What do you think?
Rate this book
Constable Nick Mystery #11
Constable by the Stream
In the splendid countryside of North Yorkshire, there's barely time to stop for Constable Nick Rhea.
Not when missing sheep need locating, stray dogs need homing, and thieves need identifying! As Britain's most popular copper continues his work around the village, he has to cope with an array of eccentric characters: a postman who can't read, a helpful lady who steals from the elderly people in her care, and a delightful small-time villain called Tin Lid Talbot. Winning an aged tin of sardines in a local raffle and upsetting the villagers by getting first prize at the local whist drive, PC Nick Rhea must contend with the variety and humorous exploits of a Yorkshire village. Constable by the Stream is the lively tale of a young PC and the small rural community he calls home.
Not when missing sheep need locating, stray dogs need homing, and thieves need identifying! As Britain's most popular copper continues his work around the village, he has to cope with an array of eccentric characters: a postman who can't read, a helpful lady who steals from the elderly people in her care, and a delightful small-time villain called Tin Lid Talbot. Winning an aged tin of sardines in a local raffle and upsetting the villagers by getting first prize at the local whist drive, PC Nick Rhea must contend with the variety and humorous exploits of a Yorkshire village. Constable by the Stream is the lively tale of a young PC and the small rural community he calls home.
Audio CD
First published September 1, 1995
332 people are currently reading
179 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 9, 2020
Constable Nick Rhea shares more of his on the job experiences. One is a blow by blow account of two women both wearing fur coats fighting like alley cats outside a hotel. The reason for their skirmish was an umbrella they both claimed as their own. In another chapter Nick's wife is asked to speak to their local women's group sharing what it is like to be married to a police officer. An emergency situation keeps Nick on the job (instead of home watching their children) but quick thinking Mary brings a police scanner radio to her talk and the ladies listen in as two fugitives are discovered by Nick and captured with help from other officers.
Nick's stories show us that there are all kinds of people in this world. Some are kind, helpful and willing to share even though they might not have much. Others will steal repeatedly from old people who are dying. Also, happiness does not necessarily dwell in the hearts of those who live in fancy homes on big estates. Families who work hard to subsist on a small farm out in the country can share more love and joy than the wealthy ones.
Nick's stories show us that there are all kinds of people in this world. Some are kind, helpful and willing to share even though they might not have much. Others will steal repeatedly from old people who are dying. Also, happiness does not necessarily dwell in the hearts of those who live in fancy homes on big estates. Families who work hard to subsist on a small farm out in the country can share more love and joy than the wealthy ones.
September 21, 2020
Charming!
At first I was disappointed as I thought I had purchased one of my Christie style of mysteries only to discover this is a series of short stories based on the activities of a Constable Rhea. Whether the survival of a remodel, the catching of thieves or the idiosyncrasies of the villagers, this recalling of simple every day tasks of a rural policeman is a gem! It brings the people to life and makes this reader long for the simpler times....and shed a few tears over the story of Roy, a devoted dog similar to Greyfriar's Bobby.
At first I was disappointed as I thought I had purchased one of my Christie style of mysteries only to discover this is a series of short stories based on the activities of a Constable Rhea. Whether the survival of a remodel, the catching of thieves or the idiosyncrasies of the villagers, this recalling of simple every day tasks of a rural policeman is a gem! It brings the people to life and makes this reader long for the simpler times....and shed a few tears over the story of Roy, a devoted dog similar to Greyfriar's Bobby.
May 22, 2021
As cozy as a cup of tea and a warm fire
Constable Nick is like an old friend. This is an England I can only know through books. I doubt that many modern Englishmen have experienced village life like this either. It is good to be reminded of times and places where the majority of people do their best to get on with living. Each vignette is a recognizable person that you might run across any day.
Constable Nick is like an old friend. This is an England I can only know through books. I doubt that many modern Englishmen have experienced village life like this either. It is good to be reminded of times and places where the majority of people do their best to get on with living. Each vignette is a recognizable person that you might run across any day.
April 10, 2023
Interesting but not a mystery
The title of the book, listed as A Constable Nick Mystery Book 11, is misleading. This is not a mystery. It is, however, a delightful peek into the duties of a rural police Constable. It paints life in quaint villages, making one wish to visit and even live in such places. I took off one star for the misleading title. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The chapters enable the reader to enjoy snippets of life, a few minutes at a time.
The title of the book, listed as A Constable Nick Mystery Book 11, is misleading. This is not a mystery. It is, however, a delightful peek into the duties of a rural police Constable. It paints life in quaint villages, making one wish to visit and even live in such places. I took off one star for the misleading title. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The chapters enable the reader to enjoy snippets of life, a few minutes at a time.
September 9, 2020
This is another gentle read. A series of vignettes paints a picture of people helping each other and trusting the police to help them. Yes, there is plenty of crime, but this is not an author who spills lots of blood and guts all over the pages. Constable Nick has a sense of humor and irony that produces an entertaining view of life in the Yorkshire countryside.
August 23, 2020
Interesting stories!
I always love reading books in the Constable Nick series. They keep me entertained. Nicholas Rhea was a natural born storyteller. I look forward to reading other Constable Nick books ,and I highly recommend this book to other readers.
I always love reading books in the Constable Nick series. They keep me entertained. Nicholas Rhea was a natural born storyteller. I look forward to reading other Constable Nick books ,and I highly recommend this book to other readers.
September 2, 2020
As always, I certainly enjoyed this author. It is so comforting to read about a simple way of life, as well as the kindness we all could use in our lives.
I will certainly read more of Nicholas Rhea's books. They are my "take me away from the way our lives are now.
I will certainly read more of Nicholas Rhea's books. They are my "take me away from the way our lives are now.
September 10, 2020
Another great book in
Another great collection of reminiscences from Nicholas Russ about his time as a village constable in the dales. Always very readable and full of humour and a pleasure to read.
Another great collection of reminiscences from Nicholas Russ about his time as a village constable in the dales. Always very readable and full of humour and a pleasure to read.
October 11, 2020
Great little book this was number 11 have now started with no 1 looking forward to reading the rest.
October 13, 2020
Truly, a funny, feel good series.
January 13, 2021
These books are so gentle and delightful and pleasant to read. And I have many more to go--but I'll take a break again for a while.
abandoned
August 19, 2023Abandoned: voyeurism in chapter one, and then the author trying to justify it. Nope. Next.
19/08/23
19/08/23
October 18, 2023
"It is a matter of applying the law with common sense, because to rigidly enforce every rule and regulation, as some politicians demand, would result in police state."
March 30, 2025
as always excellent read
It’s my bedtime book of choice, lots of nostalgia. I am slowly working my way through them all, I’ve even started to watch Heartbeat!
It’s my bedtime book of choice, lots of nostalgia. I am slowly working my way through them all, I’ve even started to watch Heartbeat!
Currently reading
January 18, 2021Once again Nicholas Rhea writes an account of the local Bobbies dealings,you feel as though you are there,the books are very warmly written with serious and humorous incidents,thanks for another good read,😷🤙
February 25, 2017
Title: Constable by the Stream - Constable Nick Mystery Book 12
Author: Nicholas Rhea
Published: 2-10-2017
Publisher: Endeavor Press
Pages: 201
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Police Procedurals; Crime Fiction
ISBN: 13: 9780709046073
ASIN: B01MYGVU4U
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
I received a copy of "Constable by the Stream" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
More of an anthology than a novel, "Constable by the Stream" is laid out like a chapter book in that the well loved PC Nick Rhea tells of the many cases he has worked over his long career in the Yorkshire village. Told with a touch of Humor.
Even though it is the 12th book in the series "Constable by the Stream" can be read as a stand alone. The compiled stories of different characters bring Nick to life and make him real to the readers. You will sigh, laugh and shake your head wondering how such things could possibly have happened, but I am sure the probably did. Whether you savor the stories oneat a time or read them all in one sitting you will enjoy reading "Constable by the Stream".
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYGVU4U/...
Barnes and Noble link: Not Available
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: Nicholas Rhea
Published: 2-10-2017
Publisher: Endeavor Press
Pages: 201
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub Genre: Police Procedurals; Crime Fiction
ISBN: 13: 9780709046073
ASIN: B01MYGVU4U
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
Rating: 4 Stars
I received a copy of "Constable by the Stream" from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
More of an anthology than a novel, "Constable by the Stream" is laid out like a chapter book in that the well loved PC Nick Rhea tells of the many cases he has worked over his long career in the Yorkshire village. Told with a touch of Humor.
Even though it is the 12th book in the series "Constable by the Stream" can be read as a stand alone. The compiled stories of different characters bring Nick to life and make him real to the readers. You will sigh, laugh and shake your head wondering how such things could possibly have happened, but I am sure the probably did. Whether you savor the stories oneat a time or read them all in one sitting you will enjoy reading "Constable by the Stream".
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYGVU4U/...
Barnes and Noble link: Not Available
GoodReads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
February 19, 2017
Constable by the Stream is a book of short stories that centers around the wrong goings -on in a small English village as told by their Constable. His retelling of the events are very humorous. It is a book that is not to be devoured in one sitting but to be read by chapters so that the reader could get the full effect of the author's humor. It is a book that one could read during one's lunch time at work or to get away from life's moments. It is a good book to give as a gift to someone who likes cozy novels.
May 19, 2017
The book is set in a gentler time and this Constable is definitely much more diplomatic, more gentler than most. The stories are told almost in a lyrical way, very soothing and though the underlying theory of justice and law enforcement are inherent what is more apparent is the milder and more caring way of handling people Apart from our constable, the characters themselves are quirky, and interesting as well.
It is a time long gone with methods which worked then, but may not work at all now!
August 4, 2017
Book received from NetGalley.
I love this series of books. While they are British police procedurals they have a definite cozy feel to them. The series takes place in the 1960's in the Yorkshire Dales, a place I came to love while reading James Herriot's books. What I enjoy the most about the series is that they don't focus on a murder mystery. While there are some murders in the books, you are just as likely to read about a robbery, a missing person, or kids who are annoying the local villagers. These are a definite recommend for me.
I love this series of books. While they are British police procedurals they have a definite cozy feel to them. The series takes place in the 1960's in the Yorkshire Dales, a place I came to love while reading James Herriot's books. What I enjoy the most about the series is that they don't focus on a murder mystery. While there are some murders in the books, you are just as likely to read about a robbery, a missing person, or kids who are annoying the local villagers. These are a definite recommend for me.
April 8, 2017
Beautifully written, in a gentle and meandering style that reminds me of the James Herriot and Gerald Durrel books - or the TV series 'Heartbreak'
A village constable of a time and place now long gone tells stories of his life in the job and the oddities and characters met with.
A stroll of a read, best enjoyed on a slow day so you can fall into the mood of it all.
Scones and hot tea optional.
A village constable of a time and place now long gone tells stories of his life in the job and the oddities and characters met with.
A stroll of a read, best enjoyed on a slow day so you can fall into the mood of it all.
Scones and hot tea optional.
May 21, 2017
Book received from NetGalley.
While I really enjoy this series I wasn't as big of a fan of this book. It is an anthology of short stories that take place in during Constable Nick's time in North Yorkshire. The stories add more to the background of the constable and how he starts fitting in, in his new assignment on the police force, but I was expecting a full novel, not bits and pieces of his life. Still a good read and I will be reading more of this series in the future.
While I really enjoy this series I wasn't as big of a fan of this book. It is an anthology of short stories that take place in during Constable Nick's time in North Yorkshire. The stories add more to the background of the constable and how he starts fitting in, in his new assignment on the police force, but I was expecting a full novel, not bits and pieces of his life. Still a good read and I will be reading more of this series in the future.
February 16, 2017
Nicholas Rhea always writes very gentle, witty, series of books.
The characters written about are very engaging and sometimes annoying!
This latest offering is no exception.
If only everywhere was as bucolic as the Yorkshire Dales.
Very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Endeavour via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
The characters written about are very engaging and sometimes annoying!
This latest offering is no exception.
If only everywhere was as bucolic as the Yorkshire Dales.
Very highly recommended.
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Endeavour via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
September 17, 2017
Easy Read
A nice collection of tales about a rural area of England as told by a retired constable about the people he met over the years. This book is especially good for someone who needs something they can put down and pick up as they have time to read since the stories themselves are relatively short.
A nice collection of tales about a rural area of England as told by a retired constable about the people he met over the years. This book is especially good for someone who needs something they can put down and pick up as they have time to read since the stories themselves are relatively short.
November 23, 2017
Thank you to netgalley and Endeavour Press for the ebook.This is a great series of books if you want some gentle and not too demanding reading.
Constable Nick is an engaging character and as always meets other interesting and eccentric people in the course of his work. Sometimes the tone is a little bit earnest but the stories are very enjoyable.
Constable Nick is an engaging character and as always meets other interesting and eccentric people in the course of his work. Sometimes the tone is a little bit earnest but the stories are very enjoyable.
April 10, 2017
Some of these stories are better than others, which is only to be expected of life. I especially liked the one about the faithful dog, the one about the will, and the last one about the cutting of the Christmas cake. Constable Nick is a remarkable man.
April 12, 2017
This is the first book I have read by Nicholas Rhea but it will not be the last. This book is a series of short stories and I loved that.i also loved how the story read just like you were talking to a person with the accent from that area.
April 29, 2017
Sweet and charming
I enjoyed these vignettes of country life and the quirky characters who live in Constable Rhea's domain. Sit with a cup of tea and lose yourself to the British accents and small-town life.
I enjoyed these vignettes of country life and the quirky characters who live in Constable Rhea's domain. Sit with a cup of tea and lose yourself to the British accents and small-town life.
May 19, 2017
It reads like autobiographical material. I enjoyed the pace and the care given to others. Time period probably in the 1930's.
July 19, 2018
Good reading! I like getting insight to the daily life of the constable. Even had a little cry while reading this one. Who'd a thunk?
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews