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The Nostrils Series #6

A Necessary Fiction

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A case requiring all his investigative skills to solve, almost defeats Nostrils.

When the wife of a wealthy hedge fund manager goes missing while on holiday in Madeira, DS Pritchard is asked to liaise with the Portuguese authorities. Suspicion falls upon the husband, Mr Tristram Parker, who is believed to have arranged her murder. DS Pritchard’s own enquiries reveal financial malpractices at Mr Parker’s hedge fund on an unprecedented scale, but he struggles to link these startling discoveries to Mrs Parker’s disappearance.

Meanwhile, a curious combination of circumstances combine to present DS Pritchard with an opportunity to seek revenge on his most hated adversary.

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 30, 2020

50 people are currently reading
11 people want to read

About the author

Jonathan Cox

16 books34 followers
Jonathan Cox retired from the Metropolitan Police in 2013 and within days had published 'The Blue Trilogy', in which he hoped to capture the atmosphere and attitudes of policing in the 1980s.

Only ever intended to be just the three books, such was the success of the trilogy, four sequels followed; 'When You Wear The Blue', 'We Don’t Call Them Raids’, ‘A Necessary Fiction’ and ‘Purple Cover’ - making the complete set a seven book series.

The stories are penned with a deference to realism born of personal experience and have become a cult read for serving and retired officers.

The series follows the life of PC Chris Pritchard, aka Nostrils, who joined the Met in 1983 and like the author, was posted to a police station in London's tough East End. Each subsequent book is set several years later and collectively they trace the main character's police career via his numerous postings and his slow rise through the ranks.

Pritchard is an anti-hero, fatally flawed in so many ways, yet honest at heart and always loyal to his friends.

Jonathan's career was largely spent investigating police and public sector corruption and so his books tend to slant in that direction. He also completed postings on the murder squad, several crime squads, the Met fraud squad, a witness protection unit, a financial intelligence unit, a team investigating historic terrorist offences in Northern Ireland and counter corruption surveillance teams. He worked in Turkey on a policing project for HMG and spent many years seconded to a large government department combating corruption. During several of these postings, it was necessary for Jonathan to assume covert identities.

Jonathan concludes "Being a policeman was, and still is, the best job in the world. I was privileged to work alongside some really great people, many became life long friends, a few, pretty impressive enemies. I wish both every future happiness and success."

For up-to-date information on the series, including details of live events and the latest special offers, please follow the author's Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/FromGreenToBlue

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5 stars
310 (76%)
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75 (18%)
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22 (5%)
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
1 review
February 12, 2021
I've read all of the books in the series.I found this one slightly different to the others. This author has the knack of honest writing, I can believe in D S Pritchard. If there was such a word as unputdownable it would apply to this book.
Profile Image for Carl Davey.
8 reviews1 follower
December 6, 2020
The further adventures of Nostrils.

This book had a slightly different feel to it. Although not my favourite story in the series but I could not put it down. Like the rest of the series it left me looking forward to reading the next one.

Bring it on soon please Mr Cox
Profile Image for Barry Doswell.
31 reviews
June 10, 2021
Nostrils is a good man... read and find out why.

Book 6... well I’m amazed, I’ve flown through them. Each one is better than the last, and the main characters are fully likeable and consistent with their past, to often you find an author has forgotten some of their own invented back story. This one delves into the murky world of finance, I just hope in book 7 Eggshells is caught. Don’t ask... read them.
Profile Image for Mark.
194 reviews
April 7, 2022
Finished this book tonight 4*/5*

It was a bit different to the previous books in the 'nostrils' series, But captivating all the same.

There are two massive incidents in this book, you have to read to find out.
Not what i was expecting...... but i was not expecting someone from book one to be involved!

Just a police story involving a missing person which uncovers something more sinister

Looking forward to book 7... dread to think what will happen in this one.
29 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2022
Wow! Just a phenomenal read

Jonathan Cox has surpassed himself again. This is story with so many twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. So gripping, the details of people and locations are so real to me as someone who knows how the Met Police work and know all the buildings referred to that make this story so true to life.
13 reviews
March 14, 2023
A warning should be on the cover

With this and all the books in the series you will laugh out loud. Tears will be in your eyes. But you will love and follow the private life of the main character also follow all the the crimes to be solved.

Rated first class.

You’ll also put aside your jobs around the house whilst you spend hours reading.
50 reviews
December 29, 2020
Spellbinding

I have now read all 6 books. I never thought this was going the way it did. This one was different but enjoyed reading it as much as the others. His books keep you guessing and reading. Will there be a 7th?
Profile Image for jerry Cursons.
123 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2021
All of the books in this series i have thoroughly enjoyed reading I do hope that we haven't heard the last of our intrepid policeman and his adventures.life will not be the same with out nostrils and company.
20 reviews1 follower
March 1, 2021
Gripping from beginning to end

Absolutely gutted I've read the whole series what am I going to read now? Loved the fact they take you through every adventure from the perspective of someone who is totally naive and wet behind the ears to a fully competent DI. Highly recommend
527 reviews1 follower
December 14, 2020
Chris AKA nostrils get caught up with an international killing
at the same time he has family issues and an old wound opens up

i found this gripping, loved it ....
Profile Image for Wynne Green.
6 reviews
December 15, 2020
As with all of the books in this series,a thoroughly enjoyable read. I do hope that we haven't heard the last of our intrepid policeman and his (mis)adventures.
18 reviews
February 8, 2021
Brilliant

Enjoyed this series of books immensely, gritty,honest warts and all,no punches pulled only downside was the language,never been a fan of foul language
Profile Image for Keith Hickie.
2 reviews
March 21, 2023
Again excellent

Like the other books a reAlly good plot and a good story. Also a good knowledge of police procedure and practise.
4 reviews1 follower
June 2, 2023
Brilliant Gripped all the way through.

Great detail, great story hooked from the start. Really couldn't put it down. Great continuity from the previous books .
3 reviews
January 26, 2024
Excellent read

Excellent read along with all of the other books written by Jonathan cox. Enjoyed all of them. Earlier books being back great memories
19 reviews
July 2, 2025
All I can say is, it is one of the best books I have ever read. Gripping from star to finish. Thank you Jon, you have taken me back in time to places and memories.
Profile Image for glen Fur.
17 reviews
July 8, 2025
Another good read from this author,look forward to to loads more
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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