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Alex Duggins Mystery #7
The Playing Fields
When two bodies are discovered within six weeks of one another, it would appear that a serial killer is at large in the sleepy Cotswold village of Folly.
Six weeks after a battered body is found in the grounds of the village cricket club, DCI Dan O’Reilly and his team are no further forward in the investigation. No witnesses, no leads, no clues whatsoever. Then a second body is discovered in the nearby tithe barn used by the local amateur dramatics society, artfully posed just like the first. Could there be a serial killer on the loose?
When evidence leads O’Reilly to visit the Black Dog pub, owner Alex Duggins and her partner Tony are once again drawn into a police investigation.
But Tony is dealing with some disturbing news of his own. Someone from his past has reached out and threatens all he holds dear. Are they who they claim to be, and what do they really want . . .?
Six weeks after a battered body is found in the grounds of the village cricket club, DCI Dan O’Reilly and his team are no further forward in the investigation. No witnesses, no leads, no clues whatsoever. Then a second body is discovered in the nearby tithe barn used by the local amateur dramatics society, artfully posed just like the first. Could there be a serial killer on the loose?
When evidence leads O’Reilly to visit the Black Dog pub, owner Alex Duggins and her partner Tony are once again drawn into a police investigation.
But Tony is dealing with some disturbing news of his own. Someone from his past has reached out and threatens all he holds dear. Are they who they claim to be, and what do they really want . . .?
- GenresMysteryContemporary
219 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2021
246 people are currently reading
83 people want to read
About the author
Stella Cameron
106 books420 followersStella Cameron is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author. With over fourteen million copies of her books in print, Cameron is now turning her pen to mysteries and independently publishing COLD, Introducing Alex Duggins. She draws on her English background for this new, already critically acclaimed mystery series. Atmospheric, deeply character and relationship driven, COLD reveals the power of old secrets to twist the present. Cameron’s reputation for using her backgrounds to add tension and allure to her stories is heightened again.
Cameron is the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Achievement Award for distinguished professional achievement and for enhancing the stature of the Northwest Literary community. She lives in Washington with her husband Jerry, her Papillon Millie, black cat Zipper, and a cheeky little tabby named Jack.
Cameron is the recipient of the Pacific Northwest Achievement Award for distinguished professional achievement and for enhancing the stature of the Northwest Literary community. She lives in Washington with her husband Jerry, her Papillon Millie, black cat Zipper, and a cheeky little tabby named Jack.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 1, 2021
DCI Dan O'Reilly and his team are investigating two murders within 6 weeks of each other. Their first thought is that a serial killer may be loose in their small village.
When evidence leads O’Reilly to visit the Black Dog pub, owner Alex Duggins and her partner Tony are once again drawn into a police investigation.
Meanwhile, Tony gets a letter ... from his dead wife. At least, she's been missing for over 8 years and he finally had her declared dead. What does she want? Is is even really her? Needless to say, this puts a lot of stress not only on Tony, but on Alex as well. Will their relationship ever be the same?
Although 7th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. As with the others, this book is a well-written procedural. The story line is intriguing, with twists and turns that keep the suspense at a high level. The characters are deftly drawn and the residents of this small village are quirky and lend much to the story.
Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
When evidence leads O’Reilly to visit the Black Dog pub, owner Alex Duggins and her partner Tony are once again drawn into a police investigation.
Meanwhile, Tony gets a letter ... from his dead wife. At least, she's been missing for over 8 years and he finally had her declared dead. What does she want? Is is even really her? Needless to say, this puts a lot of stress not only on Tony, but on Alex as well. Will their relationship ever be the same?
Although 7th in the series, this is easily read as a stand alone. As with the others, this book is a well-written procedural. The story line is intriguing, with twists and turns that keep the suspense at a high level. The characters are deftly drawn and the residents of this small village are quirky and lend much to the story.
Many thanks to the author / Canongate Books / Severn House / Netgalley for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
June 27, 2022
2.5 stars
My first and last foray into the Alex Duggins/Cotswolds mysteries. Both the plot and the writing were rather lukewarm for me and dragged a bit. The characters and setting had some promise but if you are intrigued I’d recommend starting at the beginning of the series. I finished the book but skimmed rather heavily.
Final thoughts: what hospital cafeteria serves wine?! Is this a real thing? Is it a Cotswold thing? Do they also have a smoking lounge? I can’t decide if it would dial down the stress or amp it up amongst already stressed people.
My first and last foray into the Alex Duggins/Cotswolds mysteries. Both the plot and the writing were rather lukewarm for me and dragged a bit. The characters and setting had some promise but if you are intrigued I’d recommend starting at the beginning of the series. I finished the book but skimmed rather heavily.
Final thoughts: what hospital cafeteria serves wine?! Is this a real thing? Is it a Cotswold thing? Do they also have a smoking lounge? I can’t decide if it would dial down the stress or amp it up amongst already stressed people.
June 23, 2025
Hohum. it was ok not really an original story in my opinion
April 23, 2024
Boring
This took me over a week to finish. Alex and Tony have to be the most boring couple I have ever encountered. I was hoping Tony would die just to get some action into the book. Then Alex could have ended up with Dan. Her characters were flat with no depth. I did not care what happened to anyone. Situations were not developed and some just ended.
This took me over a week to finish. Alex and Tony have to be the most boring couple I have ever encountered. I was hoping Tony would die just to get some action into the book. Then Alex could have ended up with Dan. Her characters were flat with no depth. I did not care what happened to anyone. Situations were not developed and some just ended.
January 25, 2023
I loved all the books in this series and was looking forward to reading this final one. Unfortunately, there were many spelling and/or grammatical errors and the story was very choppy that I had trouble following it at times, in the first half.
July 5, 2024
Alex, Tony, Lily,
Tony allegedly receives an email from his allegedly dead wife, Penny, asking for money.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O'Reilly, DI Lamb Bill, LeJuan Harding, Sgt Jillian Miller
Malcolm Loder, Ricky Seaton, Alan Dimbleby, Tony,
John Ross - Photographer - KILLER, working with Leon Wolf who HATES Dan O'Reilly, who allegedly let his sister in a burning car to die, years ago, also a KILLER.
St Edwards school where lots of bullying and tormenting was allowed.
First body was at the Playing Fields Barn, Edward Coughlin.
Second on local Cricket grounds,
Richard Seaton missing/dead, wife Kelly;
Gordon Dulles friend of the Seatons.
Tony and Alex get married in their conservatory in the end.
Tony allegedly receives an email from his allegedly dead wife, Penny, asking for money.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O'Reilly, DI Lamb Bill, LeJuan Harding, Sgt Jillian Miller
Malcolm Loder, Ricky Seaton, Alan Dimbleby, Tony,
John Ross - Photographer - KILLER, working with Leon Wolf who HATES Dan O'Reilly, who allegedly let his sister in a burning car to die, years ago, also a KILLER.
St Edwards school where lots of bullying and tormenting was allowed.
First body was at the Playing Fields Barn, Edward Coughlin.
Second on local Cricket grounds,
Richard Seaton missing/dead, wife Kelly;
Gordon Dulles friend of the Seatons.
Tony and Alex get married in their conservatory in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2024
Love this series!
I could not stop reading these, I hope there will be more to follow! The books were so descriptive of life in a small village in the Cotswolds, that I wish I could go have a drink in The Black Dog and meet everyone. Although I do like Tony, I feel like he's hiding something about his first wife's death. And maybe Dan and Alex will eventually have their moment together?
I could not stop reading these, I hope there will be more to follow! The books were so descriptive of life in a small village in the Cotswolds, that I wish I could go have a drink in The Black Dog and meet everyone. Although I do like Tony, I feel like he's hiding something about his first wife's death. And maybe Dan and Alex will eventually have their moment together?
July 1, 2023
Excellent!
I had to wait to read this one but it was worthwhile. Nothing what I expected. Alex was worried with other things to be on top of this one and Dan’s bosses were being a nuisance, they should jump at the opportunity of information coming their way even if it is through Alex. I hope there will be more. Callum was a nice addition.
I had to wait to read this one but it was worthwhile. Nothing what I expected. Alex was worried with other things to be on top of this one and Dan’s bosses were being a nuisance, they should jump at the opportunity of information coming their way even if it is through Alex. I hope there will be more. Callum was a nice addition.
September 26, 2024
Too gruesome for a cozy mystery, especially for a main character
This one goes well beyond the first 6 in the series in terms of gruesomeness - definitely out of character for this author and surprising the involvement of a character so prominent in the first 6 books. Those were 5-stars, this one just 3-stars accordingly.
This one goes well beyond the first 6 in the series in terms of gruesomeness - definitely out of character for this author and surprising the involvement of a character so prominent in the first 6 books. Those were 5-stars, this one just 3-stars accordingly.
December 15, 2023
Great story, a bit confusing
Loved the storyline, but plot is a bit complex. Great characters, and a lot of them, so a bit difficult to keep everything straight. Exciting , with a fun sub plot. Definitely worth the time to read.
Loved the storyline, but plot is a bit complex. Great characters, and a lot of them, so a bit difficult to keep everything straight. Exciting , with a fun sub plot. Definitely worth the time to read.
January 29, 2024
A good read
Alex manages to get involved in yet another murder mystery, annoying Dan somewhat. Two men are murdered and the signs seem to point towards a serial killer. I liked the characters who were interesting.
Alex manages to get involved in yet another murder mystery, annoying Dan somewhat. Two men are murdered and the signs seem to point towards a serial killer. I liked the characters who were interesting.
November 7, 2024
another brilliant book full of mystery and twists from Stella Cameron
I enjoyed this book though it did have me worried occasionally. The closeness of the characters is not overdone. Each one being their own person. The ending was thrilling though unexpected.
I enjoyed this book though it did have me worried occasionally. The closeness of the characters is not overdone. Each one being their own person. The ending was thrilling though unexpected.
July 29, 2023
Very enjoyable!
Great characters, good landscape descriptions, and a good storyline. Some interesting twists along the way. It definitely held my interest
Great characters, good landscape descriptions, and a good storyline. Some interesting twists along the way. It definitely held my interest
September 16, 2023
Murder, murder everywhere.
The number of murders was kind of unbelievable but it was entertaining and you really became attached to the characters.
The number of murders was kind of unbelievable but it was entertaining and you really became attached to the characters.
Read
December 2, 2023Mystery & Detective
Miniseries
An Alex Duggins Mystery
Miniseries
An Alex Duggins Mystery
December 19, 2023
Redeemed!!
I was really disappointed by book six but this one was back in the groove for the most part, with a huge twist I did not see coming.
I was really disappointed by book six but this one was back in the groove for the most part, with a huge twist I did not see coming.
April 21, 2024
This seems to be the final book. It does wind things up neatly. I won’t give things away. Much of it is suspenseful.
January 28, 2025
This was a great series.
November 27, 2021
The Playing Fields by Stella Cameron is an intriguing mystery. Although this latest release is the seventh installment in the Alex Duggins Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone.
Pub owner and artist Alex Duggins knows something is going on with her fiancé veterinarian Tony Harrison but she has no idea what. Just as she is ready to announce their engagement and set a wedding date, Tony finally reveals what has been troubling him. Neither of them quite knows what to make of his revelation but they decide to wait and see if anything comes of it. Meanwhile, they continue planning for their future together.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Reilly is settling into his new home when he is called to a murder scene that bears a startling resemblance to an earlier murder. Dan and his Sergeant LeJuan Harding are a bit at a loss since there is little evidence at either murder scene. They do however, both uneasily agree there might be a serial killer in their midst. Dan is frustrated by the lack of assistance by possible witnesses who instead chose to confide in Alex instead. He has been told in no uncertain terms to make sure neither she or Tony interfere in this latest investigation. So, he is less than thrilled to have to try to convince Alex to reveal these details to him.
The Playing Fields is a fast-paced mystery with a compelling storyline. The cast of characters will be familiar to fans regular readers of the Alex Duggins Mystery series while newcomers won’t feel too lost since plenty of backstory is provided for each character. The murders are certainly unique but it is relatively easy to guess the killer’s identity. However, Stella Cameron adds just enough tension to keepsreaders on the edge of their seats until this clever mystery’s dramatic conclusion.
Pub owner and artist Alex Duggins knows something is going on with her fiancé veterinarian Tony Harrison but she has no idea what. Just as she is ready to announce their engagement and set a wedding date, Tony finally reveals what has been troubling him. Neither of them quite knows what to make of his revelation but they decide to wait and see if anything comes of it. Meanwhile, they continue planning for their future together.
Detective Chief Inspector Dan O’Reilly is settling into his new home when he is called to a murder scene that bears a startling resemblance to an earlier murder. Dan and his Sergeant LeJuan Harding are a bit at a loss since there is little evidence at either murder scene. They do however, both uneasily agree there might be a serial killer in their midst. Dan is frustrated by the lack of assistance by possible witnesses who instead chose to confide in Alex instead. He has been told in no uncertain terms to make sure neither she or Tony interfere in this latest investigation. So, he is less than thrilled to have to try to convince Alex to reveal these details to him.
The Playing Fields is a fast-paced mystery with a compelling storyline. The cast of characters will be familiar to fans regular readers of the Alex Duggins Mystery series while newcomers won’t feel too lost since plenty of backstory is provided for each character. The murders are certainly unique but it is relatively easy to guess the killer’s identity. However, Stella Cameron adds just enough tension to keepsreaders on the edge of their seats until this clever mystery’s dramatic conclusion.
October 26, 2021
Folly is a charming village in the Cotswolds that sees more than its’ share of murders. DCI Dan O’Reilly is still investigating a murder in the fields of the cricket club when several weeks later another body is found near the barn used by the amateur drama society. Both crime scenes were similarly staged, with several pieces of the victim’s clothing and possessions missing. The investigation into the second body leads to the Black Dog, a pub owned by Alex Duggins. She has been drawn into O’Reilly’s cases in the past but this time she is determined to not get involved. She is finally planning her wedding with Tony, the local veterinarian, and she will not let this get in the way. Tony’s wife disappeared years ago and he has finally received a declaration of death, but as their plans go forward he receives a message supposedly sent by his wife. With the threat of a possible serial killer in the area and tension growing between Alex and Tony, the normally welcoming atmosphere in the Black Dog is lacking. Then someone close to Alex is attacked and left for dead and she has no choice but to become involved.
Stella Cameron brings back a number of familiar faces in her series. Mary and Harriet, the elderly sisters who own a tea shop, can be found by the fire in the Black Dog. Major Stroud, whose incarcerated son was a friend of one of the victims, can be found in the corner drowning his sorrows as he often berates those around him. They give Cameron’s story a familiar feel to anyone who has read this series and a welcome to new readers. As always, there is a twist at the end that is totally unexpected and makes The Playing Fields well worth reading. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for providing this book for my review.
Stella Cameron brings back a number of familiar faces in her series. Mary and Harriet, the elderly sisters who own a tea shop, can be found by the fire in the Black Dog. Major Stroud, whose incarcerated son was a friend of one of the victims, can be found in the corner drowning his sorrows as he often berates those around him. They give Cameron’s story a familiar feel to anyone who has read this series and a welcome to new readers. As always, there is a twist at the end that is totally unexpected and makes The Playing Fields well worth reading. I would like to thank NetGalley and Severn House Publishers for providing this book for my review.
April 7, 2024
The Playing Fields (Alex Duggins Mystery #7) by Stella Cameron.
My thoughts:
I really liked book 1 and based on that, I purchased the Box set Book 1-6 and Book 7 as at the time of writing this review in April 2024, this was the complete series. I have been reading these books in order. These murder mystery books follow the main characters Alex and Tony and the inhabitants of the village they live in. The team of detectives show up whenever there is a crime committed in the county/district and over the course of the 7 books we learn a bit about their personal lives as well. Similar to "midsummer murder" type scenarios. This is book 7 and this time it is Tony's past under the spotlight. The murder mystery of this story arc gets solved at the end of the book, where once again Alex manages to be in the presence of the murderer and do her damsel in distress act, before the cavalry in the form of the team of detectives' swoop in to save her life. After 7 books it gets a bit tedious and regardless if there will be any more books in this series, I am done. For once there is an epilogue from the viewpoint of both Alex and Tony at their long-awaited wedding reception.
I have enjoyed some aspects of the story lines but over the course of the 7 books, there are so many loose ends, that are just left at the end of each book and never addressed again. The writing style takes a bit of getting used to and I would suggest before purchasing any book, you go to the amazon website and read a sample of the book. Overall, the series is not the worst in this genre, but there are better ones out there.
My thoughts:
I really liked book 1 and based on that, I purchased the Box set Book 1-6 and Book 7 as at the time of writing this review in April 2024, this was the complete series. I have been reading these books in order. These murder mystery books follow the main characters Alex and Tony and the inhabitants of the village they live in. The team of detectives show up whenever there is a crime committed in the county/district and over the course of the 7 books we learn a bit about their personal lives as well. Similar to "midsummer murder" type scenarios. This is book 7 and this time it is Tony's past under the spotlight. The murder mystery of this story arc gets solved at the end of the book, where once again Alex manages to be in the presence of the murderer and do her damsel in distress act, before the cavalry in the form of the team of detectives' swoop in to save her life. After 7 books it gets a bit tedious and regardless if there will be any more books in this series, I am done. For once there is an epilogue from the viewpoint of both Alex and Tony at their long-awaited wedding reception.
I have enjoyed some aspects of the story lines but over the course of the 7 books, there are so many loose ends, that are just left at the end of each book and never addressed again. The writing style takes a bit of getting used to and I would suggest before purchasing any book, you go to the amazon website and read a sample of the book. Overall, the series is not the worst in this genre, but there are better ones out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2021
An Alex Duggins Cotswolds Mystery
When two bodies are discovered within six weeks of one another, it would appear that a serial killer is at large in the sleepy Cotswold village of Folly.
DCI Dan O’Reilly is settling into his new home with boxes still unpacked when a body is found on the old playing fields near the cricket club. The scene looks staged but no one saw or heard anything. Six weeks later another body is discovered in the tithe barn, which is used for plays now. This body is staged as well. It would seem a serial killer is at work.
In due course, his investigation lands him at Alex’s pub, the Black Dog. Dan makes it clear to her and her partner, veterinarian, Tony, that he does not want them involved in his case. But have we ever known Alex to keep her cute little nose out of things?
Alex is the person everyone confides in when they don’t want to go to the police themselves. This time she may be on her own as Tony has just received an e-mail from his dead wife. Yes, a dead wife.
So, instead of finalizing their wedding plans, they are investigating murders and ignoring the dead wife.
When Tony himself becomes a victim, Alex forgets her promise to Dan and heads right into the killer’s lair.
This one had some seriously creepy characters in it. It’s always a mystery with this good series!
NetGalley/ Canongate/Severn November 2nd ,2021
When two bodies are discovered within six weeks of one another, it would appear that a serial killer is at large in the sleepy Cotswold village of Folly.
DCI Dan O’Reilly is settling into his new home with boxes still unpacked when a body is found on the old playing fields near the cricket club. The scene looks staged but no one saw or heard anything. Six weeks later another body is discovered in the tithe barn, which is used for plays now. This body is staged as well. It would seem a serial killer is at work.
In due course, his investigation lands him at Alex’s pub, the Black Dog. Dan makes it clear to her and her partner, veterinarian, Tony, that he does not want them involved in his case. But have we ever known Alex to keep her cute little nose out of things?
Alex is the person everyone confides in when they don’t want to go to the police themselves. This time she may be on her own as Tony has just received an e-mail from his dead wife. Yes, a dead wife.
So, instead of finalizing their wedding plans, they are investigating murders and ignoring the dead wife.
When Tony himself becomes a victim, Alex forgets her promise to Dan and heads right into the killer’s lair.
This one had some seriously creepy characters in it. It’s always a mystery with this good series!
NetGalley/ Canongate/Severn November 2nd ,2021
October 5, 2021
219 pages
3 stars
DCI Dan O’Reilly and his partner, DS LeJuan Harding, are deep;y frustrated that it has been six weeks since the murder at the cricket grounds and they are no further ahead on their investigation. They basically know nothing.
When another murdered person is found, this time at the local abandoned theater, they are completely stumped. There is, however, some evidence that leads San and LeJuan to the local Black Dog Pub. Owned by Alex and, along with her boyfriend Tony, they are subsequently involved in the case. Tony is beset with problems. Someone from his past has (possibly) come back to haunt him.
Then Tony gets badly beaten and winds up in the hospital. What is going on?
The writing in this book is pretty good, but the plotting is rather disjointed. The story seemed to wander all over the place and not much happened. I like my mysteries/Police procedurals with a little more action than this novel had. I don’t believe I’ll be diving into another of Ms. Cameron’s books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canongate Books/Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this book so that I may read, enjoy and review it. The opinions expressed here are wholly my own.
3 stars
DCI Dan O’Reilly and his partner, DS LeJuan Harding, are deep;y frustrated that it has been six weeks since the murder at the cricket grounds and they are no further ahead on their investigation. They basically know nothing.
When another murdered person is found, this time at the local abandoned theater, they are completely stumped. There is, however, some evidence that leads San and LeJuan to the local Black Dog Pub. Owned by Alex and, along with her boyfriend Tony, they are subsequently involved in the case. Tony is beset with problems. Someone from his past has (possibly) come back to haunt him.
Then Tony gets badly beaten and winds up in the hospital. What is going on?
The writing in this book is pretty good, but the plotting is rather disjointed. The story seemed to wander all over the place and not much happened. I like my mysteries/Police procedurals with a little more action than this novel had. I don’t believe I’ll be diving into another of Ms. Cameron’s books.
I want to thank NetGalley and Canongate Books/Severn House for forwarding to me a copy of this book so that I may read, enjoy and review it. The opinions expressed here are wholly my own.
November 2, 2021
This was a departure from the usual books I've been reading lately, and such a fantastic one at that! Many years ago I used to read all of Stella Cameron's romance books, but hadn't read any of her recent releases and so this was quite a wonderful surprise. Although there is a romantic element, this is most definitely a mystery book and not a romance. From the start we have what seems like two separate storylines and intrigues occurring - one with Alex and her fiancée, Tony and a wrench being thrown into their happy ever after plans, and the other with murders occurring around where they live and work. I loved that despite there being a number of characters to follow and keep up with, they all had such depth to them. In addition, it's not often that I'm taken by surprise when reading or watching mysteries - and although I had partially figured some of this out before the end, I was definitely surprised by the end! I actually read this through in one sitting because I was so caught up in what was happening and trying to solve it. If you love good mysteries, then this is definitely for you.
Thank you to Canongate Books and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy. I have voluntarily left an honest review.
Thank you to Canongate Books and NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy. I have voluntarily left an honest review.
February 2, 2022
4.5 stars. Author Stella Cameron has set this entirely in the Cotswolds, and it's a very effective use of location in a police procedural. The Cotswolds are nearly eight hundred square miles of rolling fields and hills that rise from the upper Thames to the Severn escarpment in south-central England. Most of the towns and villages are built from the underlying yellow limestone, making the area seem more of a throwback to ancient times. The Cotswolds were declared an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1966, and that designation comes out in Cameron's descriptions of the area, the small towns, the villages, and the bars and eateries. The two main characters in this novel are Detective Chief Inspector Dan O'Reilly and Alex Duggins, who owns the Black Dog pub in the small town of Folly-on-Weir. When a body, a local actor, is found in a nearby theatre, Dan and has team swing into action but, as usual in this series, Alex eventually gets involved, much to the consternation of DCI O'Reilly. The theatre is in the middle of a larger area of playing fields - cricket, football, hockey, track-and-field - giving the book its title.
August 19, 2021
Thank you Canongate and Severn House for the eARC.
Pub owner Alex Duggins and her veterinarian partner Tony seem to be close to take the next step in their relationship: marriage?! But two nasty murders shift their emphasis, and as much as the couple and DCI Dan O'Reilly don't want them to get involved in this case of a possible serial killer, they are sucked in. It's a tough one, the killer is like mercury, slipping away and impossible to catch. Dan's teenage son arrives unexpectedly, which throws him; how does he get to spend time with the boy and catch a slippery killer? Plus, he has to work with a psychologist who he doesn't like or trust (the feeling is mutual) ... life is very complicated for him at the moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially towards the end, which was gripping and extremely tense. I guessed part of the denouement, but was shocked by the other part.
Another excellent and atmospheric mystery in the series, definitely recommended!
Pub owner Alex Duggins and her veterinarian partner Tony seem to be close to take the next step in their relationship: marriage?! But two nasty murders shift their emphasis, and as much as the couple and DCI Dan O'Reilly don't want them to get involved in this case of a possible serial killer, they are sucked in. It's a tough one, the killer is like mercury, slipping away and impossible to catch. Dan's teenage son arrives unexpectedly, which throws him; how does he get to spend time with the boy and catch a slippery killer? Plus, he has to work with a psychologist who he doesn't like or trust (the feeling is mutual) ... life is very complicated for him at the moment.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially towards the end, which was gripping and extremely tense. I guessed part of the denouement, but was shocked by the other part.
Another excellent and atmospheric mystery in the series, definitely recommended!
September 6, 2021
When a body is found in a small village DCI Dan O'Reilly is given the case but he has an strange feeling this murder isn't going to be the last. Six weeks later another body is found and the chase really begins because of his fear of more bodies turning up. When the clues lead him to the Black Dog Pub where his friends Alex Duggins owner and her partner Tony are, Dan wishes it was somewhere else since Alex and Tony are amateur sleuths.
This is a new author to me and will definitely be a go to from now on. I loved the characters in this story and can't wait to read more of their adventures. It's all here for the reader, murder, mystery and engaging characters. You can't go wrong with this cozy mystery.
This is a new author to me and will definitely be a go to from now on. I loved the characters in this story and can't wait to read more of their adventures. It's all here for the reader, murder, mystery and engaging characters. You can't go wrong with this cozy mystery.
October 22, 2021
The Playing Fields is another book concerning amateur sleuth Alex Duggins by Stella Cameron. Like so many mysteries the Cotswold village of Folly has more than its fair share of murders. This time it is two six weeks apart.
I like this series especially the main character Alex Duggins. This time there is more trouble besides the murders. It deals with her partner Tony. I found that to be as intriguing as the murders. I kept reading to see how he could handle his troubles. Perhaps a new reader would want to start at the first book but this one is self-contained, holding your interest until the end.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I like this series especially the main character Alex Duggins. This time there is more trouble besides the murders. It deals with her partner Tony. I found that to be as intriguing as the murders. I kept reading to see how he could handle his troubles. Perhaps a new reader would want to start at the first book but this one is self-contained, holding your interest until the end.
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 2, 2021
DCI O’Reilly and Harding haven’t been able to solve a murder and the case has gone cold. Another body turns up and they have few leads. One path leads to a local pub owned by Alex, her partner is veterinarian Tony. Alex and Tony are soon drawn into the mystery. There was action and suspense in the book but it never quite grabbed me. I was interested enough to see how it would end and it will probably be an entertaining read for most people. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
September 29, 2022
Probably the least interesting murder mystery that I have read.
The story is filled with personal relationships and appearances and presumptions. And oh yes there's a serial killer loose.
But no computers or any tech gear whatsoever is employed to help our bumbling police detective.
He has no clue and it's really secondary to the lines of the leading lady.
What a waste.
A few good moments of attacks and a generally good feel for the winter in the countryside of merry old england.
So many other better murder mysteries out there.
The story is filled with personal relationships and appearances and presumptions. And oh yes there's a serial killer loose.
But no computers or any tech gear whatsoever is employed to help our bumbling police detective.
He has no clue and it's really secondary to the lines of the leading lady.
What a waste.
A few good moments of attacks and a generally good feel for the winter in the countryside of merry old england.
So many other better murder mysteries out there.
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