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The Murky World of Timothy Wall

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When the body of Timothy Wall, a Private Detective, is found in his office, the querulous Inspector Carmichael discovers some surprising revelations and curious contradictions about the dead man. Loved by many and seemingly despised by others in equal measure, Timothy Wall’s whole world seems to be strewn with paradoxes.

This fast-moving whodunnit, based in the North West of England, sees McFadyen’s detective team tackle one of their most taxing cases yet.

Who killed Timothy Wall? Will one of his numerous lovers or ex-partners provide the answer to the conundrum? And what about Tim’s involvement with the brothers Baybutt, the local bookmakers. Do they know more than they are telling?

As Carmichael and his team seek answers to these questions it becomes crystal clear that all was not quite how it seemed in the life of Timothy Wall. This, the nineth book in the Carmichael series, is full of twists, turns and red herrings that will keep the reader guessing right up to the bitter end.

420 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2021

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About the author

Ian McFadyen

10 books2 followers

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5 stars
7 (31%)
4 stars
11 (50%)
3 stars
2 (9%)
2 stars
1 (4%)
1 star
1 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,026 reviews60 followers
November 28, 2021
I have been a fan of Ian’s work for a little while now. I haven’t quite caught up with everything that he has written but I hope to soon. I read the synopsis for ‘The Murky World Of Timothy Wall’ and it certainly sounded like an intriguing read and then some. So without further ado, I grabbed a cup of tea, grabbed my copy of the book and settled down for an afternoon of reading. Overall I did enjoy reading ‘The Murky World Of Timothy Wall’ but more about that in a bit.
It took me no time at all to get into this book. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first chapter, I knew that I was going to have a bit of difficulty in putting the book to one side for any length of time. The death of Timothy Wall intrigued me as did the characters and I had to keep reading to see if my suspicions about the perpetrator were true or if I had the wrong end of the stick. I found this book to be an addictive read, in that once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I would pick the book up only intending to read a chapter or two but I would become so wrapped up in the story that I would still be sat there reading over half a dozen chapters later. The more of the book that I read, the more that I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I found ‘The Murky World Of Timothy Wall’ to be a gripping read, which kept me guessing an which kept me on the edge of my seat.
‘The Murky World Of Timothy Wall’ is extremely well written. Ian certainly knows how to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into what proves to be a compelling read. For me, the story hit the ground running and maintained a fairly fast pace throughout. I loved where the story was set and I also loved the fact that Newcastle was mentioned too but then I am biased since I live in the North East of England. Reading ‘The Murky World Of Timothy Wall’ felt like being on an at times rather scary and unpredictable rollercoaster ride with several twists and turns along the way. I felt as though I was part of the story, which is down to Ian’s very vivid and realistic storytelling.
In short, I enjoyed reading ‘The Murky World Of Timothy Wall’ and I would recommend it to other readers. I will certainly be reading much more of Ian’s work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 4* out of 5*.
Profile Image for Lyn Failes.
171 reviews4 followers
November 28, 2021
#bookreview #booktours
#the murkyworldoftimothywall
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is the 9th book in inspector Carmichael series. I haven’t read any of the others so I found it works absolutely fine as a stand-alone novel. A classic who done it story of mystery, intrigue, lies and backstabbing which always make for a great story.
There is a vast pick and mix of character involved in the story from the DI who is investigating the case with his team of detectives to the team of brothers who aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed.
The story flow was perfect with short chapters that keep you wanting to turn those pages.
I also loved the fact that the book was told throughout from different points of view with all the loose ends being wrapped up as the go along.
Definitely an addition to any fans of crime/ thrillers
I’d recommend cancelling everything the day you start it because you’re not going to be able to put it down
🥰

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Profile Image for Niki Preston.
8 reviews
December 2, 2021
The Murky World of Timothy Wall in number 9 in the series but in all honestly is does work as a stand alone as well. Its an intriguing plotline that has a perfect flow, it holds your interest in a calm manner with plenty of twisting in the story. You’ll be lead a merry dance if you’re like me and try to solve the murders before the characters in the book. Well that’s not going to happen, I changed my mind so many times my head was spinning. I’m sure I deserve a seat on the Carmichael team. As a classic whodunit murder its a brilliant read that will keep you stuck on your seat for hours.

I got into the story and characters almost immediately. The descriptions of the characters, murder scene and underlying plotline are expertly done. If a book so chunky, 439 pages to be exact, can hold your attention from beginning to end then that’s a damn fine book in my humble opinion. The chapters are short which for me just keeps the pace flowing quickly, the story keeps moving apace and you just have to read “on more page, one more chapter” then hey presto its finished and you’re itching to get your hands on the next one. A brilliant plot, superbly written. The perfect book for anyone who loves a proper murder thriller with a excellent plotline. Loved it.
Profile Image for Staceywh_17.
4,195 reviews12 followers
November 30, 2021
This is the ninth in the Detective Carmichael series but was easily read as a standalone.

Its the first book by this author that I've read & I'm definitely going to be checking out the other books in the series.

Fast paced, gripping with a roller coaster ride of twists, turns & red herrings throughout the pages. Told from several different POV throughout the book, which come together seamlessly at the end, this was an exciting, compelling read with a great plot & some characters whose backstories I need to go back to book one & familiarise myself with.

Many thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for my tour spot & gifted copy.

𝗜 𝗴𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮 4 ⭐ 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴
Profile Image for Nimalee  Ravi.
551 reviews18 followers
November 26, 2021
Brilliantly written fast paced murder mystery. This was my first read by the author and I absolutely loved it.

The writing style is simple yet very effective and I found it very engaging. With short chapters and relatable characters I was able to finish reading it in one sitting.

The police procedures were written so well and interesting to see how the murder investigation unfolds and the murderer is revealed.

This is a very engaging and enjoyable murder mystery and with a great plot, it's a great read. I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Michael Rumney.
865 reviews6 followers
June 7, 2024
A police procedural set in mid Lancashire where a bit of a womaniser is found dead in his office. There are a few red herrings flying about and the theme of adoption and what is family comes to the surface.
At times the book becomes repetitive as Carmichael and his team keep covering the same ground. For this reason the book is over written and a hundred pages could have been edited out quite easily.
I found the conclusion gripping as we find the motives behind his actions of a character that has been adopted.
Profile Image for Elizabeth Carr.
377 reviews9 followers
June 23, 2026
Feels like a vanity project? Self published maybe? I dont believe an editor got their hands on this. What was a reasonable plot with believable characters felt clunky with too many cliff hanger paragraphs, not at end of chapters, and bad grammar which was very jarring and brings you out of the narrative every time. Was sat must have been in there 20 times , was stood also , why was this not checked? And the police force even changed its name I think. I am impressed the author has written several books but an editor is a must.
Profile Image for Em.
148 reviews14 followers
November 22, 2021
Loved this book right from the beginning! I really enjoyed the story the investigators went on to find out who the murderer was! Great book
Profile Image for Georgina Candy.
690 reviews21 followers
November 25, 2021
Thank you to @rachelsrandomresources for my copy of this book.

I love a good murder mystery and this definitely was. It was so well written, it played out like a police drama in my head. I can easily see this as a TV series - it was that good.

The main character, Carmichael, was an interesting one and very knowledgeable. Everything in the book was so well described, you feel as if you have met these people before, like old friends.

I’m definitely going to look for more from the same author, he kept me guessing and changing my mind all the way to the close.
39 reviews
June 17, 2025
New to this series, bit even as number 9, it was easy to read as a stand alone novel.
Moves fast and is an easy read
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews