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DI Munro & DS West #12
Penury
A suspicious scarecrow, an unprovoked assault, and a missing person baffle Scottish police
It is a serendipitous encounter for the hapless DI Greg Byrne when retired sleuth James Munro stumbles upon his crime scene. And perhaps also for Munro himself who, his protégé Charlie West having firmly snapped his apron strings, needs other lambs to wean.
The day is far less auspicious for the victim in the affair, the unfortunate property developer Rebecca Barlow who has been trussed up like a scarecrow in her yard.
Though occurring off DI West’s Ayrshire patch, the investigation will soon intertwine with one of her own. But just what does the young drug pusher she is tracking have to do with a bizarre, apparently ritualistic death involving a rowan tree?
With superstition running rife and an individual pertinent to the inquiry nowhere to be found, West might just need the help of Munro after all.
PENURY is the twelfth book in a series of witty murder mysteries set in the south west of Scotland. All of these books are available free with Kindle Unlimited and paperback. Most are also available as audiobooks.
The full list of titles in the series is as
1. SHE
2. AVARICE
3. ENMITY
4. DUPLICITY
5. TERMINUS
6. TALION
7. PERDITION
8. RANCOUR
9. PENITENT
10. TURPITUDE
11. HUBRIS
12. PENURY
13. RUSE
It is a serendipitous encounter for the hapless DI Greg Byrne when retired sleuth James Munro stumbles upon his crime scene. And perhaps also for Munro himself who, his protégé Charlie West having firmly snapped his apron strings, needs other lambs to wean.
The day is far less auspicious for the victim in the affair, the unfortunate property developer Rebecca Barlow who has been trussed up like a scarecrow in her yard.
Though occurring off DI West’s Ayrshire patch, the investigation will soon intertwine with one of her own. But just what does the young drug pusher she is tracking have to do with a bizarre, apparently ritualistic death involving a rowan tree?
With superstition running rife and an individual pertinent to the inquiry nowhere to be found, West might just need the help of Munro after all.
PENURY is the twelfth book in a series of witty murder mysteries set in the south west of Scotland. All of these books are available free with Kindle Unlimited and paperback. Most are also available as audiobooks.
The full list of titles in the series is as
1. SHE
2. AVARICE
3. ENMITY
4. DUPLICITY
5. TERMINUS
6. TALION
7. PERDITION
8. RANCOUR
9. PENITENT
10. TURPITUDE
11. HUBRIS
12. PENURY
13. RUSE
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2021
181 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Pete Brassett
33 books184 followersPete Brassett is the author of the best-selling series of detective novels based in and around his native Scotland featuring James Munro and Charlie West.
Following the publication of his debut novel, 'Clam Chowder at Lafayette and Spring', Pete ventured into the world of crime fiction tackling issues like PTSD, religious scandal, and manic depression with the novels 'Kiss the Girls', 'Prayer for the Dying' and 'The Girl From Kilkenny', before moving onto subject matter a little closer to home.
The forging of the Munro and West relationship begins with a fractious encounter in east London where a dissolute West, struggling with personal problems and misogynistic colleagues, is mentored by Munro who, recognising her potential, hoodwinks her into joining him back in Scotland where she flourishes as a first-class, yet ultimately flawed, detective.
Following the publication of his debut novel, 'Clam Chowder at Lafayette and Spring', Pete ventured into the world of crime fiction tackling issues like PTSD, religious scandal, and manic depression with the novels 'Kiss the Girls', 'Prayer for the Dying' and 'The Girl From Kilkenny', before moving onto subject matter a little closer to home.
The forging of the Munro and West relationship begins with a fractious encounter in east London where a dissolute West, struggling with personal problems and misogynistic colleagues, is mentored by Munro who, recognising her potential, hoodwinks her into joining him back in Scotland where she flourishes as a first-class, yet ultimately flawed, detective.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 26, 2021
Love this series and the strong and entertaining characters. Long live Munro.
Kindle Unlimited
Kindle Unlimited
July 17, 2024
The new hotel owner Rebecca Barlow is discovered dead in the garden by security engineer Alan MacDuff. To be investigated by DI Byrne and his team who are floundering. But what is the motive and the connection to the next murder. DI Charlie West and her team added by retired James Munro investigate.
An entertaining modern mystery
An entertaining modern mystery
July 4, 2021
Quick-read murder mystery leavened by wit and banter
I wanted a light crime-fiction read with likable characters, so I chose this book from the Detective Inspector Munro series. As always, author Pete Brassett delivers an intricate murder mystery that challenges retired DI James Munro and his “old” teammates. A nice plus is Munro’s Scottish Terrier. Whilst following the investigation, I like chuckling at the humorous bits, especially the detectives’ repartee.
As part of the murder storyline, Munro schools a young, inexperienced detective inspector, whose superiors have landed him with an unusual murder—one more suited to Munro than a newbie. Poor DI Greg Byrne needs all the help he can get.
I wanted a light crime-fiction read with likable characters, so I chose this book from the Detective Inspector Munro series. As always, author Pete Brassett delivers an intricate murder mystery that challenges retired DI James Munro and his “old” teammates. A nice plus is Munro’s Scottish Terrier. Whilst following the investigation, I like chuckling at the humorous bits, especially the detectives’ repartee.
As part of the murder storyline, Munro schools a young, inexperienced detective inspector, whose superiors have landed him with an unusual murder—one more suited to Munro than a newbie. Poor DI Greg Byrne needs all the help he can get.
August 6, 2024
Really not for me.
To some extent I think I just don't like this style of police procedure, where the police move from scene to scene, processing evidence but never really solving clues or puzzles.
I did think this book had a few weak points beyond this though.
To some extent I think I just don't like this style of police procedure, where the police move from scene to scene, processing evidence but never really solving clues or puzzles.
I did think this book had a few weak points beyond this though.
June 23, 2021
Former DI James Munro returns to help Charlie West and her team of detectives investigate a double murder in another thrilling instalment of Pete Brassett’s series.
The detectives’ different approaches help to unlock key clues that link the two cases together while maintaining their Scottish wit throughout to make for another really enjoyable read.
The unique and gruesome murder of a property developer in the first chapter will have you hooked from the start, and Munro is left with no choice but to guide the initially hapless DI Byrne who is working on his first murder case.
Things really kick into gear when the last person to see the property developer alive is killed and West’s team start to unravel some unnerving links between the two murders.
The detectives’ different approaches help to unlock key clues that link the two cases together while maintaining their Scottish wit throughout to make for another really enjoyable read.
The unique and gruesome murder of a property developer in the first chapter will have you hooked from the start, and Munro is left with no choice but to guide the initially hapless DI Byrne who is working on his first murder case.
Things really kick into gear when the last person to see the property developer alive is killed and West’s team start to unravel some unnerving links between the two murders.
July 10, 2021
I binge read through all the previous DI Munro mysteries and then contacted the author to ask when the next would be out. I was delighted when "Penury" was released, having missed Jimbo, Westie, Dougal, and Duncan. This was an enjoyable mystery, one where the reader needed to pay close attention. I am curious to see what will be become of the new DI Byrne character. He was not as sharp as Munro's previous protege's, and yet the retired Inspector chose to take him on. Anxiously awaiting the next book to find out...
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March 16, 2022Pretty sure I'm going to be reading books 1 - 11, as well as any from 13 on. I enjoyed the interaction between the team members. Munro reminded me of the Christopher Foyle character - a quiet, in control, experienced senior officer that respects and mentors the rest of his younger team. I liked that the team members were flawed, but not so flawed as to be dysfunctional. While the plot line wasn't terribly taxing, it held enough surprises to keep my interest. Also, Brassett's writing style was perfectly paced and smooth.
July 10, 2021
Disjointed
This book is confusing as characters keep being unleashed but not tied together well until the very end of the book. There's an attempt to bring in the police's personal lives but not well done which has been a enjoyable feature before of this mystery series. I'm disappointed in this latest book as I'm a big fan of the DI Munro mysteries.
This book is confusing as characters keep being unleashed but not tied together well until the very end of the book. There's an attempt to bring in the police's personal lives but not well done which has been a enjoyable feature before of this mystery series. I'm disappointed in this latest book as I'm a big fan of the DI Munro mysteries.
July 19, 2021
219 pages
3 and 1 / 2 stars
DI Byrne is a constant irritant in this story. The story would have been better if he was left out of it altogether.
Other than that, this is a pretty good story. I don’t rate it as high as Mr. Brassett’s previous books, though. I wondered if the author was trying something new. It didn’t work for this reader.
I will await the next book in the series.
3 and 1 / 2 stars
DI Byrne is a constant irritant in this story. The story would have been better if he was left out of it altogether.
Other than that, this is a pretty good story. I don’t rate it as high as Mr. Brassett’s previous books, though. I wondered if the author was trying something new. It didn’t work for this reader.
I will await the next book in the series.
August 1, 2021
Bassett is in a class by himself
Among British/Scottish Police procedural authors, Pete Brassett is peerless.
Retired DCI James Munro has become my favorite detective for his brilliance, instincts, cracking wit, and genuine compassion. Every novel has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster and you never see them coming. I cannot wait for the next one.
Among British/Scottish Police procedural authors, Pete Brassett is peerless.
Retired DCI James Munro has become my favorite detective for his brilliance, instincts, cracking wit, and genuine compassion. Every novel has more twists and turns than a rollercoaster and you never see them coming. I cannot wait for the next one.
January 24, 2022
Love this series.
Extremely well developed entertaining characters set this series apart. This one finds the detectives tackling a complicated case with many intersecting threads. Multiple crimes and suspects make for a great read. The witty banter between the characters adds so much to each story.
Extremely well developed entertaining characters set this series apart. This one finds the detectives tackling a complicated case with many intersecting threads. Multiple crimes and suspects make for a great read. The witty banter between the characters adds so much to each story.
July 6, 2021
Scottish retired DS can't stop working
Retired DS can't stop solving crimes in Scotland. He and his dog help local police solve a whodunit. Humor and interesting twists keep you intrigued
Retired DS can't stop solving crimes in Scotland. He and his dog help local police solve a whodunit. Humor and interesting twists keep you intrigued
July 11, 2021
Brassett returns with the twelfth book in this bestselling series.
Great banter, as ever, and some cheeky observation add spice to this adventurous whodunnit with reader favourite DI Munro once again shifting the levers of justice into place.
Great banter, as ever, and some cheeky observation add spice to this adventurous whodunnit with reader favourite DI Munro once again shifting the levers of justice into place.
December 4, 2021
Another great story
Another great story by Pete Bassett and every bit as good as those that preceded it. The same great cast of quirky characters that process the humour that is present in them. Let's have the next one soon please.
Another great story by Pete Bassett and every bit as good as those that preceded it. The same great cast of quirky characters that process the humour that is present in them. Let's have the next one soon please.
April 11, 2022
Liked the way it "not ended"
Rather disgusted with the current trend of cliffhanger endings in modern fiction (especially at Amazon), but Mr Bassett wove the threads together enough to give me a satisfactory ending and a willingness to come back to his next work.
Rather disgusted with the current trend of cliffhanger endings in modern fiction (especially at Amazon), but Mr Bassett wove the threads together enough to give me a satisfactory ending and a willingness to come back to his next work.
September 14, 2022
Brilliant read
This book was very hard to put down, I found myself looking forward to what the characters would be doing next in their private lives. The twist at the end of the book was unexpected. Well worth a read
This book was very hard to put down, I found myself looking forward to what the characters would be doing next in their private lives. The twist at the end of the book was unexpected. Well worth a read
September 10, 2023
Excellent
Another cracker from Pete Brassett with a strange case to ponder for the team. Ex Detective Inspector James Munro stumbles on a murder being investigated by another force and offers his assistance not knowing it would lead him back home.
Another cracker from Pete Brassett with a strange case to ponder for the team. Ex Detective Inspector James Munro stumbles on a murder being investigated by another force and offers his assistance not knowing it would lead him back home.
July 10, 2021
Great series!
July 17, 2021
Pete Brasset has a unique writing style which is both wry and humorous. I can never put his DI's Munroe and West stories down. I do hope there will be more!
July 24, 2021
A great read
A cynically humorous story full of intrigue and rich characters.... The series only gets better and I look forward to more.
A cynically humorous story full of intrigue and rich characters.... The series only gets better and I look forward to more.
August 9, 2021
This is a go to author with surprises thanks always for your books !
All have been lovely reads that I have trouble putting them down.
All have been lovely reads that I have trouble putting them down.
August 28, 2021
Another cracking good read in this series.
October 10, 2021
3.5 stars
November 17, 2021
loved it!
I read all the books in order and I’m s sad that this was the last. The characters are now old friends, moreplease!
I read all the books in order and I’m s sad that this was the last. The characters are now old friends, moreplease!
December 17, 2021
Excellent!
Really enjoyed this series. Characters are likable and wish I could keep reading. I highly recommend this series and I already want more.
Really enjoyed this series. Characters are likable and wish I could keep reading. I highly recommend this series and I already want more.
May 3, 2022
Terrific!
Thanks Mr. Brassett for another delightful story! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your Munro mysteries...they are entertaining and insightful.
Thanks Mr. Brassett for another delightful story! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading all of your Munro mysteries...they are entertaining and insightful.
June 16, 2022
GREAT STORYLINE
This book fit like an old shoe. The usual characters played their roles with precision and the case was neatly wrapped up.
This book fit like an old shoe. The usual characters played their roles with precision and the case was neatly wrapped up.
February 25, 2023
All Munroe and West series
Have read them all,I was totally hooked.
Loved the humour and following the personal lives of all the characters. Loved the twists in the tales
Have read them all,I was totally hooked.
Loved the humour and following the personal lives of all the characters. Loved the twists in the tales
August 13, 2023
Typical Peter Bassett
Typical Peter Bassett. Keeps you reading the entire book. Characters are interesting and believable. Always leaves you looking for next book.
Typical Peter Bassett. Keeps you reading the entire book. Characters are interesting and believable. Always leaves you looking for next book.
September 21, 2021
Wonderful Characters
If you love Scotland you will love this series. A peek into the Scottish lifestyle, scenery, and language. Love it!
If you love Scotland you will love this series. A peek into the Scottish lifestyle, scenery, and language. Love it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews