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Bridget Hart #6
Preface to Murder
A dangerous book. A hidden secret. A deadly betrayal.
The Oxford Literary Festival is in full swing, but Detective Inspector Bridget Hart isn’t there to learn about books. Instead she’s been given the task of protecting Diane Gilbert, a controversial author who has received a death threat. Diane doesn’t seem to think she needs Bridget’s protection, but when the worst happens, Bridget’s role switches to running a murder enquiry.
The only clues Bridget has to go on relate to Diane’s new book which examines the murky world of international arms deals. Under pressure to identify the killer, Bridget finds herself drawn into the clandestine world of foreign governments and the British Security Service. She’ll need all her wiles and the full cooperation of her team to follow the twisting trail of evidence to its logical conclusion.
The Oxford Literary Festival is in full swing, but Detective Inspector Bridget Hart isn’t there to learn about books. Instead she’s been given the task of protecting Diane Gilbert, a controversial author who has received a death threat. Diane doesn’t seem to think she needs Bridget’s protection, but when the worst happens, Bridget’s role switches to running a murder enquiry.
The only clues Bridget has to go on relate to Diane’s new book which examines the murky world of international arms deals. Under pressure to identify the killer, Bridget finds herself drawn into the clandestine world of foreign governments and the British Security Service. She’ll need all her wiles and the full cooperation of her team to follow the twisting trail of evidence to its logical conclusion.
294 pages, Paperback
First published May 14, 2021
1068 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Morris
22 books227 followersM S Morris is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Margarita and Steve Morris. Together they write psychological thrillers and crime novels. The couple are married and live in Oxfordshire. They have two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 9, 2024
Book six in this ongoing series set in Oxford. I have come to enjoy the escapades of Bridget and her team.
July 28, 2021
A writer who is under the protection of Bridget's team is murdered in her home despite a team on guard at her door and the team has to figure out how and who before Bridget's boss calls in a replacement.
I enjoyed this, with a couple of reservations about motivation and forensic methods. 1 password cracking is not that easy, nor is steganography. 2 who gave Diane's book to her sister? 3 why did Diane write a book that had such an unflattering picture of her own actions?
A writer who is under the protection of Bridget's
I enjoyed this, with a couple of reservations about motivation and forensic methods. 1 password cracking is not that easy, nor is steganography. 2 who gave Diane's book to her sister? 3 why did Diane write a book that had such an unflattering picture of her own actions?
A writer who is under the protection of Bridget's
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 3, 2024
good for listening while gardening or housework. Dont worry if you miss a bit.
December 29, 2022
M.S. Morris -- Bridget Hart series
Preface to Murder #6
This is a first for me. I’m reviewing the entire Bridget Hart series of books, at least the first seven which I’ve ‘read’ one after another for the past few weeks.
They’re all pretty good. I’ve given them all a 3 star rating but I’d put them on the high side of 3 stars, certainly good enough to enjoy binge-listening to them. I couldn’t go to 4 stars because that would elevate them to the level of admiration I’ve reserved for the works of Peter Grainger, Donna Leon and a few others; they’re not that good, however, I do recommend the series. The books are not all equally good but they are close enough not to matter; they share the same virtues and weaknesses so this review is for all seven books. If you want plot summaries you can find them on Goodreads or elsewhere. The books are “cozies” but not of the ‘tea and scones’ type. There is more to them than that but they’re not gritty, gruesome or challenging. Here is my take on the first seven books.
Pros:
• The books offer the gentle feel of a cozy without being fanciful or silly. There may be no real tension or thrills but the writing is solid, easy to read and satisfying.
• Each book delivers something new to the reader. It’s often a detailed examination of some arcane practice or study: steganography in ‘Preface to Murder’, the details of ‘change ringing’ in ‘Toll for the Dead’ and so on. I found these elements to be very interesting and worth the read all on their own.
• Relationships are well handled, including both professional and romantic. Listening to the last in the series I felt as if I were saying good-bye to a community I’d come to know and will miss.
• The narrative is clear and easy to read; the performance of the audiobooks is very well done.
• The descriptions of Oxford and the colleges, architecture and history of the area are great and also worth the reading on their own. It’s like being there and, if you like, you can see most of the locations on Google Streetview so as to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the location if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting them in person.
Cons:
This is the other side of the coin to the “Pros” above.
• This doesn’t bother me but it might alienate some. The books don’t offer a lot in the thrills and intensity department so they may be a bit bland for some readers.
• The main character, her Welsh officer and superior are frequently irritating. They also receive a lot of repetitive character enhancements. This may have been done to allow a reader to enter the series with any of the books. On a ‘binge-listen’ this becomes disturbingly apparent.
• The unpicking of the mystery relies on the awful trope of brilliant police interview techniques. In fact, the key to solving a case usually comes down to a fortuitous accident: a dropped piece of paper, a ‘suspicious’ glance, an overheard snatch of conversation. The interviews, the squeeze techniques and implied threats used by the detectives are enough to make anyone resent the police. Bridget Hart blunders around like a headless chicken accusing everyone of murder and then arresting then releasing characters who never should have been suspects in the first place. She is definitely a weak link.
• The series also involves what is perhaps my #1 pet peeve of police procedurals, that of constant references to how detectives are so overworked that they have no time for relationships, a home life or other interests. I really hate this one.
• The plots of all the books are formulaic. Once you’ve cracked the formula it’s clear that the guilty party will be introduced early. He or she will seem nice and harmless only to be left on the periphery of the narrative. Eventually he/she will be shown to have harboured a grievance for years only to crack one day for no credible reason. The motives behind the crimes never seem adequate.
• One expects red-herrings and misdirection in any mystery/police procedural but, in this series, they are clumsy and obvious. This may not be significant in the reading of any individual book but they are obvious when binge-listening.
I know I’ve given more “cons” than “pros” but the series is seriously good fun. Anyone wanting to enjoy a mostly nice bunch of engaging characters solving complex criminal challenges should take the time to explore these books. I don’t regret a minute spent with Bridget Hart & co.
Preface to Murder #6
This is a first for me. I’m reviewing the entire Bridget Hart series of books, at least the first seven which I’ve ‘read’ one after another for the past few weeks.
They’re all pretty good. I’ve given them all a 3 star rating but I’d put them on the high side of 3 stars, certainly good enough to enjoy binge-listening to them. I couldn’t go to 4 stars because that would elevate them to the level of admiration I’ve reserved for the works of Peter Grainger, Donna Leon and a few others; they’re not that good, however, I do recommend the series. The books are not all equally good but they are close enough not to matter; they share the same virtues and weaknesses so this review is for all seven books. If you want plot summaries you can find them on Goodreads or elsewhere. The books are “cozies” but not of the ‘tea and scones’ type. There is more to them than that but they’re not gritty, gruesome or challenging. Here is my take on the first seven books.
Pros:
• The books offer the gentle feel of a cozy without being fanciful or silly. There may be no real tension or thrills but the writing is solid, easy to read and satisfying.
• Each book delivers something new to the reader. It’s often a detailed examination of some arcane practice or study: steganography in ‘Preface to Murder’, the details of ‘change ringing’ in ‘Toll for the Dead’ and so on. I found these elements to be very interesting and worth the read all on their own.
• Relationships are well handled, including both professional and romantic. Listening to the last in the series I felt as if I were saying good-bye to a community I’d come to know and will miss.
• The narrative is clear and easy to read; the performance of the audiobooks is very well done.
• The descriptions of Oxford and the colleges, architecture and history of the area are great and also worth the reading on their own. It’s like being there and, if you like, you can see most of the locations on Google Streetview so as to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the location if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting them in person.
Cons:
This is the other side of the coin to the “Pros” above.
• This doesn’t bother me but it might alienate some. The books don’t offer a lot in the thrills and intensity department so they may be a bit bland for some readers.
• The main character, her Welsh officer and superior are frequently irritating. They also receive a lot of repetitive character enhancements. This may have been done to allow a reader to enter the series with any of the books. On a ‘binge-listen’ this becomes disturbingly apparent.
• The unpicking of the mystery relies on the awful trope of brilliant police interview techniques. In fact, the key to solving a case usually comes down to a fortuitous accident: a dropped piece of paper, a ‘suspicious’ glance, an overheard snatch of conversation. The interviews, the squeeze techniques and implied threats used by the detectives are enough to make anyone resent the police. Bridget Hart blunders around like a headless chicken accusing everyone of murder and then arresting then releasing characters who never should have been suspects in the first place. She is definitely a weak link.
• The series also involves what is perhaps my #1 pet peeve of police procedurals, that of constant references to how detectives are so overworked that they have no time for relationships, a home life or other interests. I really hate this one.
• The plots of all the books are formulaic. Once you’ve cracked the formula it’s clear that the guilty party will be introduced early. He or she will seem nice and harmless only to be left on the periphery of the narrative. Eventually he/she will be shown to have harboured a grievance for years only to crack one day for no credible reason. The motives behind the crimes never seem adequate.
• One expects red-herrings and misdirection in any mystery/police procedural but, in this series, they are clumsy and obvious. This may not be significant in the reading of any individual book but they are obvious when binge-listening.
I know I’ve given more “cons” than “pros” but the series is seriously good fun. Anyone wanting to enjoy a mostly nice bunch of engaging characters solving complex criminal challenges should take the time to explore these books. I don’t regret a minute spent with Bridget Hart & co.
November 19, 2022
Great improvement.
Vastly better than the previous novel.
Louise is an overly assertive and domineering sixth year old lecturer at Oxford.
She is of the opinion that her view is the right one and is completely intolerant of anyone else's point of view is incorrect.
She has written a book based on her belief that UK & IS are selling arms to the Middle East, and their military intervention is completely wrong.
Any country threatened by one of its neighbours, should be left to get on with it.
UK & IS should not have helped Kuwait after invasion, or assisted in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. The Dean of her college is a Kuwaiti, and has the opposite opinion, his father being murdered by Iraqi troops.
She is giving a !lecture during the Literary Festival to promote her first book, Bridget and Jake are attending,as she has received a death threat.
All goes well and the police officers drive her home. Upon arrival, they 'clear' the house and she looks herself in for the night.
Previous to get homecoming two uniformed police officers have cleared the gardens and declared them okay.
As Louise has a radio interview early next morning, Bridget is on security detail. Next morning she arrives, but can get no answer. The patrol officers have been out the front of house all night , Bridget gets them to force entry, inside calling Louise.
They find her dead in bed, checking sround, glass in the back door has been broken.
After much persuasion, her boss, Grayson, makes her SIO.
Bridget is on a right schedule, if she doesn't produce results quickly, the case will be given to DI Baxter - not one of her favourite people.
A good read.
Vastly better than the previous novel.
Louise is an overly assertive and domineering sixth year old lecturer at Oxford.
She is of the opinion that her view is the right one and is completely intolerant of anyone else's point of view is incorrect.
She has written a book based on her belief that UK & IS are selling arms to the Middle East, and their military intervention is completely wrong.
Any country threatened by one of its neighbours, should be left to get on with it.
UK & IS should not have helped Kuwait after invasion, or assisted in the overthrow of Saddam Hussein in Iraq. The Dean of her college is a Kuwaiti, and has the opposite opinion, his father being murdered by Iraqi troops.
She is giving a !lecture during the Literary Festival to promote her first book, Bridget and Jake are attending,as she has received a death threat.
All goes well and the police officers drive her home. Upon arrival, they 'clear' the house and she looks herself in for the night.
Previous to get homecoming two uniformed police officers have cleared the gardens and declared them okay.
As Louise has a radio interview early next morning, Bridget is on security detail. Next morning she arrives, but can get no answer. The patrol officers have been out the front of house all night , Bridget gets them to force entry, inside calling Louise.
They find her dead in bed, checking sround, glass in the back door has been broken.
After much persuasion, her boss, Grayson, makes her SIO.
Bridget is on a right schedule, if she doesn't produce results quickly, the case will be given to DI Baxter - not one of her favourite people.
A good read.
Read
October 5, 2024A dangerous book. A hidden secret. A deadly betrayal.
The Oxford Literary Festival is in full swing, but Detective Inspector Bridget Hart isn’t there to learn about books. Instead she’s been given the task of protecting Diane Gilbert, a controversial author who has received a death threat. Diane doesn’t seem to think she needs Bridget’s protection, but when the worst happens, Bridget’s role switches to running a murder enquiry.
The only clues Bridget has to go on relate to Diane’s new book which examines the murky world of international arms deals. Under pressure to identify the killer, Bridget finds herself drawn into the clandestine world of foreign governments and the British Security Service. She’ll need all her wiles and the full cooperation of her team to follow the twisting trail of evidence to its logical conclusion.
Set amongst the dreaming spires of Oxford University, the Bridget Hart series is perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths, JR Ellis, Faith Martin and classic British murder mysteries.
Good.
The Oxford Literary Festival is in full swing, but Detective Inspector Bridget Hart isn’t there to learn about books. Instead she’s been given the task of protecting Diane Gilbert, a controversial author who has received a death threat. Diane doesn’t seem to think she needs Bridget’s protection, but when the worst happens, Bridget’s role switches to running a murder enquiry.
The only clues Bridget has to go on relate to Diane’s new book which examines the murky world of international arms deals. Under pressure to identify the killer, Bridget finds herself drawn into the clandestine world of foreign governments and the British Security Service. She’ll need all her wiles and the full cooperation of her team to follow the twisting trail of evidence to its logical conclusion.
Set amongst the dreaming spires of Oxford University, the Bridget Hart series is perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths, JR Ellis, Faith Martin and classic British murder mysteries.
Good.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2022
This one was a disappointment to me.
Finally, Bridget's cheek in judging Diane's parenting skills amused me - Bridget spends about 10 minutes per book with her own daughter, who is really being brought up by Vanessa.
I think there is one more of these to go - hopefully it is a return to form.
Finally, Bridget's cheek in judging Diane's parenting skills amused me - Bridget spends about 10 minutes per book with her own daughter, who is really being brought up by Vanessa.
I think there is one more of these to go - hopefully it is a return to form.
April 13, 2023
After 'A Dark Shining Star,' it was straight onto this one, the next in the series. This one is just as good.
Starting when an outspoken author is killed whilst under D I Harts police protection, Bridget feels under extra pressure to solve the case herself. Her team comes to the rescue. Here its the welsh DC Ffion who comes up trumps in cracking the case this time.
There are many interesting leads to be followed up, but will any prove to be the right one.
There is plenty going on away from the main storyline too, as most of the characters involved have their own personal dramas to face. In other books, this could have been a problem and distracted from the basic murder story. However, here the authors have them merged quite unobtrusively.
Yes, I enjoyed this one and I have decided to move straight on to the 7th of the series even though it is the last so far. It says a lot , but I cant remember reading three of a series one after the other other before.
Starting when an outspoken author is killed whilst under D I Harts police protection, Bridget feels under extra pressure to solve the case herself. Her team comes to the rescue. Here its the welsh DC Ffion who comes up trumps in cracking the case this time.
There are many interesting leads to be followed up, but will any prove to be the right one.
There is plenty going on away from the main storyline too, as most of the characters involved have their own personal dramas to face. In other books, this could have been a problem and distracted from the basic murder story. However, here the authors have them merged quite unobtrusively.
Yes, I enjoyed this one and I have decided to move straight on to the 7th of the series even though it is the last so far. It says a lot , but I cant remember reading three of a series one after the other other before.
June 20, 2022
Another wonderful addition to the team of detectives investigating murder in Oxford; this one is the sixth in the series. This story involves an author who criticizes UK and US involvement in the Middle East in a book she wrote that potentially leads to her murder. Or does it? Hart's team follows the clues to uncover some surprising twists. As the series progresses, so do the detectives' relationships and family dynamics which intensify as they try to balance work and family life. A nice, tidy mystery and recommended for fans of this genre.
September 6, 2023
It was the by now usual pattern of the series: the murderer is a seemingly unimportant and innocent character who made a very short appearance at the beginning of the investigation (admitted: I choose the wrong one of the two candidates). But the twists and turns to get there, the chaos in the personal life of the three main investigators, it is again all very entertaining and gripping.
All the more reason to continue with the series.
All the more reason to continue with the series.
November 7, 2024
Amazing, just amazing!
As someone who reads around 70+ books each year (not all fiction!) I appreciate the craft of writing. At present M S Morris is in my top two authors list! Their ability to develop intricate plotlines and always flummox me with the denouement is just amazing! This book in the DI Bridget Hart series is amazing, just amazing! A solid 5-star read!
As someone who reads around 70+ books each year (not all fiction!) I appreciate the craft of writing. At present M S Morris is in my top two authors list! Their ability to develop intricate plotlines and always flummox me with the denouement is just amazing! This book in the DI Bridget Hart series is amazing, just amazing! A solid 5-star read!
March 5, 2025
Bridget Hart is without doubt a very interesting character. She has her faults and admits to most of them.
Her, she is overseeing an author's security following a death threat. However, the author is killed right under the noses of the police. Suspects abound and the story rattles on at a very fair pace.
Another fine book from M.S. Morris. It would make great holiday reading too.
Her, she is overseeing an author's security following a death threat. However, the author is killed right under the noses of the police. Suspects abound and the story rattles on at a very fair pace.
Another fine book from M.S. Morris. It would make great holiday reading too.
April 20, 2025
I enjoy these books as light reading. Found this one to be not entirely believeable, DI Hart jumps to conclusion and rushes of without any logical thought. Found her constant reference to weight and height becomes annoying. It took her far to long to figure out if smashing glass at the rear of the house could be heard at the front by someone inside a car.
June 8, 2021
Loved it!!!
There is nothing wrong with reading a series of well written crime books with great characters and a not to implausible plot. This one sparkles with a seemingly impossible murder and the joys and pitfalls of on line dating. Can’t recommend highly enough.
There is nothing wrong with reading a series of well written crime books with great characters and a not to implausible plot. This one sparkles with a seemingly impossible murder and the joys and pitfalls of on line dating. Can’t recommend highly enough.
February 27, 2022
Another great story
Another great story in the Inspector Bridget Hart series, well crafted with plenty of red herrings. Although Bridget struggled at times with the possible suspects the book moved along easily making it a good read.
Another great story in the Inspector Bridget Hart series, well crafted with plenty of red herrings. Although Bridget struggled at times with the possible suspects the book moved along easily making it a good read.
May 30, 2022
slightly slower than previous books in this series
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous ones in this series. However, I am still looking forward to following Bridget in the next episode
I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous ones in this series. However, I am still looking forward to following Bridget in the next episode
April 19, 2023
It’s fine. I like Fion and Jake. Bridget’s a good person, although a neglectful mother and less-than-brilliant detective. I dislike Vanessa, and my dislike of her (and Bridget’s refusal to stand up to her) is almost enough to make me quit the series.
December 19, 2023
Good story
Full of twists and turns, the culprit isn't the obvious answer. Three mysteries are engaging because the team struggles to find some if the answers and sometimes to ask the right questions. If takes time and persistence to get to the right answer.
Full of twists and turns, the culprit isn't the obvious answer. Three mysteries are engaging because the team struggles to find some if the answers and sometimes to ask the right questions. If takes time and persistence to get to the right answer.
March 9, 2025
Loving this series
I have read several books in this series. They are real page turners. Excellent characters cters that develop as the series progresses. Great plots with clever twists. An excellent read.
I have read several books in this series. They are real page turners. Excellent characters cters that develop as the series progresses. Great plots with clever twists. An excellent read.
October 2, 2025
Preface for Murder.
Another good story from M and S Morris. The Bridget Hart series presents not only good murder mysteries where the murderer is revealed at the end, often with a twist; but continuing background stories on the main protagonists that keep you hooked.
Another good story from M and S Morris. The Bridget Hart series presents not only good murder mysteries where the murderer is revealed at the end, often with a twist; but continuing background stories on the main protagonists that keep you hooked.
May 15, 2021
Another Hit!
As always Bridget and her team prevail! I especially enjoyed the side stories of Bridget’s team members - makes them all seem so real! What a great working team!
As always Bridget and her team prevail! I especially enjoyed the side stories of Bridget’s team members - makes them all seem so real! What a great working team!
May 16, 2021
Nice growth on Jake and Ffiona and possibly Bridget herself Interesting mystery on the death of Diane Gilbert - a number of secrets surrounding her
May 16, 2021
Another fine book in a fantastic series!
May 18, 2021
Preface to Murder
Love this series keeps on getting better and better,great storyline down to earth characters in the wonderful setting of the city of Oxford.Bring on the next one.
Love this series keeps on getting better and better,great storyline down to earth characters in the wonderful setting of the city of Oxford.Bring on the next one.
June 20, 2021
Another M S Morris great read
Straightforward enough to relax, read and totally enjoy: intriguing enough to challenge your thinking and keep reading into the wee hours!
Straightforward enough to relax, read and totally enjoy: intriguing enough to challenge your thinking and keep reading into the wee hours!
September 25, 2021
Good read
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Oxford murder mysteries in the past Book 6 is another winner! Recommend for readers who enjoy good detective novels.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the Oxford murder mysteries in the past Book 6 is another winner! Recommend for readers who enjoy good detective novels.
October 18, 2021
Great series
Addictive read. Love the characters and the plots. I have another author I will actively seek out. Looking for more.
Addictive read. Love the characters and the plots. I have another author I will actively seek out. Looking for more.
January 15, 2022
Really enjoying this series. Light, interesting, well-written.
January 20, 2022
Didn't seem to hold my interest as well as the previous books in the series. Really can't stand the bitchy sister.
February 19, 2022
It was a very twist and turn story. Very enjoyable Onward to the next book. Love these stories.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews