes #6
You can get anything at Kings Market which is full of stalls and bustling traders, each with their own colourful stories. Fenella Wilson has had enough her rude uninspiring mother-in-law, Ida. Her husband always takes his mother's side. So Fenella and her friend cook up a plan to put antifreeze into her home made jam. Jerico, the elderly owner of the Jamacian music stall is found dead. Was it a suspected heart attack? Or something more sinister?
This is the the first book that I've read in this series but it did read well as a standalone. Set in a small Market town called Kings Richington where a Market is held every weekend. There's a lot of deaths occurring a.ong with an investigation into fraudulent art works. There's also some humour thrown into the mix. There's some great characters in this book. This is a nice cosy read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #FrancesLlyod for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
DI Jack Dawes #6
You can get anything at Kings Market which is full of stalls and bustling traders, each with their own colourful stories. Fenella Wilson has had enough her rude uninspiring mother-in-law, Ida. Her husband always takes his mother's side. So Fenella and her friend cook up a plan to put antifreeze into her home made jam. Jerico, the elderly owner of the Jamacian music stall is found dead. Was it a suspected heart attack? Or something more sinister?
This is the the first book that I've read in this series but it did read well as a standalone. Set in a small Market town called Kings Richington where a Market is held every weekend. There's a lot of deaths occurring a.ong with an investigation into fraudulent art works. There's also some humour thrown into the mix. There's some great characters in this book. This is a nice cosy read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #JoffeBooks and the author #FrancesLlyod for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 9, 2020
"An acquired taste"
The overriding memory I will take from this book will be wondering how the author managed to write it with her tongue stuck firmly in her cheek throughout. If this is what passes for an enthralling murder mystery in 2020 then all I can say is it's an acquired taste. Not for me, regardless of the never-ending descriptions of food that littered the chapters.
The overriding memory I will take from this book will be wondering how the author managed to write it with her tongue stuck firmly in her cheek throughout. If this is what passes for an enthralling murder mystery in 2020 then all I can say is it's an acquired taste. Not for me, regardless of the never-ending descriptions of food that littered the chapters.
March 27, 2021
Best book of the series yet
November 20, 2020
I have a little confession to make- yes yet another one. Although I have the previous five books in the series featuring Detective Jack Dawes on my ‘to be read’ mountain, I haven’t actually read one of them…..until now that is. When I was invited to take part in the blog tour for ‘The Kings Market Killer’ I thought that it would be an ideal opportunity to become acquainted with Detective Jack Dawes. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Kings Market Killer’ but more about that in a bit.
It didn’t take me long to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to be in for a cracking read. I must admit that the book was different to the book I was expecting it to be- in fact it was even better than I had expected. The quirky characters and the places mentioned put me in mind of an episode of ‘Midsomer Murders’. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book fast enough. I was intrigued by the crime, by the characters and the way in which the characters seemed linked to each other. I sped through the story and before I knew what was happening I had reached the end of the story, which I was disappointed about. I wasn’t disappointed with how the story ended but I had enjoyed reading the book so much that I just wish the book had been longer. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the previous books in the series to catch up on.
‘The Kings Market Killer’ is well written. Frances certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draws you into the story. That’s how I felt at any rate. For me, ‘The Kings Market Killer’ hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. I was gripped by the story from start to finish and at times I was on the edge of my seat. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Frances’ very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Kings Market Killer’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Frances’ work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
It didn’t take me long to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to be in for a cracking read. I must admit that the book was different to the book I was expecting it to be- in fact it was even better than I had expected. The quirky characters and the places mentioned put me in mind of an episode of ‘Midsomer Murders’. I couldn’t turn the pages of the book fast enough. I was intrigued by the crime, by the characters and the way in which the characters seemed linked to each other. I sped through the story and before I knew what was happening I had reached the end of the story, which I was disappointed about. I wasn’t disappointed with how the story ended but I had enjoyed reading the book so much that I just wish the book had been longer. I soon cheered up when I realised that I had the previous books in the series to catch up on.
‘The Kings Market Killer’ is well written. Frances certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and draws you into the story. That’s how I felt at any rate. For me, ‘The Kings Market Killer’ hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. I was gripped by the story from start to finish and at times I was on the edge of my seat. I felt as though I was part of the story and that’s thanks to Frances’ very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘The Kings Market Killer’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Frances’ work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
August 24, 2021
Read Full & Detailed review: https://cynthology.blogspot.com/2021/...
The style is that of a cosy mystery combined with the grit of a police procedural. But the mystery quickly escalated. The author maintained the balance, but the book kept swaying from one genre to another, without losing reading interest. For instance, when Cynthia, Corrie and Carlene decide to investigate the fiasco of Cynthia’s dinner party, it’s back to cosy mystery again. The description of the food and the vibes of the restaurant gave the book a warm and homely feel.
Even though the identity of the killers is known to us from the beginning, the author does a great job of keeping the tension high, as we watch the police attempt to figure things out.
It was nice to see so many female characters being so enterprising. Fenella is a book illustrator, while Corrie and Carlene run their own food businesses. Judith is a car mechanic, successful in what is traditionally a male-dominated profession.
While they all ran their own enterprises, I wasn’t sure of my feelings for any of the characters. Fenella, in particular, wasn’t likeable at all; there were extenuating circumstances, but I still didn’t feel sympathetic towards her.
My feelings towards the characters were mixed. Ida was the stereotype of an Indian mother-in-law, blustering, over-dramatic and deceitful. While David was a soft sod who worshipped his mother and rode roughshod over his wife. These two were easy to dislike. I couldn’t approve of what Fenella did but I could understand her motivation.
The Prologue was entirely unnecessary, merely providing local colour and history to the King’s Market.
One error: In an altercation between Ludovic and his wife, Sasha, the narrative tells us that David’s backhander knocks Sasha down to the ground.
A cosy mystery doesn’t really leave scope for the delineation of character, and yet this book managed to do just that. Fenella and Judith were both remarkable examples of amoral characters. Neither of them felt any remorse or regret for their actions. Neither woman spared a moment to think about whether it was right to take away a life. How there was no going back after a definitive act like that. Even after their actions lead to the death of Jericho, they express no regret for the death of a man who had done them no harm at all.
As readers, we are left to contemplate the manner in which events play out. The inevitability of certain actions, the inexorability of fate, and how you cannot escape the consequences of your actions.
The style is that of a cosy mystery combined with the grit of a police procedural. But the mystery quickly escalated. The author maintained the balance, but the book kept swaying from one genre to another, without losing reading interest. For instance, when Cynthia, Corrie and Carlene decide to investigate the fiasco of Cynthia’s dinner party, it’s back to cosy mystery again. The description of the food and the vibes of the restaurant gave the book a warm and homely feel.
Even though the identity of the killers is known to us from the beginning, the author does a great job of keeping the tension high, as we watch the police attempt to figure things out.
It was nice to see so many female characters being so enterprising. Fenella is a book illustrator, while Corrie and Carlene run their own food businesses. Judith is a car mechanic, successful in what is traditionally a male-dominated profession.
While they all ran their own enterprises, I wasn’t sure of my feelings for any of the characters. Fenella, in particular, wasn’t likeable at all; there were extenuating circumstances, but I still didn’t feel sympathetic towards her.
My feelings towards the characters were mixed. Ida was the stereotype of an Indian mother-in-law, blustering, over-dramatic and deceitful. While David was a soft sod who worshipped his mother and rode roughshod over his wife. These two were easy to dislike. I couldn’t approve of what Fenella did but I could understand her motivation.
The Prologue was entirely unnecessary, merely providing local colour and history to the King’s Market.
One error: In an altercation between Ludovic and his wife, Sasha, the narrative tells us that David’s backhander knocks Sasha down to the ground.
A cosy mystery doesn’t really leave scope for the delineation of character, and yet this book managed to do just that. Fenella and Judith were both remarkable examples of amoral characters. Neither of them felt any remorse or regret for their actions. Neither woman spared a moment to think about whether it was right to take away a life. How there was no going back after a definitive act like that. Even after their actions lead to the death of Jericho, they express no regret for the death of a man who had done them no harm at all.
As readers, we are left to contemplate the manner in which events play out. The inevitability of certain actions, the inexorability of fate, and how you cannot escape the consequences of your actions.
November 17, 2020
This is the sixth in the highly popular series featuring DI Jack Dawes and his sergeant DS Mike "Bugsy" Malone of the Metropolitan Murder Investigation Team in Kings Richington, Richmond, and what a great team they make! Jack is married to Coriander, a clever lady who runs a highly successful catering company and occasionally "helps" him with his investigations. Bugsy used to be a confirmed bachelor whose only love was Arsenal football team, but recently has met and got engaged to Iris, bringing more very welcome additions to the superb cast of characters. The story begins in the historic Richington Market, now known simply as Kings Market, in the affluent town of Kings Richington, where all manner of high and low end items can be purchased. Particularly popular is the stall run by the Ladies’ Guild where their homemade produce simply flies off the stall. The market is the last place anyone would expect to find a killer. Fenella Wilson is one such lady who supplies the stall in her free time. Not that her nagging sniping mother-in-law Ida gives her much time to herself. Ever since she and David were married, Ida has lived with them and demanded Fenella waits on her hand and foot. David can’t stand up to his mother and Fenella has finally had enough. Fantasizing about a life without the old harridan, she and best friend Judith, a mechanic, decide that Ida needs to die and contemplate the best method of murder. Antifreeze seems a good choice and the friends select a target for a dummy run. After all, they need to get the dosage right! Jericho, the owner of a reggae music stall on the market, should make a good subject and he’s not going to die from a tiny drop, is he? Meanwhile at the police station things have been pretty quiet for the team which includes regulars DCs Aled Williams, Gemma Fox and ”Mitch” Mitchell. Not too many people have been attempting murder and manslaughter lately, but that all looks set to change. Also in the story we meet Ludovic and Sasha de Coleville, the glamorous owners of a local art gallery. Ludovic is up to no good and needs the help of a private detective, but just what has he got himself involved with? DI Ash Banerjee from the Met’s Art and Antiques Fraud Unit comes to Kings Richington on the trail of forgeries and shows the detectives there how art crime has some very serious links to ruthless organized gangs. Enlisting Jack and Bugsy’s help, he sets off to rattle a few cages and make some people very nervous indeed. Soon we start to see how all these different characters are mixed up with each other, as events take a sinister turn and people start to die. Everyone seems to have something to hide and there is some wonderful black humour as their many nefarious schemes go wrong causing panic amongst them and events quickly spiral out of control. Will Jack and his team spot the killer before anyone else gets hurt? There are some fantastic warm and loveable characters featuring in this “not quite cosy" police procedural series ranging from Big Ron (Dr Veronica Hardacre) the pathologist with her voluminous knickers and Chief Supt George Garwood ever panicking that he might not look so efficient if Jack ever left, to Carlene with her fierce loyalty to the Dawes, and there are some real laugh out loud moments and phrases. As always, it was most enjoyable wondering if the various culprits would go undetected and get away with their crimes as Dawes and his team ploughed their way through a remarkable array of red herrings, secrets and surprise discoveries. Despite the fact that there are some serious crimes going on, there is a lot of humour and charm in the conversations and interactions between the characters, making these books an absolute pleasure to read. One of my very favourite series!! 5*
March 31, 2025
Intriguing! Interesting! Intricate Plotting!
This was a totally, thoroughly entertaining read. What started out as a conceived and contrived plot to eliminate a spiteful mother-in-law soon turned into what turned out to be a comedy of errors. Like a row of falling dominoes one tragic mistake turned into another until several individuals were affected tragically by the one ill conceived plan. Like Murphy's Law what can go wrong will usually go wrong. This went sideways, left of center and downhill very quickly.
Well written as the other books I have read in this series with finely drawn realistic characters and with seamless flow from one situation to the next. This author creates intricate stories that keep you engaged, on the edge of your seat, and sometimes laughing out loud. I especially like DS Mike "Bugsy" Malone who always has a ready quip for any situation and is always political incorrect. His character reminds me of a DS in another series that I read and enjoy which is also from Joffe Books. A loyal wingman, quick at deduction of events and always, always has DI Jack Dawes back, ready to follow him to Hades and back if necessary.
Jack's wife Corrie gets involved as well but this time through no fault of her own and that scene had me laughing out loud for a full five minutes. I highly recommend this book and this series, you won't be disappointed. Kudos to the author!.🎉🎉👏👏🌟🌟📚
This was a totally, thoroughly entertaining read. What started out as a conceived and contrived plot to eliminate a spiteful mother-in-law soon turned into what turned out to be a comedy of errors. Like a row of falling dominoes one tragic mistake turned into another until several individuals were affected tragically by the one ill conceived plan. Like Murphy's Law what can go wrong will usually go wrong. This went sideways, left of center and downhill very quickly.
Well written as the other books I have read in this series with finely drawn realistic characters and with seamless flow from one situation to the next. This author creates intricate stories that keep you engaged, on the edge of your seat, and sometimes laughing out loud. I especially like DS Mike "Bugsy" Malone who always has a ready quip for any situation and is always political incorrect. His character reminds me of a DS in another series that I read and enjoy which is also from Joffe Books. A loyal wingman, quick at deduction of events and always, always has DI Jack Dawes back, ready to follow him to Hades and back if necessary.
Jack's wife Corrie gets involved as well but this time through no fault of her own and that scene had me laughing out loud for a full five minutes. I highly recommend this book and this series, you won't be disappointed. Kudos to the author!.🎉🎉👏👏🌟🌟📚
December 10, 2020
I would like to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for an advance copy of The Kings Market Killer, the sixth novel to feature DI Jack Dawes, set in the fictional town of Kings Richington in the borough of Richmond.
Fenella Wilson has had enough of her bullying mother-in-law, Ida, and her husband, David, who always sides with Ida, so she and her friend Jude hatch a plan to poison Ida’s strawberry jam, but things don’t go according to plan. What with that and other crime around town DI Jack Dawes has his hands full.
I enjoyed The Kings Market Killer which has a fun plot and more dastardly deeds than is fitting to sedate Kings Richington. This is the first novel in the series that I have read and it’s a whirlwind of action and developments. I need a rest now to recover, because it’s not just Fen and Jude’s plot, there are other bodies, killers and crimes.
This is not an introspective novel, more a constant series of events and outcomes. It’s not really my kind of reading as I prefer either more meat or more grit in my reading and I like to have a guess at the perpetrator rather than knowing it all as it happens. Having said that, it is good at what it does, poking fun at incompetence and entertaining the reader.
The Kings Market Killer is a good read that I can recommend.
Fenella Wilson has had enough of her bullying mother-in-law, Ida, and her husband, David, who always sides with Ida, so she and her friend Jude hatch a plan to poison Ida’s strawberry jam, but things don’t go according to plan. What with that and other crime around town DI Jack Dawes has his hands full.
I enjoyed The Kings Market Killer which has a fun plot and more dastardly deeds than is fitting to sedate Kings Richington. This is the first novel in the series that I have read and it’s a whirlwind of action and developments. I need a rest now to recover, because it’s not just Fen and Jude’s plot, there are other bodies, killers and crimes.
This is not an introspective novel, more a constant series of events and outcomes. It’s not really my kind of reading as I prefer either more meat or more grit in my reading and I like to have a guess at the perpetrator rather than knowing it all as it happens. Having said that, it is good at what it does, poking fun at incompetence and entertaining the reader.
The Kings Market Killer is a good read that I can recommend.
March 23, 2021
Fenella and Judith, what a scary couple, having worked out every detail of their plan, they then did a test run, showing no remorse, for what they did to old Jericho. I’m ashamed to say, I agree with Fennella, but she was correct, her mother-in-law needed to be put in a home, it was the ideal thing to do, the sane and right thing to do, but alas nothing seemed to be going her way, she placed her in the wrong home. A story with many parts and each character having their own agenda, turning this murder mystery was like a merry-go-round. It was hilarious, intriguing, engaging, and entertaining.
February 9, 2022
Superb again!
When I'd finished reading The Moon Killer my rating was 5* the best so far but having just finished The Kings Market Killer this one is now my favourite.
The characters are so believable, lots of tongue in cheek humour, great story. The plot was interesting with twists and turns. I was pleased that Corrie took a step back in this story with her usual attempts to be P.I on Jack's behalf.
Great ending, congrats to Bugsy and Iris, starting next in the series tonight. Thank you Frances BP Sheffield
When I'd finished reading The Moon Killer my rating was 5* the best so far but having just finished The Kings Market Killer this one is now my favourite.
The characters are so believable, lots of tongue in cheek humour, great story. The plot was interesting with twists and turns. I was pleased that Corrie took a step back in this story with her usual attempts to be P.I on Jack's behalf.
Great ending, congrats to Bugsy and Iris, starting next in the series tonight. Thank you Frances BP Sheffield
September 13, 2022
I have read all of the books. This was kind of fun - a bit sillier than the other books but I was ok with that The characters were a bit of a cliché - the mother in law was awful, the son was a wimp Judith and Fenella did not feel guilty about Jericho But there were twists and turns kept me interested - deaths that were easy to sign off on, the jam jar going a miss and ending up at one of Corrie's events at the Garwoods )he should get transferred somewhere else) and then the final death I liked the epilogue tying things up
January 15, 2021
Easy Read
Wonderful character development and follow through. You'll root for DI Dawes and Bugsy as well as 2 ladies who find themselves on the opposite side. Some murder scenes with only one gory description, the rest pretty straightforward. Not too complex. Lots of food and wine references for gourmets then there's Bugsy's furry sausage roll from his coat pocket! All in all very enjoyable.
Wonderful character development and follow through. You'll root for DI Dawes and Bugsy as well as 2 ladies who find themselves on the opposite side. Some murder scenes with only one gory description, the rest pretty straightforward. Not too complex. Lots of food and wine references for gourmets then there's Bugsy's furry sausage roll from his coat pocket! All in all very enjoyable.
March 12, 2021
Enjoyed this series featuring D.I. Jack Dawes that offered well-rounded characters and complex plots. At times the "background music" was a bit didactic and slowed the projectory of the story. but was interesting and informative...an example, the play of mythology in a number of the novels and Greek culture in the first book of the series. All-in-all, I recommend this series for readers interested in British Detective novels.
October 5, 2021
Absolutely one of the most delightful mystery series of many, also excellent ones, I have read!! Extremely well written, its flows smoothly from one, often absurd, situation to another with a delightful sense of humor. I highly recommend it. However, if like me, you read these adventures just before turning off your light at night, you might end up going to sleep considerably later as these books are d.... hard to put down!!! I can't remember a mystery story that had me chuckling. Well done Frances.
January 5, 2021
Latest installment. I am pleased Corrie didn't end up hurt in this book.
Weekend Market with a variety of stalls doesn't seem like the setting for a string of murders but there is a VERY unhappy person who is desperate and that leads to all kinds of trouble.
Throw in a crooked art dealer and very scary hoodlums and it makes for a very enjoyable read. Without having to work out whodunit.
Weekend Market with a variety of stalls doesn't seem like the setting for a string of murders but there is a VERY unhappy person who is desperate and that leads to all kinds of trouble.
Throw in a crooked art dealer and very scary hoodlums and it makes for a very enjoyable read. Without having to work out whodunit.
January 12, 2021
Murder most hilarious
Having read all the previous Inspector Dawes books this one had a lot to live up to and it didnt disappoint. Two incompetent, would be killers, dodgy art dealers and plenty of room for infidelity have Jack, Bugsy and of course Corrie in the thick of it. Lovable characters and a fun, fast paced story make this a great read.
Having read all the previous Inspector Dawes books this one had a lot to live up to and it didnt disappoint. Two incompetent, would be killers, dodgy art dealers and plenty of room for infidelity have Jack, Bugsy and of course Corrie in the thick of it. Lovable characters and a fun, fast paced story make this a great read.
February 16, 2021
Very Entertaining
To date I have read all the books in this series and each has been well worth reading. In truth I would not call this a mystery in that the reader knows from the beginning who did what. It is quite a story however and definitely holds ones interest throughout. I somehow got the feeling this might be the last of this series but I truly hope not.
To date I have read all the books in this series and each has been well worth reading. In truth I would not call this a mystery in that the reader knows from the beginning who did what. It is quite a story however and definitely holds ones interest throughout. I somehow got the feeling this might be the last of this series but I truly hope not.
March 28, 2021
I stumbled on this book from my kindle unlimited subscription, I personally struggled to finish the book, I found it jumped around too much for my enjoyment and found that confusing at time, maybe it was this particular book, unless that’s the author’s style of writing, it just what I enjoy reading.
April 10, 2021
I love this series and this instalment was eagerly awaited. However, the one downside is that the murderer (no spoilers) was far too obvious from the start, which has detracted from the suspense created in previous works. It is still thoroughly enjoyable and I do want more, but at the same time I want to know less about whodunit.
September 10, 2022
Kings Market Killer
I’m not sure Jack has had this many bodies to deal with. Even though some he thought were natural causes initially. Poor Corrie suffers at the hands of the press again, but there’s great news for Carlene and Bugsy & Iris. Another excellent book. They’re getting better with each instalment. Onto the next.
I’m not sure Jack has had this many bodies to deal with. Even though some he thought were natural causes initially. Poor Corrie suffers at the hands of the press again, but there’s great news for Carlene and Bugsy & Iris. Another excellent book. They’re getting better with each instalment. Onto the next.
April 19, 2024
Keep on reading
This series gets better and better as you get to know the charracters. Since the books are written "with a twist" the get a bit predictable, with the least likely suspect, generally guilty of the murders. But they are fun, cozy mysteries, and I will continue to read them.
This series gets better and better as you get to know the charracters. Since the books are written "with a twist" the get a bit predictable, with the least likely suspect, generally guilty of the murders. But they are fun, cozy mysteries, and I will continue to read them.
September 30, 2025
This is a truly great read. Not only is there a wonderful story but it is laced with some devilish humour! How it comes to be resolved is a masterpiece of writing and I particularly like the scene where Dawes has to explain to Garwood the goings-on late at night involving someone close to him - priceless!
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
Julian Tremayne, Cromer, Norfolk
November 25, 2020
I just adore these Jack and Corrie Dawes books. Especially apt on these Winter lockdown days. Sitting by the fire, stuffing my face and reading about scrumptious food and murder! What more can you ask for in life eh?? 😁
January 2, 2021
Another great story
Another great story featuring Inspector Cases and his team as well as his wife with coriander cuisines. Well crafted plot with plenty of action and lots of humor. An ideal read at home during a cold winter day.
Another great story featuring Inspector Cases and his team as well as his wife with coriander cuisines. Well crafted plot with plenty of action and lots of humor. An ideal read at home during a cold winter day.
February 19, 2021
Yet another great story by Frances Lloyd , I have really enjoyed this one as well, I love the characters and I found myself being immersed in the market and art galleries it seemed to bring the whole area alive. Looking forward to the next one.
April 1, 2021
Witty, well delivered plot
I really like the humour and plots in the Francis Lloyd Dawes series . The characters are endearing and take the plot along through twists and turns to reach a conclusion. The incidental characters are also a well woven in part of the plot.
I really like the humour and plots in the Francis Lloyd Dawes series . The characters are endearing and take the plot along through twists and turns to reach a conclusion. The incidental characters are also a well woven in part of the plot.
July 16, 2021
Too Many Dead
Anyone who likes a great mystery with the killer as obscure as the deaths will enjoy weaving through the possibility of who and why when the motive is beyond comprehension!
Anyone who likes a great mystery with the killer as obscure as the deaths will enjoy weaving through the possibility of who and why when the motive is beyond comprehension!
November 12, 2021
A thoroughly satisfying mystery
DI Dawes and Inspector Mike Malone are an excellent pair with a flair for using their brains and experience. The addition of the talented wives and friends made this a delightful read.
DI Dawes and Inspector Mike Malone are an excellent pair with a flair for using their brains and experience. The addition of the talented wives and friends made this a delightful read.
February 22, 2022
Very Good Story
Clever plot and as always, interesting characters. I thought this book was one of the best in the series. The Author cleverly weaves divergent plots into a lovely tapestry. Well done British Crime series.
Clever plot and as always, interesting characters. I thought this book was one of the best in the series. The Author cleverly weaves divergent plots into a lovely tapestry. Well done British Crime series.
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