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Slim Hardy Mysteries #6
Eight Days
THE THRILLING NEW SLIM HARDY MYSTERY FROM JACK BENTON
After nearly a year out of the game, former soldier turned private detective John "Slim" Hardy takes what he hopes will be an easy comeback case in the quiet Devonshire town of Launceston.
The disappearance in mysterious circumstances of local schoolgirl Emily Martin left police clueless. Eight days later, her sudden reappearance left them equally baffled. Apparently unharmed, Emily claimed no memory of her period of abduction, and in time, the investigation faded.
Two years later, as her relationship with her daughter falls apart, Emily's desperate mother Georgia turns to Slim, wanting answers.
Her eight days missing has changed Emily, so much so that Georgia is unsure the girl is even her daughter at all ...
From the author of The Man by the Sea and The Clockmaker's Secret, comes another stunning mystery, one which will keep you guessing to the last page.
After nearly a year out of the game, former soldier turned private detective John "Slim" Hardy takes what he hopes will be an easy comeback case in the quiet Devonshire town of Launceston.
The disappearance in mysterious circumstances of local schoolgirl Emily Martin left police clueless. Eight days later, her sudden reappearance left them equally baffled. Apparently unharmed, Emily claimed no memory of her period of abduction, and in time, the investigation faded.
Two years later, as her relationship with her daughter falls apart, Emily's desperate mother Georgia turns to Slim, wanting answers.
Her eight days missing has changed Emily, so much so that Georgia is unsure the girl is even her daughter at all ...
From the author of The Man by the Sea and The Clockmaker's Secret, comes another stunning mystery, one which will keep you guessing to the last page.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2020
38 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Jack Benton
49 books91 followersJack Benton is the mystery writing pen name of British science fiction writer Chris Ward.
Chris Ward is a native of Cornwall, England, but currently lives and works in Nagano, Japan. He is the author of multiple series across several speculative genres, as well as writing under pen names in several more.
He spends his time, snowboarding, writing, playing guitar in his rock band, Steampunk Unicorn (www.reverbnation/steampunkunicorn), and generally having too much to say about just about everything.
For more information, please visit www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.net/tok...
Chris Ward is a native of Cornwall, England, but currently lives and works in Nagano, Japan. He is the author of multiple series across several speculative genres, as well as writing under pen names in several more.
He spends his time, snowboarding, writing, playing guitar in his rock band, Steampunk Unicorn (www.reverbnation/steampunkunicorn), and generally having too much to say about just about everything.
For more information, please visit www.amillionmilesfromanywhere.net/tok...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 19, 2023
Like all the Slim Hardy novels and this one keeps up the momentum. Really like the narrator, he’s become ‘Slim’ to me. Like most of JB’s novels the twist is always there…👍🏼
January 24, 2023
Another great 'Slim' Hardy mystery that kept me guessing all the way thru. It also made me feel homesick but was also lovely to read as I an very familiar with the area. Top writing and lots of evocative descriptions of places. It's also great to read a book that doesn't have a predictable ending! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2021
Eight Days by Chris Ward is a fantastically amazing story that I have loved reading. This is book number six in this fantastically amazing series that I have been hooked on since the beginning. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about thrillers and mysteries.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 12, 2023
I'm addicted to this series. I like the characters and the setting, the mystery part only so-so. This is one of the better ones and should really rate 3.5 stars. Spoilers ahead.
Slim is just out of prison, for manslaughter from his last book. He managed to kill a killer. I would have called it accidental death and not charged Slim myself. But anyway... Slim is fresh out of prison and is immediately hired by a couple, Georgia and James to find out what happened to their daughter Emily Martin.
She was kidnapped for 8 days and then released seemingly unharmed. But once released, she refused to talk about her ordeal and is staying at her grandparents. Georgia wants to find out what happened in those 8 days and hired Slim.
As usual, Slim just goes around asking questions and more questions. Usually and eventually he digs up the truth and this is the case here. As usual with this series, there are a lot of characters and the plot bogs down a bit. There isn't much of sense of urgency. A side story is his alcoholism and like all the other books he has a relapse even though he tries his hardest not to.
One implausible recurrence is his cadre of ex-army friends including Don, Kay and Adam who are deus ex machina side kicks who always does what Slim asks for. This consists of background checks, personal information, technology hacks and equipment. They never say no, never asks for money or return favors, drops whatever else they are doing and is pretty much an in book joke as this point.
Back to the story, Slim's wide web of questions inevitably leads to untruths and uncomfortable encounters but eventually leads him to the truth, which in this case was pretty interesting. Do not read this part, it's a real spoiler:
----------------
Georgia and James's mistress (Sarah) were pregnant at the same time. Georgia's daughter (Annabel) was sickly. Sarah had twins Emily and Elizabeth. Annabel was swapped for Emily. Annabel then died as a child. When Emily was kidnapped and killed, Elizabeth was swapped in her place so it looked like she was released unharmed. All this to prevent Georgia's mental breakdown. Spoiler ends.
----------------
It was an unhappy ending for most of the people involved but Slim did solve the mystery. This is probably the most convoluted of plots so far but once again, the author failed to make the plot exciting. Still, I'm on to the next book because I like Slim.
Slim is just out of prison, for manslaughter from his last book. He managed to kill a killer. I would have called it accidental death and not charged Slim myself. But anyway... Slim is fresh out of prison and is immediately hired by a couple, Georgia and James to find out what happened to their daughter Emily Martin.
She was kidnapped for 8 days and then released seemingly unharmed. But once released, she refused to talk about her ordeal and is staying at her grandparents. Georgia wants to find out what happened in those 8 days and hired Slim.
As usual, Slim just goes around asking questions and more questions. Usually and eventually he digs up the truth and this is the case here. As usual with this series, there are a lot of characters and the plot bogs down a bit. There isn't much of sense of urgency. A side story is his alcoholism and like all the other books he has a relapse even though he tries his hardest not to.
One implausible recurrence is his cadre of ex-army friends including Don, Kay and Adam who are deus ex machina side kicks who always does what Slim asks for. This consists of background checks, personal information, technology hacks and equipment. They never say no, never asks for money or return favors, drops whatever else they are doing and is pretty much an in book joke as this point.
Back to the story, Slim's wide web of questions inevitably leads to untruths and uncomfortable encounters but eventually leads him to the truth, which in this case was pretty interesting. Do not read this part, it's a real spoiler:
----------------
Georgia and James's mistress (Sarah) were pregnant at the same time. Georgia's daughter (Annabel) was sickly. Sarah had twins Emily and Elizabeth. Annabel was swapped for Emily. Annabel then died as a child. When Emily was kidnapped and killed, Elizabeth was swapped in her place so it looked like she was released unharmed. All this to prevent Georgia's mental breakdown. Spoiler ends.
----------------
It was an unhappy ending for most of the people involved but Slim did solve the mystery. This is probably the most convoluted of plots so far but once again, the author failed to make the plot exciting. Still, I'm on to the next book because I like Slim.
April 16, 2021
The eight days in question, from the title, refer to the disappearance of a local school girl, Emily Martin, in the quiet Devonshire town of Launceston, who then reappears eight days later, with no explanation of what has happened to her in the missing days. Slim, real name John Hardy, has been hired by the parents of the girl, Janes and Georgia Martin, to find out who took her and what actually happened to her. Slim is a former soldier turned P.I., who has just got out of prison after a few months, and needs a chance to make some money and keep sober. It should be a fairly straight forward job and he is being put up at the Martin’s home, so should be able to question Emily easily and find out who the main suspects were, as the incident happened almost two years ago. The only problem is that the girl is no longer staying with her parents, the relationship having fallen apart completely on her sixteenth birthday, which is kept from Slim for days. The mother, Georgia, is a bit of a perfectionist as a housewife it seems and can’t have anything out of place, so not knowing what happened to her daughter is making matters unacceptable and almost torturous. She even believes that the girl that came back and whom everyone says is her daughter, is not her daughter.
Slim finds it difficult to get much of any information from either parent and his attempts to speak to Emily are constantly put off. A local folk lore of The Woodland Man, is a story that seems to follow along with Emily’s disappearance and reappearance and is a tale that has been told to local kids for decades. What connection to the incident this may have is yet to be discovered. Just know that nothing will be straightforward and answers will be hard to come by. Especially anything that should reveal the truth! What comes out in the end is a very convoluted and hard to image crime, much worse than what Slim was hired to uncover. Be careful what you ask for, as secrets always have a way of coming out into the light! I look forward to reading more of the Slim Hardy series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
Slim finds it difficult to get much of any information from either parent and his attempts to speak to Emily are constantly put off. A local folk lore of The Woodland Man, is a story that seems to follow along with Emily’s disappearance and reappearance and is a tale that has been told to local kids for decades. What connection to the incident this may have is yet to be discovered. Just know that nothing will be straightforward and answers will be hard to come by. Especially anything that should reveal the truth! What comes out in the end is a very convoluted and hard to image crime, much worse than what Slim was hired to uncover. Be careful what you ask for, as secrets always have a way of coming out into the light! I look forward to reading more of the Slim Hardy series. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
December 31, 2020
An unconventional private investigator back on the trail…
After several months of incarceration and staying on the wagon, Slim is immediately approached to solve another mystery – this time, about a missing person who is no longer missing. Slim cannot resist a challenge and he certainly can use the money. His persistence, whether slow but steady, continues to unravel the story’s complexities while eventually arriving at the truth. There are always endearing or contrary characters along the way, unexpected twists and the temptation to fall off the wagon and suffer the consequences.
I really enjoy the humanness of Slims’ persona. He may get down on himself but finds a way to extend a hand to others. His contacts must know this about him since they always seem on the ready to assist him with his investigation – perhaps they are as intrigued with his cases as he is.
This series is by no means classified as an action/thriller but rather a plodding, procedural, mind boggling investigation that continues to build with suspense and surprises as the pieces start to come together. It is well-paced and well-written and definitely held my interest. I recommend it to all inquisitive readers who are patiently willing to see justice unfold.
After several months of incarceration and staying on the wagon, Slim is immediately approached to solve another mystery – this time, about a missing person who is no longer missing. Slim cannot resist a challenge and he certainly can use the money. His persistence, whether slow but steady, continues to unravel the story’s complexities while eventually arriving at the truth. There are always endearing or contrary characters along the way, unexpected twists and the temptation to fall off the wagon and suffer the consequences.
I really enjoy the humanness of Slims’ persona. He may get down on himself but finds a way to extend a hand to others. His contacts must know this about him since they always seem on the ready to assist him with his investigation – perhaps they are as intrigued with his cases as he is.
This series is by no means classified as an action/thriller but rather a plodding, procedural, mind boggling investigation that continues to build with suspense and surprises as the pieces start to come together. It is well-paced and well-written and definitely held my interest. I recommend it to all inquisitive readers who are patiently willing to see justice unfold.
December 8, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Eight Days by Jack Benton is a detective thriller with an absolutely unexpected ending! And when I say unexpected, I mean it!
I liked the characters as they were different from what we usually have in thrillers or detective stories. They felt original and fresh!
The disappearance of a local schoolgirl scares the community... nothing like this happened before. Eight days later she reappears without an explanation of the information. Girls' parents wish to know the truth so hire Slim, an ex-alcoholic and prison leaver who must make some money as a PI.
Once he starts the investigation he realises that everyone is holding back some information and it's nearly impossible to find out what happened in those eight days!
Eight Days by Jack Benton is a detective thriller with an absolutely unexpected ending! And when I say unexpected, I mean it!
I liked the characters as they were different from what we usually have in thrillers or detective stories. They felt original and fresh!
The disappearance of a local schoolgirl scares the community... nothing like this happened before. Eight days later she reappears without an explanation of the information. Girls' parents wish to know the truth so hire Slim, an ex-alcoholic and prison leaver who must make some money as a PI.
Once he starts the investigation he realises that everyone is holding back some information and it's nearly impossible to find out what happened in those eight days!
February 15, 2021
The darkest yet of these mysteries
Early on in this novel, I felt a creepy sensation. While all of the Slim Hardy books are a bit dark in tone, this is surely the darkest yet — to say more would be a “spoiler.”
A unique backstory is slowly unveiled, as Slim works to solve this mystery, aided by a new acquaintance, Bernadette. I’d like to see them work together again in a future novel.
While I couldn’t have guessed the ending — it’s a bit intricate — there were definitely multiple clues throughout that made me believe one informant had more involvement in the case than initially was apparent.
Definitely an interesting read!
Early on in this novel, I felt a creepy sensation. While all of the Slim Hardy books are a bit dark in tone, this is surely the darkest yet — to say more would be a “spoiler.”
A unique backstory is slowly unveiled, as Slim works to solve this mystery, aided by a new acquaintance, Bernadette. I’d like to see them work together again in a future novel.
While I couldn’t have guessed the ending — it’s a bit intricate — there were definitely multiple clues throughout that made me believe one informant had more involvement in the case than initially was apparent.
Definitely an interesting read!
June 27, 2021
Each Slim Hardy book I read, I say "This is the best one." The truth is they are all excellent and this book is exceptional. It reads quickly. The writing is clear. The story builds. You are sure you know what is going on and then something changes. Slim continues to struggle with his own demons while trying to solve this case everyone else has given up on. He knows someone isn't telling the truth, but he has to figure out who. Full of secrets and hidden agendas, with more than one twist at the end.
I really recommend this entire series and cannot wait for the next Slim Hardy book.
I really recommend this entire series and cannot wait for the next Slim Hardy book.
August 17, 2022
This is a very interesting story with an ending that boggled my mind, and Jack Benton has an incredible ability to release tidbits of information—as Slim investigates—that keep you equally enlightened and puzzled. Also, his description of the terrain helps you to visualize exactly what Slim sees as he walks about. I really enjoy reading Jack Benton’s books especially the Slim Hardy series. I was very happy that Slim curtailed his need for alcohol in this book. It would really be great to team Slim with Bernadette again in the future; they worked really well together.
February 23, 2022
Make your own decision
As is often the case I enjoyed the book until the fairly convoluted climax. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. I bought 3 other books in this series about three quarters of the way through. Hopefully my reviews of these books will produce a better outcome. I would recommend this book - it's one of those intelligent British procedurals...
As is often the case I enjoyed the book until the fairly convoluted climax. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. I bought 3 other books in this series about three quarters of the way through. Hopefully my reviews of these books will produce a better outcome. I would recommend this book - it's one of those intelligent British procedurals...
June 23, 2023
This is a dark case for Slim to investigate.. a child has gone missing for 8 days and when she returns she is not the same and her mother wants to know why...
Its a really excellent mystery which has a kick in its tail and this is a case that will leave a stain on Slim.
I am really enjoying the Slim Hardy books the mysteries are great and Slim is a very flawed hero.
Its a really excellent mystery which has a kick in its tail and this is a case that will leave a stain on Slim.
I am really enjoying the Slim Hardy books the mysteries are great and Slim is a very flawed hero.
April 26, 2021
Devastating thriller
Wow. You feel so bad for this detective. Want to give him a pep talk. He is still so endearing. And so smart. Nice twists in the plot. Kept me flipping the pages!!
Wow. You feel so bad for this detective. Want to give him a pep talk. He is still so endearing. And so smart. Nice twists in the plot. Kept me flipping the pages!!
June 13, 2021
I love his stories. They are unforgettable and fun to read.
December 10, 2022
3.5 stars
June 16, 2023
Audiobook. 3.5*. Not much action. A totally twisted mystery for mystery lovers
March 22, 2024
A great sense of place, which the author obviously knows well. An interesting and original story, also, which I found quite gripping.
June 22, 2025
Another superb Slim mystery
What can I say, this the best one so far. The suspense is in the writing. Just superb . I hope for more to come.
What can I say, this the best one so far. The suspense is in the writing. Just superb . I hope for more to come.
January 1, 2026
This is a 4.5 🌟 read rounded ⬆️ to 5 🌟.
The best of the series so far! Bloody brilliant.
The best of the series so far! Bloody brilliant.
April 27, 2023
I almost gave up on Slim after the previous book. I'm glad I didn't. This turned out to my favorite book in the series so far.
January 13, 2024
Full of surprises
A local schoolgirl Emily goes missing from her home in Launceston in Devon, and eight days later she reappears unharmed, but with no memory of those days.
Two years later, the concerned girl’s mother Georgia approaches PI “Slim” Hardy to see if he can shed some light on her daughter’s mysterious disappearance, as Emily’s behavior has changed.
Slim has had a break of nearly twelve months, so is hoping for an open and shut case for his comeback; however, this one has him stumped, with many twists and turns and several surprises.
I am thoroughly enjoying this fabulous series; the characters are excellent, and each case keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
A local schoolgirl Emily goes missing from her home in Launceston in Devon, and eight days later she reappears unharmed, but with no memory of those days.
Two years later, the concerned girl’s mother Georgia approaches PI “Slim” Hardy to see if he can shed some light on her daughter’s mysterious disappearance, as Emily’s behavior has changed.
Slim has had a break of nearly twelve months, so is hoping for an open and shut case for his comeback; however, this one has him stumped, with many twists and turns and several surprises.
I am thoroughly enjoying this fabulous series; the characters are excellent, and each case keeps the reader guessing until the very end.
December 28, 2020
Eight Days - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Eight days is the length of time Emily Martin was missing/assumed kidnapped, before being found in woodland, with mild amnesia - what other health issues does she have?
Ex-army, ex-cop, now P.I, 'Slim' Hardy, is hired by her parents to find out what really happened, as to the overstretched local police force it's now a closed case. Slim asks a former army comrade to do a background check on Emily's parents, before retracing the girl's route on the fateful day.
Who is Bernadette and what does she tell him about the rumoured predator?
What is strange about James Martin's behaviour?
A complicated, but ultimately satisfying psychological thriller, Eight Days has many layers that Slim Murphy patiently peels away, to reveal the clues or evidence leading piecemeal towards the petite, (rather than grande) dénouement and final revelatory conclusion.
Worthy of an Agatha Christie or Ruth Rendell novel, make sure you work out how you're going to get your copy of Jack Benton's brilliant whodunit, Eight Days, as soon as possible - and draw the blinds once the sun goes down!
Eight days is the length of time Emily Martin was missing/assumed kidnapped, before being found in woodland, with mild amnesia - what other health issues does she have?
Ex-army, ex-cop, now P.I, 'Slim' Hardy, is hired by her parents to find out what really happened, as to the overstretched local police force it's now a closed case. Slim asks a former army comrade to do a background check on Emily's parents, before retracing the girl's route on the fateful day.
Who is Bernadette and what does she tell him about the rumoured predator?
What is strange about James Martin's behaviour?
A complicated, but ultimately satisfying psychological thriller, Eight Days has many layers that Slim Murphy patiently peels away, to reveal the clues or evidence leading piecemeal towards the petite, (rather than grande) dénouement and final revelatory conclusion.
Worthy of an Agatha Christie or Ruth Rendell novel, make sure you work out how you're going to get your copy of Jack Benton's brilliant whodunit, Eight Days, as soon as possible - and draw the blinds once the sun goes down!
November 1, 2022
This is my second time reading Eight Days as I had to go back to try and find out who “Emma” was. I’m no wiser as the character in this book is Emily. I like the Slim Hardy books very much and gave this one 5 🌟when I first read it. Slim is an alcoholic and private investigator. He is as addicted to solving mysteries as he is to alcohol. He has a great bank of friends that he calls on to help him out when he needs a bit more information or have some analysis done. He is called in to investigate the case of a schoolgirl who goes missing but turns up after 8 days with no explanation of where she’s been or what happened to her. Not sure it gets 5 🌟 second time round but it was still a good story.
January 4, 2021
Reading this story is like unraveling a ball of wool, the more Slim works to uncover the truth regarding Emily´s disappearance, the more troublesome things become and the more intricate lives and feelings become. Everyone is hiding something and the truth is explosive. The positive streak is that Slim finds help in an unexpected friend, who he helps to overcome difficulties in her personal life which helps him to mend a little bit of his broken spirit. Great plot with lots of unexpected twists and turns that get you hooked from beginning to the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 22, 2020
A girl is missing for eight days and then found but what happened to her during those eight days that makes her mother become convinced that she is not her daughter. This is a really good detective story I enjoyed. I look forward to more from this author
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2021
Slim held onto the idea of being a private investigator, despite the passage of time
James held onto primitive ideas about commerce and influence. His wife Georgia really just wants to know what happened to her daughter
Dangerous liasons!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
James held onto primitive ideas about commerce and influence. His wife Georgia really just wants to know what happened to her daughter
Dangerous liasons!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2021
Another great 'Slim' Hardy mystery that kept me guessing all the way thru. It also made me feel homesick but was also lovely to read as I an very familiar with the area.
Top writing and lots of evocative descriptions of places.
It's also great to read a book that doesn't have a predictable ending!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Top writing and lots of evocative descriptions of places.
It's also great to read a book that doesn't have a predictable ending!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2021
A great read! Twists and turns keep the suspense alive and have you sitting on the edge of your seat. Mystery and intrigue makes it hard to stop turning the pages. A well written mystery read you want to have on your reading list.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 31, 2020
What such a great read. I was not expecting the plot to twist the way it did. Will definitely look up other books by this author to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2021
Set aside a very long, full day for this PG British Private Investigator which starts when PI John Hardy aka Slim leaves prison in February 2020 to investigate a disappearance in Launceston, Cornwall.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews