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The Red Admiral's Secret
A Premier League bad-boy murdered at his newly refurbished home; a teenage runaway's corpse uncovered on a construction site; a gunman shoots up the premises of the local gangland boss - all of them projects run by beleaguered builder Mark Poynter. Can he fix it?
Things seem to be on the up for builder, Mark Poynter. Mark's got himself a nice little earner taking care of the sizeable property portfolio built up from the career earnings of former Premier League bad-boy and local celebrity, Danny Kidd. But when Danny Kidd puts an interested party's nose out of joint by using his star status to gazump them on a development site - the derelict Admiral Guthrie pub - things turn ugly and incendiary, leaving Mark to deal with the consequences.
Meanwhile, local villain Hamlet uses his subtle persuasion to dupe Mark into unwittingly help him launder vast sums of dirty cash but when it drags the area to the brink of gang warfare, Mark's help is needed to try and broker a truce.
At the Admiral Guthrie secrets from the past meet conflicts of the present - will the rising flames reduce Mark's future to ashes?
The Red Admiral's Secret is the second in the series of darkly comic crime fiction novels featuring the beleaguered builder Mark Poynter, aided and hindered in equal measure by his trusted crew of slackers, idlers, and gossips, and the lengths they go to just to earn a living.
Things seem to be on the up for builder, Mark Poynter. Mark's got himself a nice little earner taking care of the sizeable property portfolio built up from the career earnings of former Premier League bad-boy and local celebrity, Danny Kidd. But when Danny Kidd puts an interested party's nose out of joint by using his star status to gazump them on a development site - the derelict Admiral Guthrie pub - things turn ugly and incendiary, leaving Mark to deal with the consequences.
Meanwhile, local villain Hamlet uses his subtle persuasion to dupe Mark into unwittingly help him launder vast sums of dirty cash but when it drags the area to the brink of gang warfare, Mark's help is needed to try and broker a truce.
At the Admiral Guthrie secrets from the past meet conflicts of the present - will the rising flames reduce Mark's future to ashes?
The Red Admiral's Secret is the second in the series of darkly comic crime fiction novels featuring the beleaguered builder Mark Poynter, aided and hindered in equal measure by his trusted crew of slackers, idlers, and gossips, and the lengths they go to just to earn a living.
- GenresBook Club
312 pages, Paperback
Published February 3, 2021
8 people want to read
About the author
Matthew Ross
40 books6 followersLibrarian note: There are more authors with this name in this data base.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 11, 2023
The gang are all back again, led of course by builder Mark Poynter. In this book he’s working for ex footballer and his brother, property developer, Stuart. But when Danny buys The Admiral Guthrie from under the noses of some now very disgruntled people, it’s left to Mark to try and deal with it. Just who are these people who are determined to get their hands on the derelict pub no matter what lengths they need to go to? Mark is a great character and at times I felt so sorry for him as the trouble he finds himself in is not of his own making, whilst still trying to look after his best mates/employees Bern and Disco. There’s also his long suffering girlfriend Perry who at one point certainly made me laugh as she took on local crime lord, Hamlet. This book is action packed, with a few twists and turns along the way which kept me hooked all the way through.
The Red Admiral’s Secret is another great read by Matthew and although it could be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading the first, Death of a Painter, just to get a fabulous introduction to Mark and his friends.
The Red Admiral’s Secret is another great read by Matthew and although it could be read as a stand-alone, I would highly recommend reading the first, Death of a Painter, just to get a fabulous introduction to Mark and his friends.
August 4, 2023
Mark and the Gang are back. Mark is working for a respectable footballer, but when he finds a dead body on the job things aren’t going to be as straightforward as he thought.
Still having to pay bills he’s back, reluctantly, doing work for Hamlet; knowing there is more to this than what he is being told. But soon it will be too late and Mark will be in too deep but he may also be the only one to resolve the situation.
This was a fantastic read, with a narrative full of fantastic characters, dark humour and a storyline that will leave your head shaking and eyebrows on your forehead.
This was another easy read by Ross with each chapter wanting you to read to the next. This is the second book in a series and I look forward to book three as Ross just gets better and better.
Still having to pay bills he’s back, reluctantly, doing work for Hamlet; knowing there is more to this than what he is being told. But soon it will be too late and Mark will be in too deep but he may also be the only one to resolve the situation.
This was a fantastic read, with a narrative full of fantastic characters, dark humour and a storyline that will leave your head shaking and eyebrows on your forehead.
This was another easy read by Ross with each chapter wanting you to read to the next. This is the second book in a series and I look forward to book three as Ross just gets better and better.
August 11, 2023
I really enjoyed the first in this series and was happy to see a sequel. Mark is working for a famous retired footballer in this story, but as usual, gets caught up in dead bodies, fires and gunmen trying to kill him!
Scratching around for work, Mark starts wondering about old mysteries and visiting old friends of his fathers, and this doesn’t go down well with some. The story is told by Mark, and has just the right amount of humour, sarcasm, and seriousness you need in a murder mystery. Uncle Bern is firmly becoming a favourite as is the lovable villain, Hamlet. There’s also a bit of love thrown in from good measure this time round too.
I really hope they’ll be more of these, and will definitely be keeping an eye open for them.
Scratching around for work, Mark starts wondering about old mysteries and visiting old friends of his fathers, and this doesn’t go down well with some. The story is told by Mark, and has just the right amount of humour, sarcasm, and seriousness you need in a murder mystery. Uncle Bern is firmly becoming a favourite as is the lovable villain, Hamlet. There’s also a bit of love thrown in from good measure this time round too.
I really hope they’ll be more of these, and will definitely be keeping an eye open for them.
September 7, 2023
Review
The Red Admirals's Secret
By Matthew Ross
Description
Murder mystery
This murder mystery has it all from the cast of characters, a couple of dead bodies, a pub with alot of mysteries of its own.
The characters in this book, bring this book to life with their banter and humor.
It was an enjoyable read and will be reading more from this author.
I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks, Zooloosbooktours and Matthew Ross for a digital copy of this book.
#zooloosbooktours #matthewross #theredadmiralssecret
The Red Admirals's Secret
By Matthew Ross
Description
Murder mystery
This murder mystery has it all from the cast of characters, a couple of dead bodies, a pub with alot of mysteries of its own.
The characters in this book, bring this book to life with their banter and humor.
It was an enjoyable read and will be reading more from this author.
I gave it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks, Zooloosbooktours and Matthew Ross for a digital copy of this book.
#zooloosbooktours #matthewross #theredadmiralssecret
August 5, 2023
The Red Admiral's Secret by Matthew Ross.
Book 2 of Poynter + Perry.
A Premier League bad-boy murdered at his newly refurbished home; a teenage runaway's corpse uncovered on a construction site; a gunman shoots up the premises of the local gangland boss - all of them projects run by beleaguered builder Mark Poynter. Can he fix it?
I am really enjoying this series. I love Mark. Gripping. This was an easy read. Read it in less than a day. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
Book 2 of Poynter + Perry.
A Premier League bad-boy murdered at his newly refurbished home; a teenage runaway's corpse uncovered on a construction site; a gunman shoots up the premises of the local gangland boss - all of them projects run by beleaguered builder Mark Poynter. Can he fix it?
I am really enjoying this series. I love Mark. Gripping. This was an easy read. Read it in less than a day. I do hope there is more to come. 5*.
August 11, 2023
Mark Poynter has been working for the Kidd Brothers. Danny Kidd has now retired from professional football and is looking at being more involved with the firm now. He has set his hopes on The Admiral Guthrie pub which had previously had planning permission to be converted into six flats. When Danny returned, the others informed him it had already been sold so Danny rang the auctioneers himself and spoke to the owner and agreed a price so he was now the owner of the pub providing the paperwork went through the auctioneers. That’s when their problems started and a guy called Donaldson kept popping up unexpectedly asking them to sell the pub. Mark got some work with Hamlet which Perry wasn’t happy about, saying he would have a plan up sleeve as usual and use Mark in the process. The plan was to build two self-tanning shops which were straight forward. They had a look at the pub, fairly straightforward apart from the cellar which had a very low ceiling which would need to be addressed for any flat. Danny put it about that he wanted a chandelier. There was a seller in Rye so Mark and the crew went to Rye to pick it up in the van. It took them a few hours to get the chandelier down and into the van and back to Chatham, they then had to put it up in Danny’s place but he helped. It turned out to be stolen so Mark was arrested for that but Hamlet arranged a brilliant solicitor who got him released from the police station in Maidstone.
One day, Mark is arriving for a meeting at the office and he is approached by a journalist which he sidesteps but she gives him her card and says to get in touch when he has read her stuff. When he’s near the garage, he sees it’s on fire, the house is all locked up so Danny must be in the gym above the garage, Mark goes up to see and struggles to get Danny out but is saved by the help of the fire brigade turning up in the nick of time. There was writing, like a warning, on the wall. Another day, again Mark is there for a morning meeting, this time, the office and house look all locked up. He goes round the back and the back door is open so Mark goes in and there in the hallway is Danny, dead! He calls the police. They arrest Stuart, his brother, as his killer. He is later released without charge.
When they are working on clearing out the pub cellar of the concrete there is a big problem, there is a body so the police have to be called. They make it a crime scene meaning all work has to cease, they will get the body out and will release the pub in due course. The corpse turned out to be a female, Caroline from the 1980's. When the pub is released to them, they can’t work on it as all the properties are in probate as Danny didn’t make a will so no work can be done either. Mark got the keys from the police, he visited the pub to check the site where the corpse was, all the concrete had been left for them to dispose of but as he was leaving, there was a man almost blocking the entryway to the cellar steps. He pushed Mark back and he knocked his head, then fell down the cellar steps, he was unconscious before he hit the bottom. When he woke up, he spotted orange light, he knew no lights had been rigged up, then there was the smell - petrol. He was struggling to breathe. He was still struggling to sleep after saving Danny from the other fire without this one. How was he going to get out of this one, they had stripped the place bare so the fire could have a field day up there and it was claiming the top of the cellar steps, his escape route was blocked. He got as far away as possible as the ceiling started falling down, almost on top of him, then he remembered the opening for barrels to be dropped down into the cellar. They opened down into the cellar but it was a route out, so he climbed over the bags of concrete, picked up a piece, then started to hit the doors till his strength faded and he lost consciousness.
Lucky for him, Fiery Jac had been standing on top of the opening and had heard him so knew he was in there to be rescued. They managed to get him out and off to hospital, where he woke up next to Uncle Bert. That was Perry’s doing, she pulled some strings.
Who would want Danny Kidd dead? Why burn The Admiral Guthrie pub down? Who is Donaldson and who does he work for? What is their interest in The Admiral Guthrie pub?
This is a really interesting read and had me hooked from the start. I have been reading it all day and it’s held my attention. I’ve quite enjoyed reading about Mark and his crew’s antics in this book. So much has been going on and it seems really involved. It’s such a good plot and really well planned out before Matt even began to even write it into a story which is well worth a read. There are some laughs in there.
One day, Mark is arriving for a meeting at the office and he is approached by a journalist which he sidesteps but she gives him her card and says to get in touch when he has read her stuff. When he’s near the garage, he sees it’s on fire, the house is all locked up so Danny must be in the gym above the garage, Mark goes up to see and struggles to get Danny out but is saved by the help of the fire brigade turning up in the nick of time. There was writing, like a warning, on the wall. Another day, again Mark is there for a morning meeting, this time, the office and house look all locked up. He goes round the back and the back door is open so Mark goes in and there in the hallway is Danny, dead! He calls the police. They arrest Stuart, his brother, as his killer. He is later released without charge.
When they are working on clearing out the pub cellar of the concrete there is a big problem, there is a body so the police have to be called. They make it a crime scene meaning all work has to cease, they will get the body out and will release the pub in due course. The corpse turned out to be a female, Caroline from the 1980's. When the pub is released to them, they can’t work on it as all the properties are in probate as Danny didn’t make a will so no work can be done either. Mark got the keys from the police, he visited the pub to check the site where the corpse was, all the concrete had been left for them to dispose of but as he was leaving, there was a man almost blocking the entryway to the cellar steps. He pushed Mark back and he knocked his head, then fell down the cellar steps, he was unconscious before he hit the bottom. When he woke up, he spotted orange light, he knew no lights had been rigged up, then there was the smell - petrol. He was struggling to breathe. He was still struggling to sleep after saving Danny from the other fire without this one. How was he going to get out of this one, they had stripped the place bare so the fire could have a field day up there and it was claiming the top of the cellar steps, his escape route was blocked. He got as far away as possible as the ceiling started falling down, almost on top of him, then he remembered the opening for barrels to be dropped down into the cellar. They opened down into the cellar but it was a route out, so he climbed over the bags of concrete, picked up a piece, then started to hit the doors till his strength faded and he lost consciousness.
Lucky for him, Fiery Jac had been standing on top of the opening and had heard him so knew he was in there to be rescued. They managed to get him out and off to hospital, where he woke up next to Uncle Bert. That was Perry’s doing, she pulled some strings.
Who would want Danny Kidd dead? Why burn The Admiral Guthrie pub down? Who is Donaldson and who does he work for? What is their interest in The Admiral Guthrie pub?
This is a really interesting read and had me hooked from the start. I have been reading it all day and it’s held my attention. I’ve quite enjoyed reading about Mark and his crew’s antics in this book. So much has been going on and it seems really involved. It’s such a good plot and really well planned out before Matt even began to even write it into a story which is well worth a read. There are some laughs in there.
February 5, 2021
The cast of characters are back together in book two of this dark comic series. With business looking better for Mark Poynter or ‘Marky Mark’ to his friends. He is working for ex Premier League football player Danny Kidd and his brother Stuart, who whilst Danny had been playing professional football, Stuart had managed the finances and had done pretty well for them. Now Danny wants to be more involved in the property business, Stuart isn’t quite as keen. But it seems what Danny wants Danny gets. When he sees the Admiral Guthrie pub for sale at auction he decides he wants it, despite finding out someone else has already purchased it, Danny uses his fame and influence to guzump the buyer. Paying over the odds, meaning there isn’t much room for making a profit.
But it seems that Danny has annoyed the wrong people this time. Mark also starts to wonder if he has made a mistake putting all his eggs in one basket. In just doing jobs for Danny. When he is approached by a developer who seems to be offering jobs to everyone local he turns the jobs down, feeling he has plenty of work for himself, Uncle Bern, Disco, and the rest of his motley crew who are such a great set of characters, I’m really enjoying getting to know the characters and their different work ethics.
But when Mark turns up at Danny’s home to find a dead body things start to get more complicated, and work is all put on hold. Mark finds himself back to doing some jobs for the dodgy Hamlet, who he swore he would never work for again, knowing things are never quite how they seem with any jobs done for Hamlet. But he has to pay the bills somehow so when asked to do up two tanning salons Mark agrees to do the work, after all what else can he do. Marks girlfriend Perry is not happy after previous run ins with Hamlet. it’s only later that Mark realises what Hamlet is really up to with his new ventures.
It seems there is also more to the Admiral Guthrie pubs history, more than any of them knew, with ties going back 30 years, along with some very dodgy dealings. Who wants things left as they are? Why? What could possibly be hidden in the old pub?
This is a brilliantly written fast paced read, with something happening all the time never leaving the reader bored. Constantly trying to guess who has ties to what, who wants who dead. With some great memorable characters that are really starting to grow. Mark is still affected deeply by not knowing where his brother Adam is, is he alive? Or is he buried in a pit somewhere? It seems whenever there is some drama to be had Mark finds himself in the thick of it. But his relationship with Perry is going well, and he realises how lucky he is to have her, and her support, could things finally be going in the right direction when it comes to love? Even Hamlet shows a slightly different side at some stage in the story.
I enjoyed book one in this series but I think book 2 is even better a definite 5⭐️ read and I look forward to where things go to next not just for Mark Poynter but the other characters as well. There’s certainly never a dull moment in Marky Marks life. If you haven’t read book one The Death of a Painter I would highly recommend you start with that. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel it’s just good to see the characters introduced from the start and see them grow, but that is just how I love to read books, in order. I would like to thank #RedDogPress for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. Loved it, can’t wait for book 3.
But it seems that Danny has annoyed the wrong people this time. Mark also starts to wonder if he has made a mistake putting all his eggs in one basket. In just doing jobs for Danny. When he is approached by a developer who seems to be offering jobs to everyone local he turns the jobs down, feeling he has plenty of work for himself, Uncle Bern, Disco, and the rest of his motley crew who are such a great set of characters, I’m really enjoying getting to know the characters and their different work ethics.
But when Mark turns up at Danny’s home to find a dead body things start to get more complicated, and work is all put on hold. Mark finds himself back to doing some jobs for the dodgy Hamlet, who he swore he would never work for again, knowing things are never quite how they seem with any jobs done for Hamlet. But he has to pay the bills somehow so when asked to do up two tanning salons Mark agrees to do the work, after all what else can he do. Marks girlfriend Perry is not happy after previous run ins with Hamlet. it’s only later that Mark realises what Hamlet is really up to with his new ventures.
It seems there is also more to the Admiral Guthrie pubs history, more than any of them knew, with ties going back 30 years, along with some very dodgy dealings. Who wants things left as they are? Why? What could possibly be hidden in the old pub?
This is a brilliantly written fast paced read, with something happening all the time never leaving the reader bored. Constantly trying to guess who has ties to what, who wants who dead. With some great memorable characters that are really starting to grow. Mark is still affected deeply by not knowing where his brother Adam is, is he alive? Or is he buried in a pit somewhere? It seems whenever there is some drama to be had Mark finds himself in the thick of it. But his relationship with Perry is going well, and he realises how lucky he is to have her, and her support, could things finally be going in the right direction when it comes to love? Even Hamlet shows a slightly different side at some stage in the story.
I enjoyed book one in this series but I think book 2 is even better a definite 5⭐️ read and I look forward to where things go to next not just for Mark Poynter but the other characters as well. There’s certainly never a dull moment in Marky Marks life. If you haven’t read book one The Death of a Painter I would highly recommend you start with that. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel it’s just good to see the characters introduced from the start and see them grow, but that is just how I love to read books, in order. I would like to thank #RedDogPress for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. Loved it, can’t wait for book 3.
February 5, 2021
The cast of characters are back together in book two of this dark comic series. With business looking better for Mark Poynter or ‘Marky Mark’ to his friends. He is working for ex Premier League football player Danny Kidd and his brother Stuart, who whilst Danny had been playing professional football, Stuart had managed the finances and had done pretty well for them. Now Danny wants to be more involved in the property business, Stuart isn’t quite as keen. But it seems what Danny wants Danny gets. When he sees the Admiral Guthrie pub for sale at auction he decides he wants it, despite finding out someone else has already purchased it, Danny uses his fame and influence to guzump the buyer. Paying over the odds, meaning there isn’t much room for making a profit.
But it seems that Danny has annoyed the wrong people this time. Mark also starts to wonder if he has made a mistake putting all his eggs in one basket. In just doing jobs for Danny. When he is approached by a developer who seems to be offering jobs to everyone local he turns the jobs down, feeling he has plenty of work for himself, Uncle Bern, Disco, and the rest of his motley crew who are such a great set of characters, I’m really enjoying getting to know the characters and their different work ethics.
But when Mark turns up at Danny’s home to find a dead body things start to get more complicated, and work is all put on hold. Mark finds himself back to doing some jobs for the dodgy Hamlet, who he swore he would never work for again, knowing things are never quite how they seem with any jobs done for Hamlet. But he has to pay the bills somehow so when asked to do up two tanning salons Mark agrees to do the work, after all what else can he do. Marks girlfriend Perry is not happy after previous run ins with Hamlet. it’s only later that Mark realises what Hamlet is really up to with his new ventures.
It seems there is also more to the Admiral Guthrie pubs history, more than any of them knew, with ties going back 30 years, along with some very dodgy dealings. Who wants things left as they are? Why? What could possibly be hidden in the old pub?
This is a brilliantly written fast paced read, with something happening all the time never leaving the reader bored. Constantly trying to guess who has ties to what, who wants who dead. With some great memorable characters that are really starting to grow. Mark is still affected deeply by not knowing where his brother Adam is, is he alive? Or is he buried in a pit somewhere? It seems whenever there is some drama to be had Mark finds himself in the thick of it. But his relationship with Perry is going well, and he realises how lucky he is to have her, and her support, could things finally be going in the right direction when it comes to love? Even Hamlet shows a slightly different side at some stage in the story.
I enjoyed book one in this series but I think book 2 is even better a definite 5⭐️ read and I look forward to where things go to next not just for Mark Poynter but the other characters as well. There’s certainly never a dull moment in Marky Marks life. If you haven’t read book one The Death of a Painter I would highly recommend you start with that. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel it’s just good to see the characters introduced from the start and see them grow, but that is just how I love to read books, in order. I would like to thank #RedDogPress for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. Loved it, can’t wait for book 3.
But it seems that Danny has annoyed the wrong people this time. Mark also starts to wonder if he has made a mistake putting all his eggs in one basket. In just doing jobs for Danny. When he is approached by a developer who seems to be offering jobs to everyone local he turns the jobs down, feeling he has plenty of work for himself, Uncle Bern, Disco, and the rest of his motley crew who are such a great set of characters, I’m really enjoying getting to know the characters and their different work ethics.
But when Mark turns up at Danny’s home to find a dead body things start to get more complicated, and work is all put on hold. Mark finds himself back to doing some jobs for the dodgy Hamlet, who he swore he would never work for again, knowing things are never quite how they seem with any jobs done for Hamlet. But he has to pay the bills somehow so when asked to do up two tanning salons Mark agrees to do the work, after all what else can he do. Marks girlfriend Perry is not happy after previous run ins with Hamlet. it’s only later that Mark realises what Hamlet is really up to with his new ventures.
It seems there is also more to the Admiral Guthrie pubs history, more than any of them knew, with ties going back 30 years, along with some very dodgy dealings. Who wants things left as they are? Why? What could possibly be hidden in the old pub?
This is a brilliantly written fast paced read, with something happening all the time never leaving the reader bored. Constantly trying to guess who has ties to what, who wants who dead. With some great memorable characters that are really starting to grow. Mark is still affected deeply by not knowing where his brother Adam is, is he alive? Or is he buried in a pit somewhere? It seems whenever there is some drama to be had Mark finds himself in the thick of it. But his relationship with Perry is going well, and he realises how lucky he is to have her, and her support, could things finally be going in the right direction when it comes to love? Even Hamlet shows a slightly different side at some stage in the story.
I enjoyed book one in this series but I think book 2 is even better a definite 5⭐️ read and I look forward to where things go to next not just for Mark Poynter but the other characters as well. There’s certainly never a dull moment in Marky Marks life. If you haven’t read book one The Death of a Painter I would highly recommend you start with that. However, this book can be read as a stand-alone novel it’s just good to see the characters introduced from the start and see them grow, but that is just how I love to read books, in order. I would like to thank #RedDogPress for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest, fair and unbiased review. Loved it, can’t wait for book 3.
February 6, 2021
I cannot tell you how much I was looking forward to meeting up again with Marky-Mark Poynter and the gang after Matthew Ross' excellent debut novel, Death of a Painter, and from start to finish The Red Admiral's Secret was just like catching up with friends and family - well friends and family embroiled in the fall out from murder and mayhem anyway!
Electrician, Mark Poynter, has pulled himself out of the mire he was involved in during the events of The Death of a Painter, and is now doing alright for himself both professionally and personally. Working for the ex-footballer Danny Kid and his brother, Stuart, in their property management business has proven to be profitable, but Mark cannot help but worry what the future holds, and whether it is sensible to put all his eggs in one basket. His nurse partner, Perry, has now more-or-less moved in giving him a loving, stable base to anchor himself to - if only he would allow himself acknowledge it. Uncle Bern and Disco are still putting in a, mostly, welcome appearance, and as for the loveable villain Hamlet, well he is never far away and still dragging Mark into some dodgy scheme whether he wants in or not.
When the Kidd brothers start to show an interest in developing the derelict Admiral Guthrie pub, some pretty nasty fellows come out of the woodwork and trouble ensues for them all - the kind of trouble that involves murder, the sins of the past, and possible gang warfare. Yep. poor old Mark is up to his neck in it again, as as is par for the course, it is up to him to try to sort in out.
There are some fabulous threads to this tale, which bring in a mix of the modern gang culture and that of the traditional crime bosses of the past; the repercussions of sibling rivalry ramped up to eleven; and commitment to friends, family and partners; which when added together make for a much more complex story than in the first book. I was really impressed with the slick way Mark Ross works all the threads out to their exciting conclusions, with some nice little twists and turns along the way. There's bags of mystery with menace that had me gobbling up the pages, and a good solid portion of emotion fit to warm the cockles of your heart that made me shed a tear or two at the end.
This really is a book where I recommend you take the time to read the first one in the series, because is makes such a difference to know the likely lads and lasses you are going to meet in this adventure, and the history that lies between them. It will also give you a chance to get into the vibe of Mathew Ross' style of humour, and the reams of top quality pithy banter that help make these books so enjoyable.
It's easy to see that Matthew Ross is really getting into his stride as a writer now, fleshing out his characters nicely and inventing even more involved plots that are both entertaining and absorbing, and I absolutely loved every cracking page. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Marky-Mark and his squad.
Electrician, Mark Poynter, has pulled himself out of the mire he was involved in during the events of The Death of a Painter, and is now doing alright for himself both professionally and personally. Working for the ex-footballer Danny Kid and his brother, Stuart, in their property management business has proven to be profitable, but Mark cannot help but worry what the future holds, and whether it is sensible to put all his eggs in one basket. His nurse partner, Perry, has now more-or-less moved in giving him a loving, stable base to anchor himself to - if only he would allow himself acknowledge it. Uncle Bern and Disco are still putting in a, mostly, welcome appearance, and as for the loveable villain Hamlet, well he is never far away and still dragging Mark into some dodgy scheme whether he wants in or not.
When the Kidd brothers start to show an interest in developing the derelict Admiral Guthrie pub, some pretty nasty fellows come out of the woodwork and trouble ensues for them all - the kind of trouble that involves murder, the sins of the past, and possible gang warfare. Yep. poor old Mark is up to his neck in it again, as as is par for the course, it is up to him to try to sort in out.
There are some fabulous threads to this tale, which bring in a mix of the modern gang culture and that of the traditional crime bosses of the past; the repercussions of sibling rivalry ramped up to eleven; and commitment to friends, family and partners; which when added together make for a much more complex story than in the first book. I was really impressed with the slick way Mark Ross works all the threads out to their exciting conclusions, with some nice little twists and turns along the way. There's bags of mystery with menace that had me gobbling up the pages, and a good solid portion of emotion fit to warm the cockles of your heart that made me shed a tear or two at the end.
This really is a book where I recommend you take the time to read the first one in the series, because is makes such a difference to know the likely lads and lasses you are going to meet in this adventure, and the history that lies between them. It will also give you a chance to get into the vibe of Mathew Ross' style of humour, and the reams of top quality pithy banter that help make these books so enjoyable.
It's easy to see that Matthew Ross is really getting into his stride as a writer now, fleshing out his characters nicely and inventing even more involved plots that are both entertaining and absorbing, and I absolutely loved every cracking page. I cannot wait to see what comes next for Marky-Mark and his squad.
February 4, 2021
The Red Admiral’s Secret
Matthew Ross
Red Dog Press
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Out Now and available from Red Dog Press and Amazon
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Matthew Ross returns with a 2nd outing for builder and chief protagonist Mark Poynter.
Following the events of the first book, Poynter is now working for retired football star now property developer Danny Kidd. A good income coming in and free of the ties that held him back Poynter is in a good place.
Until Danny decides to buy a dilapidated old pub from under the noses of a very interested buyer.
Can of worms firmly opened, Poynter soon finds himself up to his neck in strife, with local gangsters, fixers and the police on his case.
His name and reputation becoming mud, Poynter faces a battle to save his business, his relationship and much more.
Matthew Ross spins a genuinely clever, extremely funny and devilishly well plotted crime thriller that had me absorbed and entranced, smiling and turning pages..
I loved the debut, Death of a Painter, but for me Matthew Ross feels like he is really finding his feet in the darkly amusing tale.
Being a kid from a building family, i love how Matthew Ross portrays and writes his characters, both the good and the deviants..
An absorbing, entertaining, laugh inducing, cracker of a crime caper that ticks every box.
An author growing with each book from one of the finest small publishers in the land, this gem of a read will without doubt, be one of my favourite reads of 2021. I loved it.
All the Fire
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks to Matthew Ross and Red Dog for my Review copy for my unbiased review.
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August 8, 2023
'The Red Admiral's' Secret is the fantastic second book in Mathew Ross's 'the Poynter + Perry mysteries'. We join many of our favourite characters from the first novel, as Mark Poynter, sparky, builder and accidental sleuth becomes wrapped up in multiple murders all centering around The Admiral Guthrie pub.
Working for local footballing legend and celebrity Danny Kid and his brother's building firm, things go rapidly odd for Mark as he receives weird threats over what should be a simple building project. Soon after rescuing Danny from a suspected arson attack at his house, he finds his lifeless and very bloody body.
To make matters more complicated the bones of a young girl long since dead are found in the basement of the pub he is working on. An investigative journalist and the Police all seem to be interested, but nobody can piece together the pieces.
A range of local criminals all seem to be involved, if only Mark can get a minutes peace and quiet to work it all out; fat chance with builders needing paying, his phone constantly annoying him and constant threats from the mysterious Donaldson.
Are the murders connected?
Who is the mystery girl in the basement?
Mark somehow navigates his way through this intricate and delicately woven murder mystery, with time for a few pints along the way.
A marvellously well-written book, that will keep you gripped with twists and turns until the last page. A glimpse into the murky world of property developers, gangsters and celebrity footballers.
Working for local footballing legend and celebrity Danny Kid and his brother's building firm, things go rapidly odd for Mark as he receives weird threats over what should be a simple building project. Soon after rescuing Danny from a suspected arson attack at his house, he finds his lifeless and very bloody body.
To make matters more complicated the bones of a young girl long since dead are found in the basement of the pub he is working on. An investigative journalist and the Police all seem to be interested, but nobody can piece together the pieces.
A range of local criminals all seem to be involved, if only Mark can get a minutes peace and quiet to work it all out; fat chance with builders needing paying, his phone constantly annoying him and constant threats from the mysterious Donaldson.
Are the murders connected?
Who is the mystery girl in the basement?
Mark somehow navigates his way through this intricate and delicately woven murder mystery, with time for a few pints along the way.
A marvellously well-written book, that will keep you gripped with twists and turns until the last page. A glimpse into the murky world of property developers, gangsters and celebrity footballers.
August 13, 2023
Poor Mark, just as everything seems to be going well, trouble seems to find him again. This time it’s in the form of the Kidd brothers, former top footballer Danny and his entrepreneurial brother Stuart. Having worked on their portfolio of properties, Mark’s team have refurbished a magnificent mansion for them and now Danny has bought the disused Admiral Guthrie pub, nicknamed the Red Admiral due to rumours of it having been a brothel, amongst other things, at one time. Only someone seems to want the pub at any cost. A series of threats and bad publicity ensues, culminating in Danny’s murder and the unearthing of a thirty-year-old body. As if this isn’t bad enough, Mark once again finds himself drawn into the dubious world of local gangster and nightclub owner (but rather likeable) Hamlet who has found a great way to launder cash. Then things turn darker as Mark find himself a target. Trying to keep his relationship with nurse Perry on track, dodge the bullets and stay out of whoever has started a war with Hamlet (so not a good idea), will Mark discover the true secrets behind the Red Admiral?
With returning unforgettable characters such as Uncle Bern, Disco, Harpo, Dunlop, DC Nick Witham, joined this time by Fiery Jac, the Tombliboos and Alfie Rubbers to name but a few, this is a second highly enjoyable comic crime romp, full of humour, hardmen and a motley bunch of tradesmen just trying to make a living.
With returning unforgettable characters such as Uncle Bern, Disco, Harpo, Dunlop, DC Nick Witham, joined this time by Fiery Jac, the Tombliboos and Alfie Rubbers to name but a few, this is a second highly enjoyable comic crime romp, full of humour, hardmen and a motley bunch of tradesmen just trying to make a living.
February 8, 2021
This is the second adventure for Mark Poynter, builder come detective. It’s a rich and darkly comic detective tale that will keep you entertained and guessing from the start to the end. It’s a slow burner, and rightly so as the richness is brought through in the pictures painted by Matt Ross. I think were if it fast paced, that the details that are needed would be lost in translation. I’ve read the first book in the series, but it reads equally well as a stand-alone, although why not have the other book if you can? How much did I enjoy this? It’s a full five stars. If you’re not familiar with Red Dog Press and you enjoy crime, every book they produce is sublime because they don’t follow any standard pattern except, they are different in voice. This is no exception. Thanks for the advanced reading copy of this book to Red Dog Press and Matt Ross.
August 2, 2023
This is the second book in the Mark and Perry series. I love the characters in these series, the goodies feel like friends and the baddies are throughly obnoxious, although I am warming to Hamlet.
Mark is an electrician and he project manages jobs, he currently has a project with Danny Kidd a famous footballer and his brother Stuart. He has to turn and old pub The Admiral Guthrie into apartments. He has to lower the floor in the cellar for one of the apartments and a body is found. This sets the ball rolling for further mayhem and Mark gets caught between the police and local gangsters.
The books is easy reading and each chapter leaves on a cliff hanger. Very clever Matthew, I'm not a fast reader but this tactic meant I only took a few days to read this book. Looking forward to number 3.
Mark is an electrician and he project manages jobs, he currently has a project with Danny Kidd a famous footballer and his brother Stuart. He has to turn and old pub The Admiral Guthrie into apartments. He has to lower the floor in the cellar for one of the apartments and a body is found. This sets the ball rolling for further mayhem and Mark gets caught between the police and local gangsters.
The books is easy reading and each chapter leaves on a cliff hanger. Very clever Matthew, I'm not a fast reader but this tactic meant I only took a few days to read this book. Looking forward to number 3.
August 4, 2023
Book 2 in this not-quite-a-cosy crime series about an electrician, his dodgy mates in the town where he lives, and the murders he keeps coming across. With a little help now and then from his better half.
This time, the crimes all centre around a pub due for redevelopment - the titular Red Admiral. But why? What secrets does it hold?
The Red Admiral took a little longer to get to the point than the previous title, but I like the world the author has created so I didn't mind. He has brought a whole host of complicated characters to life, mostly erring towards acting in shades of grey than either black or white. They're funny and interesting, and they're why you keep reading, above and beyond the actual plot.
Nevertheless, I found the story satisfying - I'll come back to this series again.
By the way, I would recommend reading it in order if at all possible!
This time, the crimes all centre around a pub due for redevelopment - the titular Red Admiral. But why? What secrets does it hold?
The Red Admiral took a little longer to get to the point than the previous title, but I like the world the author has created so I didn't mind. He has brought a whole host of complicated characters to life, mostly erring towards acting in shades of grey than either black or white. They're funny and interesting, and they're why you keep reading, above and beyond the actual plot.
Nevertheless, I found the story satisfying - I'll come back to this series again.
By the way, I would recommend reading it in order if at all possible!
July 18, 2021
This is the second book In the Mark Poynter series and what an amazing book it is.
This book is full of Witt, comedy, twists and turns that will keep you spinning and unable to keep up. Mark Poynter is an incredible little detective for a man who is trying his hardest to get through his life and earn his self enough dollar to get by.
This is the book that made me fall in love with the main character Mark Poynter – he is such an incredibly nice, down to earth, want to do the right thing type of guy. Even being the only person to turn up to a funeral of a person he didn’t know – so she wasn’t alone.
This book also found me a new favourite word – ‘Everything is SNAFU’ what an amazing word to sum up when basically you feel pretty crappy.
This book is full of Witt, comedy, twists and turns that will keep you spinning and unable to keep up. Mark Poynter is an incredible little detective for a man who is trying his hardest to get through his life and earn his self enough dollar to get by.
This is the book that made me fall in love with the main character Mark Poynter – he is such an incredibly nice, down to earth, want to do the right thing type of guy. Even being the only person to turn up to a funeral of a person he didn’t know – so she wasn’t alone.
This book also found me a new favourite word – ‘Everything is SNAFU’ what an amazing word to sum up when basically you feel pretty crappy.
August 1, 2023
Another outing for Marky Mark and Perry, life has been on the up but of course it doesn't last. Darkly funny, one disaster after another , who knew buying an old pub could set off such a unbelievable chain of events. From wrong doings in the past to present day wheeling and dealing, once again Mark is forced to dog paddle fast to keep his head (and his business) above water. Another very entertaining read.
October 19, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! Being a Medway girl myself I really enjoyed the local references plus the relevancy of the pandemic thrown in too. I’ve also read Death of a Painter so this book helped delve into the characters a little more which added to the undercurrent of the various relationship storylines.
August 5, 2023
I was so pleased to hear there was a second novel involving the fabulous characters of Marky Mark and his motley crew.
I was thrilled to hear that things had progressed with Perry too.
This is another great story which is super easy to read but leaves you guessing as to how it all links together.
Matthew Ross has created a character who you immediately like and even though some of the decisions he makes at times make you want to shake him, you still Cant wait to see and hope that it turns out ok.
The plot of this novel involving a premier league footballer was original and had me invested from the beginning.
The perfect summer read.
I was thrilled to hear that things had progressed with Perry too.
This is another great story which is super easy to read but leaves you guessing as to how it all links together.
Matthew Ross has created a character who you immediately like and even though some of the decisions he makes at times make you want to shake him, you still Cant wait to see and hope that it turns out ok.
The plot of this novel involving a premier league footballer was original and had me invested from the beginning.
The perfect summer read.
August 24, 2023
Mark Poynter just can't get a break.. Every time things seem to be going well.... something goes wrong. Like a murder and other crimes. Hamlet is still a suspicious character, Uncle Bern is doing less than nothing and Perry seems to really be there for the long term. Mark is due for some good luck, but will he ever get some?
October 25, 2023
This is the second book in the series I’ve read, and the first I felt was good, and that the author was perhaps still finding his way. This book confirmed my feelings on this. The characters are well established with their good qualities and their flaws, believable within a farcical series of events happening to our antihero. I’d definitely recommend.
February 12, 2021
A great follow up to Death of a Painter, all the favourite characters are back, Disco, Hamlet and Uncle Bern, as Mark finds himself smack bang in the middle of the murder of a former premier league footballer.
May 21, 2021
A great action packed sequel. Loads of twists and turns and a brilliant ending - well done Matthew Ross. I really enjoyed this book - comedy, darkness, poignancy, shocks xxx all rolled up in to this little gem.
July 17, 2023
The second book in the series which, like the first, didn’t disappoint.
Light humour throughout made this an easy read for me.
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for Mark.
Light humour throughout made this an easy read for me.
I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next for Mark.
August 2, 2023
The second in the series by Matthew Ross. Recommend you read the first instalment so as you get to know the characters.
It was lovely to catch up with them again. Need to have more. A great book.
It was lovely to catch up with them again. Need to have more. A great book.
February 23, 2021
I really enjoyed Death Of A Painter, so was looking forward to this book!
We are back with 'Marky' Mark Poynter and things seem to have settled down slightly after the events of the last book. He has got himself what looks like the perfect job, a cushy little number overseeing the maintenance for Kidd Properties, the up and coming property portfolio of one Danny Kidd, recently retired footballing bad-boy. It's only when Danny decides he wants a specific property, and Danny doesn't like it when he doesn't get what he wants when things start to go wrong.
Away from work, Mark is still together with Perry, although after spending their first year on opposite sides of a global pandemic -Perry on the front line as a nurse and Mark stuck at home with no work - they seem to be hitting the point where they need to decide where they are heading. It would test the strongest of relationships, so will their fledgeling partnership be able to weather this very tough storm and come out the other side stronger?
Aside from being an excellently plotted crime story set in the seemingly everyday world of the building trade, the characters in this book are what makes it for me. From the loveable idiot Mark who I swing from wanted to hug, to giving him a good shake, the brilliant Uncle Bern, scary Hamlet and my favourite, the downright hilarious Disco! All believable and you will be able to relate to or recognise at least one of them.
Can't wait to see what comes next for Mark and the gang!
We are back with 'Marky' Mark Poynter and things seem to have settled down slightly after the events of the last book. He has got himself what looks like the perfect job, a cushy little number overseeing the maintenance for Kidd Properties, the up and coming property portfolio of one Danny Kidd, recently retired footballing bad-boy. It's only when Danny decides he wants a specific property, and Danny doesn't like it when he doesn't get what he wants when things start to go wrong.
Away from work, Mark is still together with Perry, although after spending their first year on opposite sides of a global pandemic -Perry on the front line as a nurse and Mark stuck at home with no work - they seem to be hitting the point where they need to decide where they are heading. It would test the strongest of relationships, so will their fledgeling partnership be able to weather this very tough storm and come out the other side stronger?
Aside from being an excellently plotted crime story set in the seemingly everyday world of the building trade, the characters in this book are what makes it for me. From the loveable idiot Mark who I swing from wanted to hug, to giving him a good shake, the brilliant Uncle Bern, scary Hamlet and my favourite, the downright hilarious Disco! All believable and you will be able to relate to or recognise at least one of them.
Can't wait to see what comes next for Mark and the gang!
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