The Price of Murder

Detective Jim Ashworth #2

by Brian Battison

A sinister, distorted voice announces the kidnapping of factory owner Simon Edwards.

Simon’s wife Barbara answers the terrifying call and is told to stay by the phone and wait for further instructions.

Who has taken her husband and why?

Chief Inspector Jim Ashworth and his team investigate.

Then the second call comes in.

Barbara must go to a disused barn in the middle of nowhere . . .

Genres: Crime, Mystery, British Literature

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2001

Reviews

[Steve Payne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this second Ashworth novel more than the first. It's a good read, which in typical Battison fashion races along. He doesn't mess about with over description and unnecessary side issues. Just a good read that focusses on the ensuing story.

[May 2021. My reviews were briefer when I originally reviewed this! I’m a big fan of the late Brian Battison and it’s good to see his books being re-printed. Good characters, no extraneous information, fast pace. This one has been given a different title – The Price Of Murder]

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Factory owner Simon Edwards has gone missing having failed to turn up for a business meeting. Can DCI Jim Ashworth find him. But this is not the only case that the team must solve while coping with their private lives.
An entertaining modern mystery
Originally published in 1994

[Joyce tuffs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read.

This is the second book in the Detective Jim Ashworth series. A good detective story and we'll written hope the next is as good.

[Scott Kalas · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good but a disappointment from the first one

The plot was good, but it was not a big challenge to figure out who the kidnapper/killer was.

However, the big disappointment is Ashworth. My favorite trait in the main protagonist is a a guy who's been married and been faithful to his wife, even when temptation comes.

Another disappointment was the sex. Call me a prude, it sells, but I don’t need it to enjoy a book. It will cause me to move on.

Then the whole of cast of characters. There isn’t one I can really like. More backstabbing, disloyality, then I need.

[Sandra Hooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

Another disappointing book. Ashworth behaves like a spoilt child and flips his moral stance to have a quickie in a lay by!

He drives away what appears to be a reasonably competent good team with his dogmatic approach and I have had it with sloppy characterisation.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

The Price of Murder is the second book in the Detective Jim Ashworth series by Brian Battison. It is the second instalment in this British Detective series that follows the investigations of Chief Inspector Jim Ashworth.
In this instalment we follow the investigation into the kidnapping of a factory owner...
It is a crime and investigation series with mystery, suspense, interesting cases/scenarios, tension, intrigue, and a bit of a whodunnit feel.
Inspector Ainsworth is a bit of an ‘old-school’ detective, dedicated to his job, which involves many and varied investigations- from serial killers to pedophile rings, as well as dealing with gangsters, drug dealers, and even an extortionist. He is thrust into situations where he is in a race against time to uncover the truth, while personal dramas play out in the midst of it all.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Brian Battison!

[Victoria Slotto · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read the 3 books that I am aware of in the Jim Ashworth series because the plots drew me in and I had to know "who done it." That being said, for the most part, I did not find the characters likeable, except for Sarah, who is only a minor player. I was tired of all the sexual immorality and especially the aggressive personalities. Altogether these books did not make for a relaxing read for me. Just the opinion of an old-fashioned gal. Maybe I should stick with the "cozy mysteries."

[Kimberley O’Malley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Found book one far more challenging, figured out right away who did it in this book. Wasn’t to found of combining two stories into one book, was a bit confusing and jumped to much. Really didn’t enjoy how it opened with a entire new set of characters with little mention to the previous ones. Was really enjoying the character of Mike then he was gone by the end.

I’ve started to read book 3, but if it goes the way books 1 & 2 went, will be the end of this series for me.

[Tam · Rating 2 out of 5]

- fast read, few descriptions and concise writing style
- the main character literally sucks ass and so do most of the characters actually, the only time I was truly rooting for them was when the gay detective shows him up at the end
- not sure if progressive for it's time novel or just perpetuates sexism
- everyone and their mother are sex obsessed for some reason
- the problematic angry one grows on you

[SUE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am still undecided as to wether I am enjoying this series , but the way #2 ended has made me want to read #3 so will make my decision as I get into this episode . My opinion is my opinion , I am still unsure about some of the story line in #2 it was a little intense and I'm not used to such content , but all in all I am I think warming to Ashworth !.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Price of Murder

Jim Ashworth returns to the force and he and his new team look into the disappearance of a local business man.
This is a cracking read. Well written with great characters the story grabbed me and wouldn't let me go to the end.
Highly recommended.

[Annelle Wells · Rating 2 out of 5]

Confused about Jim

I Hiawatha rating because l really enjoyed the first book. Jim showed high morals in first book and acted without morals in this book. You also portrayed him as an idiot in this book I was very disappointed with his character.

[Mr Kenneth L Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story

A great follow up story to the first book in the series with some new interesting characters. Jim Ashworth is an old style dedicated cop who gets there in the end. Looking forward to reading more in the series.

[ann pac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good

I thought I knew who did it, then I was taken on a different track, only to find out I was right all along. Of course Jim Ashworth was superb again, but this book had very good secondary characters as well. On to the next book in the series.

[Linda L · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story but I guessed the perpetrator fairly early on in the book. That said the style of writing and Detective Chief Inspector Ashman’s detecting skills always make me smile. Nicely written no no essence book.

[D.R.Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Price of Murder

I like these Brit's. With their intriguing complex characters. Worthy read when you have several suspects and you can't figure out. . . who done it.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really involved story with twists and turns all through, it's a really good read.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second in the series and I also really enjoyed it. Getting to know his new team and Jim Ashworth too. Really good plot and storyline. Onto the next one!

[renuka]

Enjoyed the twists in characters. Can relate to the behaviours of the main characters. A bit of Agatha in the plot.

[S D Lawrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story, but it's dated to the 1990s and there is a lot of misogyny in the writing. However, it's a product of its time. Worth a read though.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Yes I enjoyed this The old man will never have a Team . Because He thinks most of the time He doesn't need one ..But what a Wonderful ending

[tinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am really warming to Jim, he’s as human as they come. Three stars because it was obvious to me from the start who did it.

[Mrs Gillian Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Average Detective novel

Interesting case but the main character was not especially likeable. Will Probably not read the next one in the series.

[Lars · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy listen, like narrator’s style. Slightly more gruesome than first book with some animal cruelty and would have given another star but for this. Will listen again when available. (Note to remind me what read and whether liked.)