In Two Minds

Teifi Valley Coroner #2

by Alis Hawkins

Harry Probert-Lloyd , a young barrister forced home from London by encroaching blindness, has begun work as the acting coroner of Teifi Valley with solicitor's clerk John Davies as his assistant. When a faceless body is found on an isolated beach, Harry must lead the inquest. But his dogged pursuit of the truth begins to ruffle feathers. Especially when he decides to work alongside a local doctor with a dubious reputation and experimental theories considered radical and dangerous. Refusing to accept easy answers might not only jeopardise Harry's chance to be elected coroner permanently, but could, it seems implicate his own family in a crime. An absolutely scintillating historical crime thriller full of suspense and intrigue perfect for fans of S. J. Parris, C. J. Sansom and Abir Mukherjee. 'Beautifully written, cunningly plotted, with one of the most interesting central characters' E.S. Thomson 'The most interesting crime creation of the year' Phil Rickman

Genres: Historical Fiction, Crime, Mystery

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2019

About the author

Alis Hawkins grew up on a dairy farm in Cardiganshire. Her inner introvert thought it would be a good idea to become a shepherd and, frankly, if she had, she might have been published sooner. As it was, three years reading English at Corpus Christi College, Oxford revealed an extrovert streak and a social conscience which saw her train as a Speech and Language Therapist. She has spent the subsequent three decades variously bringing up two sons, working with children and young people on the autism spectrum and writing fiction, non-fiction and plays. She writes the kind of books she likes to read: character-driven historical crime and mystery fiction with what might be called literary production values.

Series: The Teifi Valley Coroner historical crime series, featuring Harry Probert Lloyd and John Davies. Published by Freight Books 2017, due for reissue by The Dome Press October 2018

Trilogy: The first of the Black Death trilogy, The Black and The White, coming soon from Sapere Books (summer 2018).

Standalone: Testament – previously published by PanMacmillan, soon for reissue by Sapere Books (summer 2018).

You can find more on Alis and her writing on her website (see link below) on Facebook - Alis Hawkins Author - and on Twitter (see link below)

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second in Hawkin’s Teifi Valley Coroner series, set in Wales in the mid nineteenth century. The setting is around Pembrokeshire, Cardiganshire and Carmarthenshire. The main protagonists continue in this novel. Harry is the young lawyer who is going blind and has had to return to his father’s estate in Wales and decide what to do with his life. Following the first novel he is appointed acting coroner until there can be an election. John is still the trusty sidekick, literally Harry’s eyes. He is acting coroner’s assistant, although still officially a solicitor’s clerk. He is concerned about his future and whether he will have one working for Harry.
There is a good combination of history and detective mystery. There were emigration schemes for people to move to the US like the fictitious one in the novel. The author is a Welsh speaker and so the people and place names are accurate and authentic. The author has also done her research into anatomy, physiology and autopsy.
I felt this was definitely better than the first in the series. The relationship between Harry and John is developing and the minor characters were all well developed. There were sufficient red herrings and clues to satisfy those into detective novels.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Two Minds is the second instalment in the Teify Valley Coroner series featuring Harry Probert-Lloyd and John Davies. After his success in solving a murder in the previous book, Harry is now the acting coroner and John continues to work as his assistant.

A faceless body is found on a beach and Harry is called up to lead the inquest. Everyone would like a quick resolution. After all, inquests cost money. But Harry doesn’t work like that and is determined to find out exactly what happened and who is responsible. Will his dogged determination ruin his chance at being elected coroner permanently?

As with the previous book, Alis Hawkins manages to combine an interesting historical fact with the fictitious investigation run by Harry and John. This time, the topic is emigration and we find a multitude of characters who have been saving up money for years to try and get onto a boat that will take them to a, hopefully, better life in America.

This is one of those times where I feel the title is incredibly apt and well chosen. Lots of characters are in two minds throughout the story, as they try to figure out what the future holds in store for them. Those who must decide between carrying on with their lives in Wales or taking a gamble on a new life in America, for instance. But also, Harry and John themselves. If you’ve read the previous book, then you know Harry’s life seems to be all planned out. Even more so when his father falls ill. Harry constantly finds himself torn between his duty and what he actually really wants to do. And John is determined to improve his situation, not content with being a solicitor’s clerk forever. I really liked that he was given the opportunity to prove himself in this story, showing his intelligence and diligence, making decisions on his own without being prompted by Harry.

I can’t wrap up this review without mentioning doctor Rickett. Harry’s decision to involve him ruffles quite a lot of feathers. Rickett’s thoughts on medicine must have sounded somewhat like voodoo in those days but to us, many of them come across as perfectly reasonable. In order to make advancements in medicine, Rickett is a big fan of autopsies. He doesn’t just want to help sick people, he wants to learn how they got sick in the first place and possibly find out how to prevent the same thing happening to someone else. I found his character truly fascinating and I do so hope he appears in future instalments.

Set in Wales, In Two Minds oozes atmosphere and combines two of my favourite things : historical fiction and crime. Who is this faceless body? Were they murdered and if so, by whom and why? I couldn’t find an answer to these questions at all and Alis Hawkins kept me guessing right up until the quite devastating conclusion. With lots of well-crafted and intriguing characters, twists and turns and an interesting investigation, In Two Minds is a gripping, compelling read and a brilliant addition to this series. I shall impatiently await the next book and very much look forward to seeing what happens to Harry and John next.

[Deborah Swift · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really really good. This is without doubt one of my novels of the year so far. It is so well-balanced. Not only do we get a cracking good mystery to solve, but we also get outstandingly interesting characters, and a wealth of period detail. Harry Probert-Lloyd, future heir of the Glanteifi estate is going blind, but has decided to stand as the new coroner, much against everyone's advice. Because of his sight problem, he takes on John Davies, a farm-boy turned clerk, with enough intelligence to be something much more, and the secret ambition to do something else with his life.

They have an unexplained death to investigate, involving a faceless man and the lime and coal industries of the Cardiganshire coast, (lovely cover by the way, with the lime kilns) and it soon turns out there is much more to the supposed 'drowned' man, that at first appears. I loved reading about the obsessive Dr Reckitt with his fanatical interest in the inside of people's heads, and I thought Harry's ambivalent relationship with his sick father after he'd had a stroke particularly well-drawn and believable.

It is unusual to find a novel with two viewpoints where you root for them both equally, but this one pulls it off. The upper class Harry and the working class John have different and often conflicting views of the world, with Harry treading on eggshells not to offend John, whilst having no real understanding of John's situation.

This is first class crime fiction and I urge everyone to read it.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

n Two Minds is the second book in the author's 'Teifi Valley Coroner' historical crime series set in 19th century Wales. I read the first book, None So Blind, back in 2018 and the third book, Those Who Know, in 2020 but, strangely, missed out this one. Having said that, I do have a history of reading books in a series out of order. A fourth book, Not One of Us, is on my wishlist. The books were originally published by The Dome Press but have since been republished by Canelo with new covers.

It was a delight to be reunited with Harry and John as they embark on another investigation together. Alongside this, both of them are preoccupied with their current situations. Harry fears his visual impairment may frustrate his ambition of becoming elected as Coroner for the district leaving him with the prospect of taking over the running of his family's estate. Not only does he have little interest in this but it goes against his egalitarian instincts, instincts that even as a child saw him spend time with the household servants and learn Welsh, much to his father's disapproval as English was regarded as the language of the gentry. 'I could not abide the thought of being a useless dilettante who was dependent on the labout of others.' Ironically, his visual impairment means he is now often dependent on others, for example to read even personal correspondence.

Meanwhile John is wondering if there's any future in his current position as Harry's temporary assistant or if, despite his humble beginnings, he should pursue his ambition of becoming a solicitor. John has come to enjoy being involved in investigations. 'Excitement. That's what was keeping me there, in the teeth of hostile looks and the prospect of unemployment. Excitement. I hadn't realised how bored I was with being a clerk until Harry walked in... looking for an assistant.'

Sadly, Harry is unaware of John's concerns whilst John is unaware of how much Harry has come to value his support and assistance. The dual narrator structure allows us to experience these doubts and worries, although I found myself thinking, for goodness sakes, just talk to each other!

Discovering the identity of the faceless body found on the beach, the circumstances of its being there, the cause of death and possible motives for what may be murder rather than accidental death throws up more and more challenges for Harry and John, especially when Harry is forced to return home when his father becomes ill leaving John in charge of the investigation. As things become more complex, I had some sympathy with John's frustrated observation, 'I wasn't sure if things were getting clearer or more confused.' But we're in safe hands because everything is revealed in the end, albeit the result of some connections that only the very observant may have guessed.

In Two Minds is another cleverly constructed historical crime mystery with two engaging leading characters and convincing period detail. And, as with the previous book, there is a fascinating historical backdrop to the story, namely the large-scale emigration of Welsh people to America, something I wasn't aware of before reading this book. It's just one of the reasons I love historical fiction!

[Judith Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alis Hawkins draws the reader immediately into the world of West Wales in the 1800s and the lives of the characters: protagonist, Harry Probert-Lloyd, acting coroner of Tefi Valley and future heir of the Glanteifi Estate, and John Davies, a young man who has battled his way from a poor background and is both Harry's friend and clerk. And who, we begin to realise, not only protects Harry physically when in danger through his poor eyesight, but is also quite an astute investigator into the crime that is at the subject of the inquest.
I must, as always, point out here, that I never give spoilers in my reviews; I prefer to say what I think are the strong points of the stories. But neither do I shy away from those aspects that didn't work for me because I know that my viewpoint is, as with everyone's, subjective and every reader can judge for themselves. There was nothing that jarred; nothing that took me out of that well-used phrase, " the suspension of disbelief".
The main plot, the identity of the faceless body on the isolated beach and how it came to be there, is diverse and absorbing, and is woven around subplots that reveal the confines of the society at the time and the machinations of some of the minor characters. And it is manifestly clear that the author has painstakingly researched the era and society that is the background for this book.
Told through the first person point of view of each of the main two characters (my most favourite of all the ways narrative can be related), the dialogue is excellent and easily identifiable to each of them. I especially loved the internal dialogue, their thoughts, which gives an understanding of their personalities, the dilemmas they are in and the misunderstandings between them.
A great sense of place is depicted through the descriptions of the Welsh countryside, the grounds of the Glanteifi Estate, the conditions of the houses of the poor in the society, the roads and streets of the towns around. And I have to mention the wonderful portrayal of the weather that creates such an atmosphere for some of the scenes.
All in all an excellent read and I have no hesitation in recommending In Two Minds to readers who enjoy historical fiction, mystery and crime fiction

[Katherine Stansfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the first book in Alis Hawkins' Teifi Valley Coroner series, None So Blind, and this second instalment, In Two Minds, is just as brilliant. A beautifully constructed plot twists and turns through the landscape of west Wales with the promise of America always on the horizon - an emigration scheme offering a new life abroad leads to all sorts of intrigue.

There's a fascinating detective duo at the heart of this series: Harry Probert Lloyd, reluctant member of the local gentry who is losing his sight, and John Davies, a solicitor’s clerk looking to get on in the world but fighting the challenges of his status. This set up would be interesting enough on its own but the series has an added element of fascination because Harry is a coroner and this is a really interesting position within the Victorian criminal justice system - often at odds with the nascent police force as well as the well-to-do magistrates. There are so many layers to these novels in terms of history, social justice, gender equality, the politics of language – the world Alis Hawkins creates is utterly compelling.

Though this is the second in the series it works very effectively as a standalone.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

[Phil Butcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second in a mystery series set in 1850s rural West Wales. As well as enjoying a good plot and characters I always learn something from this author. This time about mass emigration to the USA.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This probably dragged a bit in the end but it’s a series that deserves a bit more of a following. Plausible crimes and characters with an interesting setting in nineteenth century rural Wales that in the first two books at least have touched on significant historical events or trends that aren’t particularly well known. This storyline was even more interesting to me as some of my family actually emigrated to the US during these times (which obviously didn’t work out as I was born in the UK and not there…) so it was fun to get a bit of a background as to how that may have come about. Would certainly recommend to anyone who enjoys both crime and historical fiction and likes a story with a more realistic bent.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wales in the 1800s is a challenging place for Harry Probert - Lloyd, as unwilling heir to his elderly father and battling with diminishing sight. Having returned home from London where he worked as a lawyer, he is once again intent on finding out more about a death which defies easy explanation as acting coroner of Tefi Valley. In this, the second Teifi Valley Coroner novel, the odds seem even more stacked against Harry, as he insists on investigating the death of a mysterious man despite resistance from his father and the other magistrates who would prefer a quiet life. With only his assistant, John Davis for support, he is forced to enlist the help of a doctor with an interesting reputation and learn much about a scheme for would be emigrants. This second novel is an excellent stand alone read as well as a welcome return to Wales. I was honoured to be asked to read and review this book on its publication day.

The book opens with the exasperated Harry asking the reader “Is there any argument more futile than one with an aged parent?”. He is aware that he succeeded beyond expectations in his investigations into the death of Margaret Jones recently, but that does not help him to convince his father that his work as a coroner should continue. His father is only interested in the fact that Harry will in time inherit his estate of Glanteifi, and take on the traditional role and responsibilities of a major landowner. Harry is frustrated by his poor sight, as he can no longer have his independence and legal career in London, and is even dependent on the friendly housekeeper to read letters from Lydia, a spirited friend who is employed elsewhere. John Davis, who is beginning to understand some of the pressures on Harry, is nevertheless unhappy that neither his own employer or Harry appreciate the extent of his own ambition. He is aware of how to help Harry, guarding him from physical danger increased by his lack of sight and using his own judgement to further the investigation into a body which has been found on a beach. More mysteries emerge as the body’s face has been disfigured, and identifying a faceless man proves difficult. As the narration moves between John and Harry, we see how they are aware of the expectations placed on both of them, and just how difficult their tasks will be in a situation where no one is keen to show their hand.

This is a mature book which shows every confidence in being able to establish characters who have their own understanding of their situations, and how the physical setting of travelling by horse amid a challenging rural landscape affects the investigative process. Secrets, lies, pride and other barriers make this far from a straightforward murder mystery, and I once again learnt much about the legal system of the time. This is a totally absorbing book, as the narrative moves from crime to complicated family situations. I recommend it as a great read of real depth, and a another splendid tale of a man battling on all sorts of fronts to follow what he believes is the correct path. A really good read!

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

According to the blurb "Harry Probert-Lloyd, a young barrister forced home from London by encroaching blindness, has begun work as the acting coroner of Teifi Valley with solicitor's clerk John Davies as his assistant.
When a faceless body is found on an isolated beach, Harry must lead the inquest. But his dogged pursuit of the truth begins to ruffle feathers. Especially when he decided to work alongside a local doctor with a dubious reputation and experimental theories considered radical and dangerous. Refusing to accept easy answers might not only jeopardise Harry's chance to be elected coroner permanently but could, it seems implicate his own family in a crime.
Like her previous novel featuring Harry and John, the story is narrated by both characters and allows us readers to be shown the contrasts between their lives; the rich man and the poor man, their ideas and their prejudices and the interaction kept me rooting for both of them to find a way to work together in the future, in spite of their class differences. It also allows the complicated story to move along, the plot to unfolded seamlessly and keeps you guessing to the end
Knowing the area Alis Hawkins brings the old Cardiganshire to life and in this novel she explores the topic of Welsh emigration to America. I was also interested in the fact that one of the characters suffers dies from a brain tumour and the description of her suffering hit home as this has been experienced within my immediate family.
As stated in an Amazon review "this was simply a great story. The setting descriptions, the voices of the characters, the ‘feel’ of the period in which it was set, as well as the twists and turns in the plot, all added up to one great read." I couldn't put it down and my husband lost me for the day and I'm now eagerly waiting the next novel in the series.

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second of the Teifi Valley Coroner series - but can easily be read as a standalone so worry not if you haven't read None So Blind yet! - we are reunited with John and Harry as they combine their crime solving skills to get to the bottom of yet more intriguing deaths, and these deaths are a little more gruesome this time round so pose quite a challenge for them to get to the bottom of.

Harry is going blind, so relies on John to be his eyes and they work so well as a team that Harry wonders how he'd cope without his trusty sidekick! His father would much prefer he lived a quieter life, but Harry is driven by the need to carry on with his work so does all he can to prove how valuable he is especially when faced with such intriguing cases - no ID on the first victim, and no skin on his face either - doesn't make it easy to identify him.

What I love about Harry and John is although they work so well together, they are also fascinating characters when working under their own steam. Their stories are told in alternating points of view and allows them to spread their wings a little and cover more ground in getting to the bottom of various threads. They aren't afraid of using unconventional methods in their thorough investigations and I just loved how dogged and persistent they both are in their quest to uncover the truth - despite the interference of others!

As with the first in this series, this book really transports you back to a dark and gritty Wales in the 19th Century and deals with the darker sides of life, especially when they start to uncover the truth behind the victim and how his story goes a lot deeper than any of them could have imagined.

A gritty and stylish piece of historical crime fiction - more please!!!

[Karen Huxtable · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Wales and I was delighted when I was invited to take part in the Blog Tour for this interesting and well written book.
Thank you to Emily at Dome Press for my gifted copy of the book in return for a fair and honest review.
'In Two Minds' picks up from Book one in the series 'None so Blind' but can be read as a standalone novel.

Harry has returned home to Wales due to his failing sight and his father is pushing for him to take over the family seat of Glentefi but Harry is determined to continue with his career as a coroner.
He takes the job as acting coroner  and enlists the assistance of John Davies an ambitious solicitors’ clerk to be his eyes in the investigation of a faceless body found on a beach.

Harry is not happy just to accept that this man died of natural causes and he asks Benton Reckitt a Doctor who is seen as an unconventional member of community by many, to carry out the autopsy.
The locals are not happy when Harry starts to dig into the cause of death of the man and when American coins are found in his pockets the identity of the man and the story takes a new turn.

I really liked the characters in the book and the developing relationship between Harry and John which to me is a kind of Holmes and Watson dynamic.  Both are ambitious men who are not about to let their circumstances hold them back from their chosen careers.

I really enjoyed the setting the detail around the crime  procedures that take place and the unravelling of the plot.

This is a real treat for fans of historical novels with the added bonus of a crime to be solved.

[Catherine McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable read from Alis Hawkins. Sometimes, having read a book, I pause to consider what did (or didn’t) make it work for me as a reader. At times, that’s a difficult answer to pin down as there are so many possibilities.
Crime fiction is not a genre I read widely – never has been – but Alis Hawkins’ historical crime series holds a special place in my heart, and that, I believe, is down to the reading trait of connections.
Regardless of the time period in which a book is set, as a reader I must connect with the story in some way in order to get the most from it. In the case of ‘In Two Minds’ that is exactly what happened.
For one, the story is set in my home town, and although it is fictional, I could tell that the research was thorough. This brought the old Cardiganshire to life for me. There were moments of pure connection, for example, her description of the stink from the gully near the Mwldan. But more than that, the topic of Welsh emigration to America and even the subject of brain tumours all hit home, all having been experienced within my immediate family.
Aside from the ability to make connections though, this was simply a great story. The setting descriptions, the voices of the characters, the ‘feel’ of the period in which it was set, as well as the twists and turns in the plot, all added up to one great read.
Can’t wait for book 3!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like its predecessor, this second outing for Harry Probert-Lloyd - now in the role of acting coroner - almost turns the pages by itself. This time, Harry & his assistant, John Davies, continue their partnership which is gradually becoming a friendship as much as a working relationship.

After an apparently unrecognisable body is discovered on a beach, Harry is called on to head up the inquest. Inquests are costly processes & everyone wants a swift resolution: ends tied up, nothing to see here. This however, is not Harry’s modus operandi. Dogged by nature & hoping to secure the permanent role of coroner he & John begin what turns into a complex & fascinating investigation into the death of man surrounded by secrets & invested interests.

Once again, the pages are peopled by rounded, finely imagine characters. I was captivated by them all. Not least the rather wonderful creation of Dr Ricketts, a man of science, stern, focused & intolerant of ignorance. This is a story which never loses its immediacy, never flags & delivers, chapter after chapter. Once again Alis Hawkins has written a book redolent with research. Between the lines of the exciting narrative, lies another fascinating history lesson. This author is rapidly becoming one whose books I eagerly await. Highly recommended.

[Lucy Lennox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry and John continue their partnership as they solve another murder and Harry decides if he is going to stand for election as coroner. As in the first book, there is an amazing amount of detail that gives a sense of time and place. Class distinctions are part of every interaction and always on the minds of every character, something too many modern authors forget. Also so great how the characters are always thinking about how to care for their horses--so many people think horses are like cars, you just forget about them when you're not riding, but that's not true. All the attention to detail about the weather, housekeeping, food, clothing, makes the book seem so much more real.

The theme this time around as the title suggests is the mind--how a person can be altered by a brain tumor, a stroke, or depression. The mystery is complex but feels natural, not contrived. It's great to see John grow in confidence after the first book, and the conflicts between him and Harry also feel real. Harry's blindness is not as much in the forefront as in the first book but is still treated very realistically. I like that it's just a part of his life, not something that determines his entire character or a metaphor for something else.

This is very much as series as there are many plot points between books, and it's best to read them all in order.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going blind, Henry Probert-Lloyd is. So he's come home -- and the post of Coroner has dropped into his lap, as it were. He can do this -- if he has help, to be his eyes. And that's what John Davies can do, albeit a bit reluctantly. And thus In Two Minds is off, to uncover the identity of a man found murdered on the Tresaith beach and then of course to find the reason for that murder.

In between, readers are treated to the whys and wherefores of the lives of Probert-Lloyd and Davies; the rich man and the poor man, their ideas and their prejudices both. Can they work together? Do they want to? I wasn't that much of a fan of the "conflicting" chapters, but they do serve to move the story along, and it was a complicated one that took some telling.

Looking forward to finding out how the coroner campaign comes out. And does the renegade doctor have something he can do for Henry's eyes? is that in the offing?

[Sinéad · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading None So Blind with my book club and thoroughly enjoying it, I was keen to catch up with Harry Probert Lloyd and John Davies in this second installment of the series.

Once again, I had a really enjoyable reading experience. Alis Hawkins again creates a wonderful sense of place, transporting the reader to 19th century Cardiganshire with great descriptions of the Welsh county. The theme of immigration was also really interesting as I didn’t know much about Welsh immigration to America in the 19th century and as with None So Blind, the book provides great insight into how unexplained deaths were handled in the 19th century when the police force was in its infancy. The developing dynamic between Harry and John also really complemented the storyline and I look forward to seeing how their friendship evolves in the next book. Overall, this was a really entertaining piece of historical crime fiction. Looking forward to the next one!

[Norma Laming · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I love the narration. It pulls me in and brings the characters alive. At times it seems a little mournful but that also fits the story. I enjoy the development of the characters and the plot outline; gripping from the very beginning. The introduction of the new Dr is a good triangulation point, as is the dramatic arrival right at the end of the novel. Whilst I enjoy the tension between Harry and John, I do hope that they can find a way to work together where different skills and characteristics complement each other. At the moment, it does seem as though Harry is there simply to provide John with social standing and employment whilst John could do everything, had he only Harry’s status. Everybody seems to lecture Harry about societal ills, whilst John resents but doesn’t apparently like or respect him. Given Harry’s poor eyesight, the essential feature of the series, I’d like it if he has something to contribute from his own character and personality.

[Lauren-Tess Anderson-Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

In two minds is the follow up to None so blind, though you could read them as standalones.

This book I found to be atmospheric, it is set in Wales in the 1800s. It had great descriptions and really set everything for me.

Alis has created some strong characters especially in Harry Probert-Llyod and John Davies. Both kept my interest throughout.

I found this book to be intriguing, when I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about it and just what may come our way next and exactly how things would eventually plan out.

On all accounts, this book is definitely a slow burner but it works perfectly for this particular book and its plotline.

Definitely recommended for all historical crime fans.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very enjoyable

I was very interested to see that my favourite author, Phil Rickman, had recommended the Teifi Valley Coroner series. I read and enjoyed the first one and thoroughly enjoyed this one too, so I am pleased to see that there are some more to look forward to. I like being in the company of Harry and John, and appreciate the twists and turns of the plots. Thank you, Alis.

[Maria Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner

This is an excellent second outing for Harry and John. The story moves along at pace with descriptive narrative that transports the reader easily into the lives of the characters. The plot unfolded seamlessly and kept me guessing to the end

[Rosie Claverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent sequel to None So Blind, with a deepening of Harry and John's relationship alongside the central mystery, weaving the stories of character and setting together to form a compelling narrative.

[Anna Burgess · Rating 5 out of 5]

loving this series. It is beautifully written with some lovely descriptive scenes, plus a good whodunnit plot!!

[Sue Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this historical crime novel. The second in the Teifi valley coroner series we spend the narrative with Harry, heir to the Probert-Lloyd estate and John, a solicitors clerk who becomes Harry’s trusted assistant.
There’s so much to love about this book - the personal lives of Harry, refusing to let his decreasing vision hold him back as he tries to position himself to be chosen as a permanent coroner rather than his acting position. Torn between his duties as acting coroner and his need to be with his father who has suffered a stroke, the author captures his emotional conflict brilliantly, at the same time introducing us to some gritty characters, such as the shunned Dr Reckitt - brilliant, but not held in high regard throughout the community.
The personal dramas play out and around the main plot - who is the faceless man washed up on Tresaith beach and how did he die?
The narrative encompasses the wave of emigration to Ohio, and the very real tensions and emotions played out against a backdrop of poverty and privilege.
Recommended read

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m way into this series now, and I’m reading them faster than I can write reviews. All the story and setting setup was established in the first book, so this one is mostly Harry and John riding around and talking to people. There’s a level of emo-ness to both Harry and John that I love. There’s a new medical examiner in this one who went to the Dr. Temperance Brennan school of autism and stole the show every time he was on page. Society hates him because he’s too based, therefore our favorite eccentric blind gentleman coroner hangs out with him all the time. He’s constantly cutting people open or whatever. He’s my favorite. I know there’s only four books in the series, but I would read an unlimited amount of these books.

Highly recommend if you like character-focused historical fiction with a very strong sense of place. Highly recommend the audiobook, the whole series is available on Kobo Plus. One of the best narrators I’ve ever heard.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series for a book group a few years ago and remember enjoying it, but I think this one is slightly better. Hawkins weaves some interesting social and ethical questions about justice, equality, and the balance between medical experiment and patient care into her narrative, but in a very subtle way. You never feel as if you are being hit over the head with facts! Harry and John are believable and sympathetic main characters, and I appreciate the way in which minor characters are rounded out too.

The story was well plotted although I felt the resolution could have been stronger. The main characters' internal monologues about their future plans did get a bit repetitive after a while, and it would be helpful to have more distinction between their narrative voices, especially when the storytelling keeps swapping between them. These things mean it doesn't quite reach the 5 star mark, but it's fairly close.

[Kitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Two Minds - written in alternative chapters between Harry/Henry and John. It took me a while to get it - and it makes the reading hard to get in to - but it does give 2 1st person narrative view points and what they are thinking. way too contrived and messy - they are not that different from each other - and all it does is make you frustrated that they need to talk to each other properly!
It is a slow read. Beautiful depictions of the landscape - life at the time - historical placement - and all the shenanigans going on.
It's not a nail biter - the resolution when it comes - comes out of nowhere from a side character that has barely been fleshed out and not noticeable before.
It is - however - a lovely, cosy, and very pleasant read that I enjoyed - and I would give the rest of the series a go.

[Si Clarke · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing I don't like about romance is the will-they-won't-they and all the miscommunication that goes along with it. It always seems to involve people willing the other party to know what they want without actually saying it – and then getting angry when they don't. Or assuming they know what the other party wants and acting on it without confirming anything. It stresses me out.

This story is not a romance, but the relationship between Harry and John has all the elements described above.

The writing style is excellent. The characters are compelling. The historical setting is rich and vivid. The plot is well thought out. But the 'nomance' stressed me out much more than in the first book. It think they've finally worked past things and I hope there won't be much of that in the next book.

[Helen Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story that (as it happens) is set in two of my favourite places in the world: Tresaith and Cardigan. The author transports you back to West Wales in the mid 1800s so expertly that you frequently forget that this book is indeed written by a contemporary author. Alis Hawkins has a really delicate touch. I am loving the series so far and shall definitely buy the third. Highly recommended to lovers of historical fiction and crime mystery.