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Inspector David Graham #8
The Case of Sampson's Leap
A confounding case in the present. A precipitous puzzle from the past...
Inspector David Graham knows all about history. After moving to the island of Jersey to recover from a tragic loss, he has done his best to leave painful memories behind. But sometimes it is not so easy to forget...
When Mia, a promising young actress, turns up dead beneath the jagged cliffs known as Sampson’s Leap, suicide seems the obvious answer. But after Inspector Graham interviews the victim’s conniving clan of associates, he’s not so sure. Jealousy, greed, drugs... With friends like these, who needs enemies?
Mia's mysterious death also shines a light on a far older case... The murder of three women, nearly two centuries ago. New evidence suggests that investigative rigor may not have been applied.
Can the dogged Inspector uncover the truth of Mia’s fate? Can a historical injustice be laid to rest? And can Graham finally reveal the secrets hiding in his own heart to the woman who knows him best...?
Inspector David Graham knows all about history. After moving to the island of Jersey to recover from a tragic loss, he has done his best to leave painful memories behind. But sometimes it is not so easy to forget...
When Mia, a promising young actress, turns up dead beneath the jagged cliffs known as Sampson’s Leap, suicide seems the obvious answer. But after Inspector Graham interviews the victim’s conniving clan of associates, he’s not so sure. Jealousy, greed, drugs... With friends like these, who needs enemies?
Mia's mysterious death also shines a light on a far older case... The murder of three women, nearly two centuries ago. New evidence suggests that investigative rigor may not have been applied.
Can the dogged Inspector uncover the truth of Mia’s fate? Can a historical injustice be laid to rest? And can Graham finally reveal the secrets hiding in his own heart to the woman who knows him best...?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2021
275 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Alison Golden
105 books332 followersAlison Golden is the USA Today bestselling author of the Inspector David Graham mysteries, a traditional British detective series, and two cozy mystery series featuring main characters Reverend Annabelle Dixon and Roxy Reinhardt. As A. J. Golden, she writes the Diana Hunter thriller series.
Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.
Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.
To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.
Alison was raised in Bedfordshire, England. Her aim is to write stories that are designed to entertain, amuse, and calm. Her approach is to combine creative ideas with excellent writing and edit, edit, edit. Alison’s mission is simple: To write excellent books that have readers clamoring for more.
Alison is based in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and twin sons. She splits her time between London and San Francisco.
To receive three free books, updates about new releases, exclusive promotions, and other insider information, sign up at: http://www.alisongolden.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 31, 2021
A complicated mystery that Inspector Graham and his team must solve before a local holiday brings an influx of tourists to Gorey. Inspector Graham and his team must consider the death of a young woman to be murder, accident or suicide. A twisted plot with strong undercurrents between the main suspects keep the team busy trying to discern the truth. There's a secondary mystery surrounding the local holiday that Freddy investigates which brings surprising answers for the Gorey community. A first rate addition to the series.
October 26, 2021
Another superb mystery set in the picturesque town of Gorey. When a promising young actress is found dead beneath the jagged cliffs know as Sampson’s Leap, Inspector Graham and his team are back in action using their individual strengths and skills to solve the mystery. I love all of these characters.
That this death takes place at Sampson’s Leap at a time close to the town’s anniversary of Sampson’s Leap highlights that mystery as well. Almost two centuries ago, three women died, and it was believed that a man named Charles Sampson was responsible. However, the discovery of old documents adds questions to that verdict.
I am enamored with the characters of this series. Watching them grow and their lives unfold as they solve mysteries makes this so much more than a mystery series. I highly recommend this book and this series.
That this death takes place at Sampson’s Leap at a time close to the town’s anniversary of Sampson’s Leap highlights that mystery as well. Almost two centuries ago, three women died, and it was believed that a man named Charles Sampson was responsible. However, the discovery of old documents adds questions to that verdict.
I am enamored with the characters of this series. Watching them grow and their lives unfold as they solve mysteries makes this so much more than a mystery series. I highly recommend this book and this series.
November 2, 2021
The discovery of the body of Mia Thorne at the infamous and deadly Sampson's Leap has rattled the residents of Gorey. Mia was here with fellow university students to tell the story of Charles Sampson and his death. She was a talented actress who had her whole life in front of her. Had she jumped or had someone pushed her over the cliff? Inspector Graham and his team need to find the answer to that question. I knew how difficult that would be, but I knew if anyone can do that it would be Inspector Graham. The 175th anniversary of the leap of Charles Sampson added an interesting parallel. It was fascinating. I couldn't put this book down. Alison Golden has written a wonderful mystery within a mystery. All the characters are given their turn in the spotlight even Freddie. I felt that Inspector David Graham had grown and was facing his past and his tragic loss. I'm so glad that he's moving forward with his life. Laura is a wonderful woman. They are a wonderful couple. I'm a fan of this series and I can't wait to see what happens next.
March 13, 2024
A centuries old crime and a new crime bring out the citizens of Gorey. The town itself becomes a character in this novel.
October 29, 2021
A well-written mystery that plays fair with the reader
Detective Inspector Graham is faced with a mysterious death that is connected with a student film and a local legend. Was it murder, suicide, or something else? As with all of the series the character interactions make the story a fascinating study in detection and life. I got an Advanced Review Copy and then bought the book as I want to encourage more works by the author. I think there is no stronger recommendation I could write than it was good enough to buy after having read the book.
Detective Inspector Graham is faced with a mysterious death that is connected with a student film and a local legend. Was it murder, suicide, or something else? As with all of the series the character interactions make the story a fascinating study in detection and life. I got an Advanced Review Copy and then bought the book as I want to encourage more works by the author. I think there is no stronger recommendation I could write than it was good enough to buy after having read the book.
January 12, 2022
"I still don't know if she jumped, fell, or was pushed. Suicide, accident, or murder."
The Case of Sampson's Leap by Alison Golden is the eighth book in the Inspector David Graham Mystery Series and my – what – sixth book for Golden.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Inspector David Graham Mystery Series, it's fast; it's addictive; and you can't help but adore Graham.
Each book in the Inspector David Graham Mystery Series can be read as a standalone. So if you start at book 6 or 8, you don't have to worry about not reading the previous books, although I highly recommend them.
The Case of Sampson's Leap comprises 75 short chapters, making the book super-fast-paced. It opens with the death of a film student, Mia Thorne.
But as Inspector Graham and his team investigate and interview her friends, they find themselves in a super thick web of endless lies.
"To a woman like Mia Thorne, Noah Stimms was merely a toy, a dim foil, a moth to a flame, fluttering pointlessly but eternally hopeful around it until, eventually, he got zapped in a flash of scorching heat and acrid smoke. Mightier men had met similar fates with much the same outcome."
At the same time, the island of Gorey is nearing its bicentenary of Sampson's Leap. Sampson, an apothecary – a pharmacist, was accused of murdering three women. When the townspeople gave him the choice to either jump from a hill into the raging sea or be killed, he took the first option, only to jump and survive.
So the townspeople forced him to jump a second time and that was the end of Sampson. But the area where he had jumped had been named Sampson's Leap ever since.
Although the story focuses on Mia's death, we also get bits of history and new evidence comes to light about the 200-year-old Sampson case. After all, both incidents are related to the area known as 'Sampson's Leap.'
When reading The Case of Sampson's Leap, you'll share the police's irritation at the continuous dead ends. Still it's impossible to put this book down. I finished it in 2 or 3 sittings!
Having read several books in this series, there's significant character development for everyone. While David Graham is fully-developed character, his team began book 1 as a group of newbie officers. Now in book 8, they're smarter, faster, and more creative.
"Graham fixed Noah with a look that would have dented body armor."
Alison Golden expertly juggles two mysteries in The Case of Sampson's Leap, leaving readers curious on both ends.
Overall rating for The Case of Sampson's Leap by Alison Golden: 5 stars.
Note: I received a free copy of The Case of Sampson's Leap from its author Alison Golden being a part of her street team. This did not in any way influence my review of the book. I was already a big fan!
And while I originally finished the book in the allotted time, I had a reviewing-block (spent 7 months not writing book reviews). Hence my review is coming quite late.
The Case of Sampson's Leap by Alison Golden is the eighth book in the Inspector David Graham Mystery Series and my – what – sixth book for Golden.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Inspector David Graham Mystery Series, it's fast; it's addictive; and you can't help but adore Graham.
Each book in the Inspector David Graham Mystery Series can be read as a standalone. So if you start at book 6 or 8, you don't have to worry about not reading the previous books, although I highly recommend them.
The Case of Sampson's Leap comprises 75 short chapters, making the book super-fast-paced. It opens with the death of a film student, Mia Thorne.
But as Inspector Graham and his team investigate and interview her friends, they find themselves in a super thick web of endless lies.
"To a woman like Mia Thorne, Noah Stimms was merely a toy, a dim foil, a moth to a flame, fluttering pointlessly but eternally hopeful around it until, eventually, he got zapped in a flash of scorching heat and acrid smoke. Mightier men had met similar fates with much the same outcome."
At the same time, the island of Gorey is nearing its bicentenary of Sampson's Leap. Sampson, an apothecary – a pharmacist, was accused of murdering three women. When the townspeople gave him the choice to either jump from a hill into the raging sea or be killed, he took the first option, only to jump and survive.
So the townspeople forced him to jump a second time and that was the end of Sampson. But the area where he had jumped had been named Sampson's Leap ever since.
Although the story focuses on Mia's death, we also get bits of history and new evidence comes to light about the 200-year-old Sampson case. After all, both incidents are related to the area known as 'Sampson's Leap.'
When reading The Case of Sampson's Leap, you'll share the police's irritation at the continuous dead ends. Still it's impossible to put this book down. I finished it in 2 or 3 sittings!
Having read several books in this series, there's significant character development for everyone. While David Graham is fully-developed character, his team began book 1 as a group of newbie officers. Now in book 8, they're smarter, faster, and more creative.
"Graham fixed Noah with a look that would have dented body armor."
Alison Golden expertly juggles two mysteries in The Case of Sampson's Leap, leaving readers curious on both ends.
Overall rating for The Case of Sampson's Leap by Alison Golden: 5 stars.
Note: I received a free copy of The Case of Sampson's Leap from its author Alison Golden being a part of her street team. This did not in any way influence my review of the book. I was already a big fan!
And while I originally finished the book in the allotted time, I had a reviewing-block (spent 7 months not writing book reviews). Hence my review is coming quite late.
November 7, 2021
Welcome Back!!!
Inspector Graham is back!!!
I have read each and every entry in this series and have always enjoyed the latest installment even more than the previous one.
Sampson’s Leap is no exception.
Each book continues to hold my attention from beginning to end. There are no “slow” periods wherein your interest might wane or you might possibly wish to skip a few sections.
The characters and their relationships continue to develop which I find to be extremely important.
If you haven’t read every book about Inspector Graham, do yourself a favor and do exactly that. You will be very happy you did so and anxiously await the next novel - like I always do.
Graham and the team are involved this time in solving the case of a dead body found at the bottom of a high cliff overlooking a rocky landing and the ocean.
Was it an accident, suicide, or murder? If it was a murder, was it someone from her group, one of the two Aussie surfers who are also filming - about surfing and the upcoming weekend commemoration of Mr Sampson’s plight - or a total stranger?
The young lady was part of a small group of students filming a short piece as a project for their university assignment.
Almost 175 years ago a local apothecary was accused by the community of killing three women, found guilty by what served as the judiciary system at the time and given the choice of leaping from the cliff or being thrown off by the locals.
Mr Sampson the accused- well you should read book.
Inspector Graham’s “favorite” blogger (Freddie Solomon) plays an interesting role, as Graham and the local librarian (Laura) further develop their relationship. Laura too plays a role throughout.
The entire team plays part as we watch their characters, relationships, and private lives evolve.
Maybe we’ll even learn more about the 175 year old Sampson case…
DO NOT MISS THIS ONE and YOU WILL BE EXTREMELY HAPPY YOU DIDN’T!
Inspector Graham is back!!!
I have read each and every entry in this series and have always enjoyed the latest installment even more than the previous one.
Sampson’s Leap is no exception.
Each book continues to hold my attention from beginning to end. There are no “slow” periods wherein your interest might wane or you might possibly wish to skip a few sections.
The characters and their relationships continue to develop which I find to be extremely important.
If you haven’t read every book about Inspector Graham, do yourself a favor and do exactly that. You will be very happy you did so and anxiously await the next novel - like I always do.
Graham and the team are involved this time in solving the case of a dead body found at the bottom of a high cliff overlooking a rocky landing and the ocean.
Was it an accident, suicide, or murder? If it was a murder, was it someone from her group, one of the two Aussie surfers who are also filming - about surfing and the upcoming weekend commemoration of Mr Sampson’s plight - or a total stranger?
The young lady was part of a small group of students filming a short piece as a project for their university assignment.
Almost 175 years ago a local apothecary was accused by the community of killing three women, found guilty by what served as the judiciary system at the time and given the choice of leaping from the cliff or being thrown off by the locals.
Mr Sampson the accused- well you should read book.
Inspector Graham’s “favorite” blogger (Freddie Solomon) plays an interesting role, as Graham and the local librarian (Laura) further develop their relationship. Laura too plays a role throughout.
The entire team plays part as we watch their characters, relationships, and private lives evolve.
Maybe we’ll even learn more about the 175 year old Sampson case…
DO NOT MISS THIS ONE and YOU WILL BE EXTREMELY HAPPY YOU DIDN’T!
October 27, 2021
Freddie Solomon is guiding a group of tourists in an area known as Sampson's Leap. Almost two centuries earlier, Charles Sampson had been coerced into jumping to his death for the murder of three women. While speaking of the historic details, one of the tourists spies a body in period clothing on the rocks at the foot of the cliff. Some university students are in the area to make a film commemorating the anniversary of the event. The filming would only be at the top of the cliff, not where the body was lying.
The body is that if Mia Thorne, a 21-year old actress who was starring in the story being filmed by the university students. Regis Nosworthy, one of the Australian surfers, admitted he was with Mia at Sampson's Cove, but insists she was alive when he left. The death of such a young lady has unleashed some old demons for Inspector Graham. All of the people involved claim to have alibis, but they do not completely cover the entire time frame of the death. So the question becomes who, if anybody, is telling the truth?
Could Mia's death have been an accident or was she murdered? If murder, who had a motive and opportunity? How does this death relate to Sampson's death almost 200 years earlier? Can Inspector Graham untangle the lies and half-truths to uncover the truth?
Alison Golden has another wonderful mystery involving history and current affairs. The characters feel like people you might encounter in the normal course of life and the situations are vividly detailed. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged clear to the end. I am anxiously looking forward to more of the fantastic Inspector Graham mysteries.
The body is that if Mia Thorne, a 21-year old actress who was starring in the story being filmed by the university students. Regis Nosworthy, one of the Australian surfers, admitted he was with Mia at Sampson's Cove, but insists she was alive when he left. The death of such a young lady has unleashed some old demons for Inspector Graham. All of the people involved claim to have alibis, but they do not completely cover the entire time frame of the death. So the question becomes who, if anybody, is telling the truth?
Could Mia's death have been an accident or was she murdered? If murder, who had a motive and opportunity? How does this death relate to Sampson's death almost 200 years earlier? Can Inspector Graham untangle the lies and half-truths to uncover the truth?
Alison Golden has another wonderful mystery involving history and current affairs. The characters feel like people you might encounter in the normal course of life and the situations are vividly detailed. There are plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader engaged clear to the end. I am anxiously looking forward to more of the fantastic Inspector Graham mysteries.
October 27, 2021
Sampson’s leap tells the story in hind sight of Charles Villiars Sampson. An apothacarian (Now days he would be a pharmacists), who was given the choice in the mid-eighteen hundred’s to either leap off a 500 ft ledge to his death, or be pushed off the ledge by an angry mob who blamed him for the extremely painful death of three young ladies in their early twenty’s. They had to get him over the ledge twice in order to actually kill him as the first time didn’t take.
More clues appear from some journals left behind by one of the members at the time of Charles death that actually throw some doubt as to whether he was actually guilty or not.
These were discovered as the body of an actress dressed in period costume was discovered at the bottom of the same cliff that Charles was tossed off of. She was part of a crew of five (four classmates and one of their sisters) filming a piece for graduation credit on the history of the “Sampson’s Leap” festival that was becoming more popular than in times past.
Now Inspector Graham get to investigate and determine if it was a simple suicide, or did the young lady have help going over the cliff from one of her “friends” that was in the film project that may have had a grudge against her as she was a very talented actress and would very likely be making a name for herself in the near future.
This is the 8th book in the Inspector Graham Mystery series, and I think it is probably the best one yet.
This story draws you in and keeps you in throughout.
David Graham is also faces a past tragedy in his personal life that needs to be resolved for him to have a better relationship with his librarian girlfriend.
More clues appear from some journals left behind by one of the members at the time of Charles death that actually throw some doubt as to whether he was actually guilty or not.
These were discovered as the body of an actress dressed in period costume was discovered at the bottom of the same cliff that Charles was tossed off of. She was part of a crew of five (four classmates and one of their sisters) filming a piece for graduation credit on the history of the “Sampson’s Leap” festival that was becoming more popular than in times past.
Now Inspector Graham get to investigate and determine if it was a simple suicide, or did the young lady have help going over the cliff from one of her “friends” that was in the film project that may have had a grudge against her as she was a very talented actress and would very likely be making a name for herself in the near future.
This is the 8th book in the Inspector Graham Mystery series, and I think it is probably the best one yet.
This story draws you in and keeps you in throughout.
David Graham is also faces a past tragedy in his personal life that needs to be resolved for him to have a better relationship with his librarian girlfriend.
March 7, 2024
I loved this book. There was so much happening on the small island of Jersey that I was captivated until the very end. Solving a murder for Inspector David Graham and his team is not enough, they also have to rewrite history and what a way to do it. I love this series and have no problem picturing the scenes and jumping right into the mystery alongside the delightful characters. The mix of old and new techniques to solve the cases, such as crowd sourcing and reading old diaries worked well together to get the job done, in an interesting way. I like the epilogue at the end of the story where the author wraps everything up and tells you what happens to the characters, it's a fun way to finish. The mystery was good with plenty of suspects and despite having a good guess who the killer was the author still had a few tricks and surprises up her sleeve. I can't wait for the next case.
The tells of Sampson's leap is legendary on the small island of Jersey and with the anniversary of that fateful day a group of college students decide to make a film about it. Unfortunately it seems one takes it to far and ends up dead at the bottom of the same cliff. Was she pushed or did she jump? And if she did jump, why is she still wearing the uncomfortable period costume? Inspector David Graham and his team will have to answer those questions and others if they hope to get to the bottom of the death.
I like the narrator. He is a good choice for the series and is excellent at giving each character a voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
The tells of Sampson's leap is legendary on the small island of Jersey and with the anniversary of that fateful day a group of college students decide to make a film about it. Unfortunately it seems one takes it to far and ends up dead at the bottom of the same cliff. Was she pushed or did she jump? And if she did jump, why is she still wearing the uncomfortable period costume? Inspector David Graham and his team will have to answer those questions and others if they hope to get to the bottom of the death.
I like the narrator. He is a good choice for the series and is excellent at giving each character a voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 13, 2021
The Inspector David Graham series have all been really enjoyable reads so far, and this book continues that trend.
There are several aspects of Alison Golden's writing that I enjoy and they are: firstly the characters, all her characters are believable and fully developed, this is especially true of Inspector Graham's team, there are no stereotypes here, they are all original people with their own quirks and qualities; secondly there are the plots, they are always complex, but never in such a way that the reader feels out of their depth, and in this book there are lots of red herrings to keep things very interesting; finally there is feeling of location, the series is set on Jersey, a place I have been fortunate enough to visit and it is really described well, especially the small island mentality.
In this story a university film-making team are filming a reconstruction of a historical event featuring a cliff called 'Sampson's Leap' when one of their number takes a similar leap. The young woman's death raises a spectre from Graham's past, will this colour his judgement? read the book to find out.
This is a classic detective/police procedural written by an author who really knows her stuff and definitely knows how to write, and it shows.
I am fortunate enough to be on Alison Golden's advance reader team so I did get a complimentary copy of this book, but I have voluntarily written this honest review.
There are several aspects of Alison Golden's writing that I enjoy and they are: firstly the characters, all her characters are believable and fully developed, this is especially true of Inspector Graham's team, there are no stereotypes here, they are all original people with their own quirks and qualities; secondly there are the plots, they are always complex, but never in such a way that the reader feels out of their depth, and in this book there are lots of red herrings to keep things very interesting; finally there is feeling of location, the series is set on Jersey, a place I have been fortunate enough to visit and it is really described well, especially the small island mentality.
In this story a university film-making team are filming a reconstruction of a historical event featuring a cliff called 'Sampson's Leap' when one of their number takes a similar leap. The young woman's death raises a spectre from Graham's past, will this colour his judgement? read the book to find out.
This is a classic detective/police procedural written by an author who really knows her stuff and definitely knows how to write, and it shows.
I am fortunate enough to be on Alison Golden's advance reader team so I did get a complimentary copy of this book, but I have voluntarily written this honest review.
October 26, 2021
This is a really wonderful series and not to be missed. In this book, Inspector Graham is faced with two mysteries as well as having to release the pain in his heart and bring in the love of his life on the tragedy he has been through that still is fresh in his memory. When a college movie crew comes to town to film a school project about Sampson's Leap the Inspector and his crew are faced with a murder. When one of the actresses, Mia is found dead at the bottom of Sampson's Leap, it is up to the inspector and his crew to figure out whether it was suicide or murder. With all kinds of information on the personality and character of the actress, Graham has his hands full. Add to that, the punishment for nosy Freddy is that he is made to catalogue some old papers in the library where Laura, Graham's girlfriend works, in order to find some history about the judgment against Sampson who was said to have killed three women and made to leap to his death. This book has it all, an old possible murder, a present murder, drugs, jealousy, crazy characters and twists and turns that take you right to the end. What a great read. What a really good series! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
October 27, 2021
Is it an accident, suicide or murder? We read clues that lead to all three scenarios, but which is correct? Inspector Graham and his very capable crew discover many clues for motive and opportunity, but which one will lead them to the correct conclusion? None of them are strong enough to make an arrest. As usual in her books, the author is continuing her character development and David is allowing his crew to pursue their own leads.
As Inspector Graham studies the clues to her death, they also stir many unhappy memories in his personal life. He needs to explain his moods, but can he make himself do it? While David works on his current case, Laura is aided in her search for the truth behind the legend of Sampson’s Leap by a blogger sentenced to public service hours by David. Can boxes of old documents lead to the truth? Can there be similarities between the almost 200 year old case and the current one? Will Roach pass his Detective Sergeant exam? Will Janice finally set a wedding date? Constable Barnwell brings a new member to the Gorey force. Is it a hint to the plot of the next novel in this series?
As Inspector Graham studies the clues to her death, they also stir many unhappy memories in his personal life. He needs to explain his moods, but can he make himself do it? While David works on his current case, Laura is aided in her search for the truth behind the legend of Sampson’s Leap by a blogger sentenced to public service hours by David. Can boxes of old documents lead to the truth? Can there be similarities between the almost 200 year old case and the current one? Will Roach pass his Detective Sergeant exam? Will Janice finally set a wedding date? Constable Barnwell brings a new member to the Gorey force. Is it a hint to the plot of the next novel in this series?
November 15, 2021
THE CASE OF SAMPSON’S LEAP
I read this cozy murder mystery for the author, Alison Golden before they officially released it for the public intending to give a fair review. This is free if you have Kindle Unlimited and I do.
The start of the book starts out interestingly with the demise of a young lady, Mia dressed in period clothing of the Victorian era, for a play of which she is acting. Something goes terribly wrong and we find the young lady dead after going over the very high cliff. Now the question is, did she accidentally fall, was she pushed over the cliff? Did she commit suicide and throw herself over the cliff? We have a group of young adults to whom we associate this young dead woman with because of the play, but they are very closed mouthed. This makes the investigation frustrating for inspector Graham and his team. The who, what and where mysteries are turned upside down and sideways trying to determine the true cause of death. This mystery is not solved overnight. The case is complicated and twisted.
I read this cozy murder mystery for the author, Alison Golden before they officially released it for the public intending to give a fair review. This is free if you have Kindle Unlimited and I do.
The start of the book starts out interestingly with the demise of a young lady, Mia dressed in period clothing of the Victorian era, for a play of which she is acting. Something goes terribly wrong and we find the young lady dead after going over the very high cliff. Now the question is, did she accidentally fall, was she pushed over the cliff? Did she commit suicide and throw herself over the cliff? We have a group of young adults to whom we associate this young dead woman with because of the play, but they are very closed mouthed. This makes the investigation frustrating for inspector Graham and his team. The who, what and where mysteries are turned upside down and sideways trying to determine the true cause of death. This mystery is not solved overnight. The case is complicated and twisted.
May 15, 2022
This is the latest available in this series, and was one of the best I think. While some terrible things happen in these stories (murders etc) the way they are presented is more in the line of Agatha Christie in the somewhat more light-hearted approach- there is humor and the quirks and foibles of the locals and their resident constabulary. There are also the story arcs of the police officers and their lives, which gives you another angle and makes the characters better rounded. This story also gives us some light at the end of the tunnel for Detective Inspector Graham's personal life, and we are very pleased with that. The author has promised us another book and I am happily awaiting it. Recommended for an entertaining small town murder mystery in a somewhat modern setting (similar to the Hamish Macbeth series by MC Beaton). The culprit is often a surprise but never unbelievable. We have a typical reveal/climax at the end, and the author always gives us a really great epilogue which follows up on what happened to the various characters/criminals after the end.
October 31, 2023
Call it a cozy police procedural series. Again we have a cast of endearing characters and a perplexing death for Graham and his team to solve. It seems to be suicide, but was it really? All the evidence they can find is inconclusive. A local blogger -- and not one to miss an opportunity -- found the dead girl with a group of tourists and, for his trouble, is sited by the Inspector and given community service.
Meanwhile, the town is preparing for the 175th anniversary of the time they forced the local apothecary to jump to his death -- guess where the modern death happened. Freddie is assigned to the library for his community service where a member of the town has been bringing box loads of old records. He's excited to find that there might actually be something that could shed light on the old crime.
The story is light; characters continue to develop. Overall, it's a satisfying read without any fear of keeping one awake at night or any sort of disturbing imagery. Definitely recommend the whole series, of which there are currently 9 titles.
Meanwhile, the town is preparing for the 175th anniversary of the time they forced the local apothecary to jump to his death -- guess where the modern death happened. Freddie is assigned to the library for his community service where a member of the town has been bringing box loads of old records. He's excited to find that there might actually be something that could shed light on the old crime.
The story is light; characters continue to develop. Overall, it's a satisfying read without any fear of keeping one awake at night or any sort of disturbing imagery. Definitely recommend the whole series, of which there are currently 9 titles.
October 27, 2021
Alison Golden has done it again! Inspector Graham's latest case is a suspenseful, exciting mystery. It kept me guessing as to who was the guilty party, and why they did it.
The Inspector and his trusty colleagues of the Gorey Constabulary return to solve another baffling mystery on the island of Jersey - actually two!
It's almost the 175th Anniversary of Sampson's Leap. An actress working on a film production on the very same cliff is found dead on the rocks below. There are about half a dozen suspects.
It was fun to see how Graham and his team investigate and whittle down the suspects to the guilty party. The author had me guessing the whole time who the killer was, and I never guessed the killer or the motive. The plot had some great twists and turns with almost every chapter!
If you love Agatha Christie or similar classic whodunnits, you'll love The Inspector David Graham Mystery Series.
The Inspector and his trusty colleagues of the Gorey Constabulary return to solve another baffling mystery on the island of Jersey - actually two!
It's almost the 175th Anniversary of Sampson's Leap. An actress working on a film production on the very same cliff is found dead on the rocks below. There are about half a dozen suspects.
It was fun to see how Graham and his team investigate and whittle down the suspects to the guilty party. The author had me guessing the whole time who the killer was, and I never guessed the killer or the motive. The plot had some great twists and turns with almost every chapter!
If you love Agatha Christie or similar classic whodunnits, you'll love The Inspector David Graham Mystery Series.
October 29, 2021
"Change,” he was fond of saying, “isn’t necessarily progress."
But change is progress if you don't get stuck in the goo that goes/ comes with it. But Mia Alexandra Thorne really had little to do with that goo. A young up and coming actress, her body is found near Sampson's Leap. Assumption turns the Gorey Constabulary on its already overburdened caseload. Did she jump? Was she pushed? And why?
This case becomes a tipping point personally for Inspector Graham as his past kind of catches up with him and in turn, with Janice and their relationship. Balancing the past, the present and his reaction begins to wear on David. Will they ever find what happened? And if they do, then what?
I find the Inspector Graham series intelligent and feel a bit of Dame Agatha in the background. The books are astounding in their breadth and depth and I for one hope they never end. Highly recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
But change is progress if you don't get stuck in the goo that goes/ comes with it. But Mia Alexandra Thorne really had little to do with that goo. A young up and coming actress, her body is found near Sampson's Leap. Assumption turns the Gorey Constabulary on its already overburdened caseload. Did she jump? Was she pushed? And why?
This case becomes a tipping point personally for Inspector Graham as his past kind of catches up with him and in turn, with Janice and their relationship. Balancing the past, the present and his reaction begins to wear on David. Will they ever find what happened? And if they do, then what?
I find the Inspector Graham series intelligent and feel a bit of Dame Agatha in the background. The books are astounding in their breadth and depth and I for one hope they never end. Highly recommended 5/5
[Disclaimer: I received this book from the author and voluntarily read and reviewed it]
November 29, 2021
With each of these stories in this series, it's fun to watch as Inspector Graham's team becomes more cohesive and confident in their individual roles. In this story, they are dealing with a possible historical mystery that may have contributed to the current mystery. Was it an accident, suicide or murder? As they try to piece together the events that led to the death, the Inspector is still trying to come to grips with an event in his own life, one he has not shared with any one. As usual, interrogations help to unravel each suspect's own version of the event until the final truth is revealed. I am a big fan of both this series and also the Reverend Annabelle Dixon series and look forward to each new story. I think the Inspector Graham provides more detailed police investigations, but both are equally great detective stories. Disclosure: I am voluntarily reviewing this book and all opinions are strictly my own.
December 22, 2021
This complicated mystery involves the death of an actress, Mia Thorne, visiting Gorey to participate in a documentary that tells the history of Sampson's Leap. This history involves a man, Charles Sampson, being forced to jump off a cliff to his death at the hands of an angry mob because they believed that he was involved in the deaths of three women. In the present, DI Graham and his team must figure out if Mia was murdered, if she accidentally fell, or if it was suicide. This was difficult to determine because of the location of the body, the evidence, and the suspects involved. I was impressed with the writing of this story and the details uncovered to solve the mystery. Each book in this series gets better and better. I enjoy the characters and how they have grown over the course of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
March 6, 2024
Audiobook: I was entertained by book 8 of the "Inspector David Graham Mysteries". I've liked the whole series, and this one was even more complicated than all the rest of them so far. Mia's body was found at the base of "Sampson's Leap" and Inspector Graham had to determine whether it was suicide or murder. There were two cases featured in this book: one was historical, and the other was present day, but both cases were joined as the events occurred near "Sampson's Leap". I liked the twisty nature of the clues that were used to help solve the mysteries. I have become invested in the characters populating this series. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Matt Jamie's narration was entertaining. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
October 28, 2021
The Case of Sampson's Leap - a review by Rosemary Kenny.
Detective Inspector David Graham has a new case - an unexpected death, that's taken place at the eponymous Leap, as the broken body of a young woman in period costume, is spotted by a tourist, in a nearby rock pool.
The victim's soon identified as Mia Thorne, an actress. Suspects are interviewed and soon narrowed down to a couple of likely candidates.
But was it murder - and if so, whodunnit...?
And why did someone run away from the scene through stinging nettles that very night?
Barnwell, Janice and Graham have a lot on their collective plates with the exciting Case of Sampson's Leap, by Queen of Cozy Mysteries, Carolyn Arnold...get it today and see if you can unmask the killer, before the last riveting page!
Detective Inspector David Graham has a new case - an unexpected death, that's taken place at the eponymous Leap, as the broken body of a young woman in period costume, is spotted by a tourist, in a nearby rock pool.
The victim's soon identified as Mia Thorne, an actress. Suspects are interviewed and soon narrowed down to a couple of likely candidates.
But was it murder - and if so, whodunnit...?
And why did someone run away from the scene through stinging nettles that very night?
Barnwell, Janice and Graham have a lot on their collective plates with the exciting Case of Sampson's Leap, by Queen of Cozy Mysteries, Carolyn Arnold...get it today and see if you can unmask the killer, before the last riveting page!
November 5, 2021
Close to the anniversary of Charles Sampson leaping off a cliff now named after him a young woman is found at the bottom of the cliff! DI Graham and team start their investigation. Her name is Mia and she she is a young actress from university with her friends who are making a film about the famous leap! Was it suicide or murder. Graham tries hard to come to a conclusion. It doesn’t help that Freddie, doing an illegal tour of the beach is the one to find the body!
This was a very good book. I love history and it was well told. The investigation of the old case and new one was very keenly laid out! The book was long but worth it. This is now my favorite DI Graham book. I highly recommend this book!
This was a very good book. I love history and it was well told. The investigation of the old case and new one was very keenly laid out! The book was long but worth it. This is now my favorite DI Graham book. I highly recommend this book!
February 4, 2022
I absolutely loved this entry in the series. DI David Graham is a wonderful character. He is haunted by something in this past. He's trying to deal with that. He is also a great leader and teacher. He's presented with a case and don't know if it was murder, suicide of accident. And everyone is lying to him and his officers. His officers show great initiative but that's because of all he's taught them. I was able to figure out part of the ending but there was a surprise which is always a good thing in a mystery. There is a secondary mystery regarding guilt from a crime that took place 175 years ago.
It was interesting and clever how the two cases were wound together. David took a big step that I had hoped he would take which made the book even better.
It was interesting and clever how the two cases were wound together. David took a big step that I had hoped he would take which made the book even better.
October 26, 2021
As the anniversary of a long-ago death at Sampson’s Leap approaches, several groups work to feature it on film. The surfboarding Aussies plan on catching waves. A college group rehearses their lines. However, the star actress ends up dead at the bottom of the cliff. As always, Inspector Graham insists on evidence before pronouncing the death suicide, an accident or perhaps murder. I love watching his team continue to develop their investigative skills. A local blogger gets causes turmoil and becomes interested in the years old case of Sampson’s death. The ending has a fun twist that antique lovers will appreciate.
October 29, 2021
I love the Inspector Graham series! They can be read as a stand alone, but t would be good to read them in order to appreciate the character growth and development. I really enjoyed the juxtaposition with the murder case nearly two centuries ago. It was made even more enjoyable by the description of the costumes and other tidbits. The period dress is also worn by the actress at the time of her death. We get a resolution to both cases and yes there are twists to both of them! Note to the reader: Most Australian surfers are not like that, but they are funny characters in the story! Highly recommended.
December 13, 2021
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The Case of Sampson's Leap (Inspector David Graham Mysteries Book 8)
Another great book from Alison Golden!
I've read all the Inspector Graham mystery series and Ms. Golden has done another bang up job with this eighth book. Each book gives you more detail of each character's life and allows one to get to know the community more and more. This particular book does a great job taking a local folk story and fleshing it out to the truth in order to find the murderer. Whenever you read any of Ms. Golden's books you will walk away knowing more about the area she has chosen to write about and have a book with an ending you don't quite suspect. Love this series.
The Case of Sampson's Leap (Inspector David Graham Mysteries Book 8)
Another great book from Alison Golden!
I've read all the Inspector Graham mystery series and Ms. Golden has done another bang up job with this eighth book. Each book gives you more detail of each character's life and allows one to get to know the community more and more. This particular book does a great job taking a local folk story and fleshing it out to the truth in order to find the murderer. Whenever you read any of Ms. Golden's books you will walk away knowing more about the area she has chosen to write about and have a book with an ending you don't quite suspect. Love this series.
October 26, 2021
Alison Golden is so very good at creating a story that not only holds your attention but also creates a picture in your mind and has you solving a current-day mystery and puzzle from the past. I am a fan of all her books but I have a special fondness for Inspector David Graham. Alison does not disappoint with this book #8 in the Inspector David Graham series. I also love how we get a nugget to chew on about David's past. It allows me to concentrate on the mystery and then at the end a nugget to think about until the next story comes out. Very clever Alison :-)
October 26, 2021
I'm a great fan of cozy mysteries in general, Alison Golden's in particular and the Inspector Graham series is my favourite of these. I love the settings, and the way the characters are fleshed out so you see them as whole people, not just that side of them that is caught up in the mystery. Also the stories, which are cleverly constructed and keep you thinking and wondering right up to the final denouement ... in fact I like this author's work so much I joined her ARC team and therefore read an ARC copy of this book.
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October 29, 2021A body is found on Sampson’s Leap where the story goes a man was pushed off years ago for killing three women. Was the current victim pushed or was it suicide? Finding the truth will take all of Detective Inspector David Graham and his teams’ investigative skill. This wonderfully written mystery has everything needed for a superb book. There is a murder victim, many possible suspects and a great storyline that weaves today’s murder with killings of the past. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
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