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West Wales Murder Mysteries #3
A Body in the Lane
Detective Norman is out of retirement and back on the beat in a rainy Welsh seaside town. Llangwelli might be short on sunshine, but it’s certainly not short on murders . . . Norman may seem a bit old-fashioned, but he’s always willing to learn from his band of misfit recruits.
On a cold, late evening in January, Llangwelli Police receive a mysterious 999 call. No-one speaks, and the only sound before the line goes dead is ragged breathing.
The call is traced to Dragon Barn Lane, a narrow, pitch-black stretch of road that’s rarely used. Detective Judy Lane is the only officer on hand, and knows she shouldn’t go alone, but what if someone is seriously hurt?
Detective Norman receives a call from Judy at the scene, requesting backup. He races over, only to find a dead man in leathers sitting against a tree, and the young detective unconscious nearby.
If the biker is dead, who attacked Judy? And who made the 999 call?
Next morning Detective Norman’s team find the body of a young woman by a ditch near the scene of the incident.
Llangwelli doesn’t normally see serious crime, but with two dead bodies, something — or someone — very nasty has visited this quiet little harbour town.
It’s up to Detective Norman to uncover the truth — before any more of his young team get hurt.
On a cold, late evening in January, Llangwelli Police receive a mysterious 999 call. No-one speaks, and the only sound before the line goes dead is ragged breathing.
The call is traced to Dragon Barn Lane, a narrow, pitch-black stretch of road that’s rarely used. Detective Judy Lane is the only officer on hand, and knows she shouldn’t go alone, but what if someone is seriously hurt?
Detective Norman receives a call from Judy at the scene, requesting backup. He races over, only to find a dead man in leathers sitting against a tree, and the young detective unconscious nearby.
If the biker is dead, who attacked Judy? And who made the 999 call?
Next morning Detective Norman’s team find the body of a young woman by a ditch near the scene of the incident.
Llangwelli doesn’t normally see serious crime, but with two dead bodies, something — or someone — very nasty has visited this quiet little harbour town.
It’s up to Detective Norman to uncover the truth — before any more of his young team get hurt.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2021
968 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
About the author
P.F. Ford
55 books240 followersHaving spent most of his life trying to be what everyone else wanted him to be, P.F. (Peter) Ford was a late starter when it came to writing. He had tried writing a novel many years ago (before the advent of self-publishing), only to be turned down by every publisher he approached. It was very much a case of being told by those around him, ‘now you know you can’t write, so get back to work!’
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
Even at an early age, Peter felt very much like the proverbial square peg being forced into a round hole. This resulted in the creation of a Grammar School drop-out who then drifted through a succession of unfulfilling jobs, finally ending up in a totally unsuitable role which eventually sapped his energy and self-confidence. There followed a brief foray into self-employment (not a good idea for someone lacking in self-confidence!) which ended in total financial melt-down, a mountain of debt, and a lapse into depression.
Faced with the fact that he’d never be happy as he was, Peter finally decided he had no intention of continuing that way, and things just had to change. This was achieved by closing the door on his old life and starting over. Fast forward a few years and you find a man transformed, his newly found positive attitude enabling him to find new partner (now wife), Mary, who shares his belief that dreamers should be encouraged and not denied.
He first wrote, (under the name Peter Ford), and self-published , several short books about the life changing benefits of positive thinking. Now, completely free of the hindrance of worrying about what other people think, he’s blissfully happy writing the D.S. Dave Slater mystery novels and what he calls the ‘digital fiction marmite’ (people tend to love it or hate it!) that is the Alfie Bowman Novella series.
Peter and Mary recently completed a shared dream when they married and moved to a beautiful region of Wales where they spend much of their spare time walking their three dogs, and relaxing and having fun with friends. They believe they are living proof that you should never give up on your dreams, because it’s never too late!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
March 12, 2023
There's something about Norman.
Just like Peter James' old-school cop DS Norman Potting, I am swooning over P.F. Ford's DS Norman Norman, a "rejoiner" and shining star in P.F. Ford's "The Rejoiner" series.
When constables and detectives are labeled "misfits" or "losers", they get reassigned and "rejoin" a station in northern Wales. (Think "Beverly Hills Cops" in Wales!)
The series features savvy "rejoiner" British police procedurals that are well-written, witty, and intricately plotted.
Although I did not enjoy this book as much as the earlier two books in the series, it was still a worthwhile and compelling read.
I listened to the audiobook and narrator Andy Cresswell did a superb job with the narration.
For a better and more in-depth understanding of the author's likable and endearing protagonists, I strongly recommend reading "A Body on the Beach"(The Rejoiner #1), prior to reading this title.
All books in this series could easily be a stand-alone reads.
This is my third book by author P.F. Ford book it will not be the last.
Hopefully, this book will be the start of a long series. If so, I'm IN!
3.5 stars
Just like Peter James' old-school cop DS Norman Potting, I am swooning over P.F. Ford's DS Norman Norman, a "rejoiner" and shining star in P.F. Ford's "The Rejoiner" series.
When constables and detectives are labeled "misfits" or "losers", they get reassigned and "rejoin" a station in northern Wales. (Think "Beverly Hills Cops" in Wales!)
The series features savvy "rejoiner" British police procedurals that are well-written, witty, and intricately plotted.
Although I did not enjoy this book as much as the earlier two books in the series, it was still a worthwhile and compelling read.
I listened to the audiobook and narrator Andy Cresswell did a superb job with the narration.
For a better and more in-depth understanding of the author's likable and endearing protagonists, I strongly recommend reading "A Body on the Beach"(The Rejoiner #1), prior to reading this title.
All books in this series could easily be a stand-alone reads.
This is my third book by author P.F. Ford book it will not be the last.
Hopefully, this book will be the start of a long series. If so, I'm IN!
3.5 stars
August 25, 2023
Thank goodness that’s over.
September 19, 2023
In the previous instalment in the series, a man committed suicide by walking into the sea one morning. Now his daughter arrives at his house to find the locks changed, her father's furniture missing and the neighbour claiming to be the sole beneficiary of his will. In the meantime a young man is killed in a hit-and-run incident on a remote farm lane and a women found dead of hypothermia nearby. The team is soon investigating a tangle of intertwined crimes and one of their own is attacked at a crime scene. My main frustration with this instalment is that I am left with enough loose threads that it resembles the back of an unfinished tapestry. This book needs a classic Agatha Christie-like final chapter to pull everything together and then some actions will still not be believable. I will read the next instalment to see if matters improve as I still enjoy the characters.
March 25, 2025
2 stars
This has been the one i enjoyed the least in this series thus far.
I didn't like the pity party Detective Norman has been having the entire book, nor his straight up stupid questions (he was asking his DS why did this happen, and why did he do this and why this and that...like buddy that is literally your job to figure out why).
I also was not keen on his constant self reprimand..."oh, i should have looked harder! Oh i should have done this! oh i should have seen that! It's my fault"...like hello!!! you've been doing this for what...20-30 years and now you've decided to act like a rookie?
The narrator is not my favourite. He constantly sounds like he took a bite from a sandwich and is talking with his mouth half full.
And lastly...once again the entire thing is solved by the miraculous information that is brought to light by one of the DS...but there is not explanation of how she got it, especially since most of that should have been at least classified and hard to get since it pertains to army related incidents more than 20 years ago. Yet she has it all with details.
This has been the one i enjoyed the least in this series thus far.
I didn't like the pity party Detective Norman has been having the entire book, nor his straight up stupid questions (he was asking his DS why did this happen, and why did he do this and why this and that...like buddy that is literally your job to figure out why).
I also was not keen on his constant self reprimand..."oh, i should have looked harder! Oh i should have done this! oh i should have seen that! It's my fault"...like hello!!! you've been doing this for what...20-30 years and now you've decided to act like a rookie?
The narrator is not my favourite. He constantly sounds like he took a bite from a sandwich and is talking with his mouth half full.
And lastly...once again the entire thing is solved by the miraculous information that is brought to light by one of the DS...but there is not explanation of how she got it, especially since most of that should have been at least classified and hard to get since it pertains to army related incidents more than 20 years ago. Yet she has it all with details.
December 17, 2022
I really don't understand the rave reviews of this book. It is ok. Just. More or less the whole story, which is pretty implausible in itself, is told through dialogue. This becomes very tedious after a while - a sort of 'he said, she said' style of writing. There is no description of setting or character to give it any depth. Not for me.
September 23, 2023
Way to ruin a book
I enjoyed the story for the most part and the I got to the end where the author felt the need to explain an air raid is when they drop bombs from the sky, a shop is a store, and a copper is a police officer. Nice to know the author thinks Americans are idiots.
I enjoyed the story for the most part and the I got to the end where the author felt the need to explain an air raid is when they drop bombs from the sky, a shop is a store, and a copper is a police officer. Nice to know the author thinks Americans are idiots.
November 17, 2023
Book 3 in this series set in Wales. While I like the characters and their development this will probably be the last of this series for me. There is too much of each "crime" left unresolved or at least insufficiently finalised as the author runs the plots on into the next book. I have also increasingly struggled with my pet hate - poorly written dialogue - the constant he said, she said, Norman said etc. line after line which was further highlighted by the fact that I listened to the audio this time around. I also really noticed the repetition, for example the number of times the phrase "if this was a working farm" was used. They are easy reads, with many redeeming features and I can understand why people like them, but I personally prefer my crime novels resolved in one volume especially when I am utilising the library and I do not like these enough to buy them.
November 10, 2024
3rd in series still enjoying characters particularly Norm, interesting storyline again keeps you guessing.
December 13, 2021
wonderful easy read
P F Ford is getting better and better. His characters are wonderful, his plotting is excellent and the reader really cares about the detectives, the case, and the outcome. The book has enormous charm, the investigation comes together beautifully, and it all ends on a high note, especially for Norman Norman who has emerged from Dave Slater’s shadow to provide the glue that holds everything together. Thank you once again Mr. Ford
P F Ford is getting better and better. His characters are wonderful, his plotting is excellent and the reader really cares about the detectives, the case, and the outcome. The book has enormous charm, the investigation comes together beautifully, and it all ends on a high note, especially for Norman Norman who has emerged from Dave Slater’s shadow to provide the glue that holds everything together. Thank you once again Mr. Ford
January 1, 2022
Although the characters are developing well and the story was interesting I felt this book was not up to par with the first two in the series.
The copy I have read had way too many typos, it needed a good proofread, there were also some gaping inconsistencies in the plot. (Trying to find the name of the bike rider only for it to be known when showing his photo to a witness), (the fact the female suspect and ex-husband were identified on the evening before it was discussed again is if those facts weren't already known.)
Still enjoyed it and hope that the next book doesn't have these types of grating errors.
The copy I have read had way too many typos, it needed a good proofread, there were also some gaping inconsistencies in the plot. (Trying to find the name of the bike rider only for it to be known when showing his photo to a witness), (the fact the female suspect and ex-husband were identified on the evening before it was discussed again is if those facts weren't already known.)
Still enjoyed it and hope that the next book doesn't have these types of grating errors.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2022
Good
A bit wordy, but good and likable characters. Some editing issues: typos and misspellings. First book in series was best
A bit wordy, but good and likable characters. Some editing issues: typos and misspellings. First book in series was best
June 24, 2024
Billy practicing his motorcycle run when he is hit by a Range Rover twice. (DEAD)
Found dead young woman - identity unknown;
Judy Lane knocked unconscious.
Sheila Brown using her neighbors garage and house, Geraint Llewellyn still missing, daughter: Lucy McDonald. Sheila has records of young women that were trafficked.
Mrs. Gilbert - holding girl(s) hostage; made blackmail tapes, sex slaves - pulled a gun on them first time.....second time she was found (DEAD).
Special Constable Daniels; really Ken Brown, Sheila's ex-husband, tried to kill girl in hospital. He was the brains of the operation.
Steve Simmons - junk yard; provided the Range Rover.
Harlech (KILLED), shotgun blast, not suicide.
Found dead young woman - identity unknown;
Judy Lane knocked unconscious.
Sheila Brown using her neighbors garage and house, Geraint Llewellyn still missing, daughter: Lucy McDonald. Sheila has records of young women that were trafficked.
Mrs. Gilbert - holding girl(s) hostage; made blackmail tapes, sex slaves - pulled a gun on them first time.....second time she was found (DEAD).
Special Constable Daniels; really Ken Brown, Sheila's ex-husband, tried to kill girl in hospital. He was the brains of the operation.
Steve Simmons - junk yard; provided the Range Rover.
Harlech (KILLED), shotgun blast, not suicide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2021
A Body in the Lane
I really enjoyed this new mystery book with Norman and all the characters from the Rejoiner series! It was great to have the mystery from the previous book finally solved regarding what happened and why the man walked into the sea. We get to see more of the various characters’ personalities developed as they solve the latest murders in this intriguing case. I especially enjoyed Norman and Sarah finding new love interests and look forward to the next book to see what happens. (I’m guessing there was a little teaser in there at the end that someone may be going after Norman!)
I really enjoyed this new mystery book with Norman and all the characters from the Rejoiner series! It was great to have the mystery from the previous book finally solved regarding what happened and why the man walked into the sea. We get to see more of the various characters’ personalities developed as they solve the latest murders in this intriguing case. I especially enjoyed Norman and Sarah finding new love interests and look forward to the next book to see what happens. (I’m guessing there was a little teaser in there at the end that someone may be going after Norman!)
December 20, 2021
This is the third book I have read in this series from this author. I thought the story moved at a good pace and never really bogged down that much. I like the nain charcter Norman Norman-Only a English writer would do that lol. I also think the secondary characters were good. This is a series where you have to read the books in order-but I think every series should be read in order but especially this one. The main charter has a little bit of Columbo in him from the famous tv series. I usually do not read books from British writers because I just usually do not click with them. I have to say this is a good series and give it a spin.
April 16, 2025
Enjoyable. Apart from a couple of things that left me wondering, I didn't see (or hear) the issues pointed out by a couple of other people, so maybe it was edited a bit for the audio version. As with most of these books I've been reading lately, the real fun of them for me is in the relationships between the characters. It was also interesting to see the possibility of a redemption arc for the guy from the first book who was such a huge a-hole and misogynist, as he sees the possibility of a more collaborative team approach rather than the top-down structure he's used to. I hope it continues.
April 21, 2022
4.5 ☆s
Really enjoyed this mini series binge read [1st 3 books of the rejoiner series--hoping there will be more to come].
But still thinking I missed one or more books in the earlier series. Time to go back for more mysteries, and maybe learn what happened to the fun & loving woman w/ children who Norman fell for post divorce slump.
[Better enjoyed with Audible whispersync, bit dealt with alexa through this one while multi-tasking and enjoying a good read / listen.
Really enjoyed this mini series binge read [1st 3 books of the rejoiner series--hoping there will be more to come].
But still thinking I missed one or more books in the earlier series. Time to go back for more mysteries, and maybe learn what happened to the fun & loving woman w/ children who Norman fell for post divorce slump.
[Better enjoyed with Audible whispersync, bit dealt with alexa through this one while multi-tasking and enjoying a good read / listen.
March 19, 2023
Cozy Police Procedural
This police procedural reads almost like a cozy mystery. The setting is pastoral, main characters pleasant and humorous, no explicit sex or violence. A spate of crimes hits a small Welsh area including two murders. The police must link together the pieces.
It is a pleasant read, A tad slow but still entertaining. If you are looking for fast paced suspense look elsewhere. Entertaining.
This police procedural reads almost like a cozy mystery. The setting is pastoral, main characters pleasant and humorous, no explicit sex or violence. A spate of crimes hits a small Welsh area including two murders. The police must link together the pieces.
It is a pleasant read, A tad slow but still entertaining. If you are looking for fast paced suspense look elsewhere. Entertaining.
March 18, 2025
I like listening to these as audiobooks, but this is it for the ones my library has available. I guess that means the next ones will be e-books. Luckily Kindle Unlimited is carrying them right now. I must admit I don’t like this series for the cases that they deal with. I like the series for the characters and setting and the premise that the older, more experienced officers are tasked with training the younger staff to be good investigators. I also like that they are a good team.
April 12, 2025
This book shows how important it is to read a series in order. In the last book there were two strands - the second minor strand really comes to the fore in this book and really works well. I thoroughly enjoyed how the strands were twisted and turned and red herrings introduced to keep you engaged throughout.
It is interesting to see how the misfits are developing with some care and attention and they are really coming into their own.
It is interesting to see how the misfits are developing with some care and attention and they are really coming into their own.
June 9, 2025
A Body Down The Lane - P.F Ford, narrated by Andy Creswell
I find the characters in this series really likeable, some events relatable and as the series goes on, I’m dreading the end. lol
Norm is a respectable guy and he deserves to be happy after such a long time of being alone…
….What better 60th birthday present than to share his birthday with friends?, …AND a new lady friend!? 🥹
On to book 4!
I find the characters in this series really likeable, some events relatable and as the series goes on, I’m dreading the end. lol
Norm is a respectable guy and he deserves to be happy after such a long time of being alone…
….What better 60th birthday present than to share his birthday with friends?, …AND a new lady friend!? 🥹
On to book 4!
November 20, 2021
Great Book
Many twists and turns in this book. Very enjoyable characters and storyline. Norman is such a wonderful character and I hope he can maybe find happiness with Faye in future books. The author always gives his readers enjoyable stories! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
Many twists and turns in this book. Very enjoyable characters and storyline. Norman is such a wonderful character and I hope he can maybe find happiness with Faye in future books. The author always gives his readers enjoyable stories! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
November 22, 2021
Deep. beneath the earth
Wee waited a long time for this Rejoiner edition but it was worth it. P. F. Ford’s gentle style of narrative makes his books comfortable to read and still maintain that important element making them difficult, if not impossible to put down.
Impatiently waiting for the next one now.
Wee waited a long time for this Rejoiner edition but it was worth it. P. F. Ford’s gentle style of narrative makes his books comfortable to read and still maintain that important element making them difficult, if not impossible to put down.
Impatiently waiting for the next one now.
December 3, 2021
Another Great Read by Ford
Just a fun book to read with many plot twists and turns. Just when you think you have it figured out you don't. A possible hint at the end to another development or maybe not. Ford has done a great job separating Norm out from his prior partnership. Looking forward to the next book in the series
Just a fun book to read with many plot twists and turns. Just when you think you have it figured out you don't. A possible hint at the end to another development or maybe not. Ford has done a great job separating Norm out from his prior partnership. Looking forward to the next book in the series
December 25, 2021
Excellent read
Great addition to this series! This series is just getting better and better as each book comes out and I’m enjoying them very much. The crime tales are nicely woven with the characters personal stories and nice descriptions of the towns they’re set in. I hope there will be many more Norman books after this one, I can’t wait to find out how things go with Faye!
Great addition to this series! This series is just getting better and better as each book comes out and I’m enjoying them very much. The crime tales are nicely woven with the characters personal stories and nice descriptions of the towns they’re set in. I hope there will be many more Norman books after this one, I can’t wait to find out how things go with Faye!
February 10, 2022
Fantastic series
I'm very fussy about what I read and have my favourite authors and characters,, well Mr Ford has now joined them. The Rejoinder series is fast becoming one of my favourites and I am really looking forward to the next in the series. If you haven't read this series please start at book one to get the feel of the characters. Thank you PF Ford
I'm very fussy about what I read and have my favourite authors and characters,, well Mr Ford has now joined them. The Rejoinder series is fast becoming one of my favourites and I am really looking forward to the next in the series. If you haven't read this series please start at book one to get the feel of the characters. Thank you PF Ford
December 4, 2022
Excellent!
When a motorcyclist is run down in a deserted country lane, DI Southall and her team have no idea that they will become embroiled in something much more sinister.
An exceptionally good who-dunnit with plenty of suspects and action; highly recommended for lovers of this genre.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and do hope there will be more in the future.
When a motorcyclist is run down in a deserted country lane, DI Southall and her team have no idea that they will become embroiled in something much more sinister.
An exceptionally good who-dunnit with plenty of suspects and action; highly recommended for lovers of this genre.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and do hope there will be more in the future.
February 1, 2023
A good read after all
I usually get to know the characters almost as soon as i start reading the book but they didnt click with me at first. However i decided id plough on and im glad i did. I started to gel with the characters and enjoyed the story. The book did come to quite an abrupt end but whatcendingbit was was good
I usually get to know the characters almost as soon as i start reading the book but they didnt click with me at first. However i decided id plough on and im glad i did. I started to gel with the characters and enjoyed the story. The book did come to quite an abrupt end but whatcendingbit was was good
March 18, 2023
Another great story
Another great story in the West Wales murder mystery series. A great story line with a bunch of characters whom some would think are inept but they keep proving them wrong. Really great the way they interact with and support each other.Looking forward to reading more.
Another great story in the West Wales murder mystery series. A great story line with a bunch of characters whom some would think are inept but they keep proving them wrong. Really great the way they interact with and support each other.Looking forward to reading more.
March 22, 2023
Well written and developed murder mystery. Troubles with Region are minimal, with focus on developing the new DC crew - they are awesome! I liked the series and hope there are more to come from this author. Going to go back and read the first series - Slater & Norman. Hoping it is as good as these books are.
April 10, 2023
brilliant series
Hoping to see many more in this series, the characters are fun and complex. The plots are full of suspense and mystery, there is no profanity and the story lines are pure fun with just the right amount of twist and turns. Highly recommend you read them in order.
Lady Anita P
Hoping to see many more in this series, the characters are fun and complex. The plots are full of suspense and mystery, there is no profanity and the story lines are pure fun with just the right amount of twist and turns. Highly recommend you read them in order.
Lady Anita P
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews