Accomplice to Murder

Devonshire Mysteries #5

by Michael Campling

Dan has never been afraid to ask awkward questions, but this time, it might cost him his life.

He’s drawn into a criminal conspiracy, and it seems that someone will stop at nothing to prevent him from uncovering the truth.
The stakes are high, but Dan and Alan are back on the case, and one way or another, they will get to the bottom of this mystery.

Join Dan and Alan in untangling the clues, and discover a darker side to Devon.

Genres: Mystery

577 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2022

About the author

See also GoodReads Author's profile under Mikey Campling

Reviews

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC of the novel.
I really enjoyed this novel, even though it is different from the others in 'The Devonshire Mysteries' series, in that it involves the Police much more.
The book is long, but the author keeps us interested by weaving between the, apparently disparate, strands of the story.
Our interest is also held by some fast moving, exciting episodes, such as when Dan is lured into climbing Haytor, which are well written.
The author's style is easy to read and is not verbose. I like the way he has captured the 'voices' and speech patterns of the main characters in particular. If you've read the previous 6 novels (some are for free on the website) with Dan and Alan, you will recognise this as well as their ongoing friendship.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenny.

What's Doug Petheredge been up to with the company accounts that he doesn't want anyone - least of all Dan Corrigan, or Celine, his own secretary, (whom he's trapped in his office, after a confrontation following her information gathering mission on Dan's behalf) - poking their noses into.
Who's the eponymous accomplice?

Is Doug also the mastermind behind the crypto-crime and murder of a valued employee, or is there a puppet-master hiding in plain sight?
Are Dan, Celine and Dan's sidekick Alan also in the killer's crosshairs?

Michael Campling writes intelligent, crime-thrillers set in rural Devon, and like the previous three books in his wonderful A Devonshire Mystery series, no 4, Accomplice to Murder will grip you firmly by the imagination as you follow the clues with our sleuthing duo.

A must for fans of Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse TV and book series', and John Nettles in the TV series', as detectives, Bergerac and Barnaby (Midsomer Murders).
Grab your copy today and tell all your friends!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Done!

I am enjoying this series way too much; the books are hard to put down! The stories are well plotted; settings are picture perfect (who doesn't love small villages and windswept moors?); but they characters sell the show. Watching the friendship between Dan and Alan grow from cordial tolerance to trusted, true friends has been a delight to see.
Lots of twists in Accomplice to Murder. Corporate intrigue focuses on a possible company takeover complicated by hints of embezzlement on a grand scale. As Dan and Alan investigate murder, attempted murder, brutal carjackings and drugs enter the scene. This book had more police presence than previous stories but it served to tie things together and pace the book nicely. Waiting patiently on the next on the series!

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accomplice To Murder is a tightly plotted, well written, and completely engaging new stand-alone book in a series by Michael Campling. It has all of the elements of a classic mystery, including varied crimes, plot twists, red herrings, plenty of suspects, and amateur detectives determined to wade through the clues and dangers to find answers and justice. There are plenty of action and gripping, edge-of-your-seat scenes, all of which can be enjoyed within a “cozy mystery” format of clean language and “off-screen” death. I can’t recommend it highly enough and look forward to the next book in the series.

[Cici JN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accomplice To Murder is a tightly plotted, well written, and completely engaging new stand-alone book in a series by Michael Campling. It has all of the elements of a classic mystery, including varied crimes, plot twists, red herrings, plenty of suspects, and amateur detectives determined to wade through the clues and dangers to find answers and justice. There are plenty of action and gripping, edge-of-your-seat scenes, all of which can be enjoyed within a “cozy mystery” format of clean language and “off-screen” death. I can’t recommend it highly enough and look forward to the next book in the series.

[Dianne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Accomplice to Murder” takes us into the world of corporate politics, high tech embezzlement and cold case forensics as Dan and his friend and neighbor Alan navigate personal career decisions that will change their lives. Well researched, entirely believable characters and vivid location description put the reader where the action is. A bit longer than today’s usual mystery the story moves along at a good pace, in that ‘un-put-downable’ style I have come to expect from Michael Campling.

I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and am leaving this review happily and voluntarily.

[Annemarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan seems to be able to get himself into deep water without even trying. I thought he was a goner a few times. Luckily, Alan was there to save the day although he did cut it fine on occasion. Dan is finally making some headway with Sam too, now that he found the nerve to ask her out.

There were five people on my "possible culprit" list, but the real culprit wasn't one of them. I was completely blindsided.

I received a free Advance Reader Copy of Accomplice to Murder from the author and have chosen to leave a review.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good and well written mystery with plenty of twists to keep you guessing right up to the end. Mikey Campling is a wonderful author whose books always leave me with a smile. My only “criticism” of this book is it is very long! I’ve gotten used to what seems to be the norm these days with books being between 180 and 275 pages. This took longer to read then my brain was expecting going in. Which is not really a bad thing at all.

I received an ARC copy of the book from the author and am leaving this review happily and voluntarily.

[Saundra Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved each book in this series but this is definitely filled with the most parallel lines and intricate plot twists. Based in a typical village with descriptions that make it seem you are one of the locals these books invoke the spirit of Agatha Christie brought into the modern age.

Dan has ventured from Embervale to take on full-time employment in Exeter. But from his first encounters, something seems off.

Alan's agent is insisting on a new image to promote his writing.

The two friends seemingly on individual courses come together as they are embroiled in another case.

[Doreen Fernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thank the author for the ARC of this book. Dan Corrigan has a new job but something sinister is afoot and it makes him uneasy, especially when a car almost runs him down. Is it an accident or is someone out to get him? The suspense keeps building as someone gets killed while Dan and his friend, Alan are on a quest for a crafty criminal. A must read book which gave me an adrenaline rush with its unpredictability and unexpected twists. Totally riveting.

[JUDITH DICKINSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Corrigan has a new job, but are things quite as he expected? The prologue and a couple of later chapters are in the voice of a mystery character faced with a difficult choice. Who? What? Why??
Dan and his friend Alan get drawn into a crime solving adventure. Dangers envelop these investigations. The readers sees Dan's thoughts clearly in the narrative, drawing them into his world and his experiences.
They certainly drew me in and I was captured until the final chapter.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first full-length Michael Campling book I've read, and now I'm hooked.

The twists and turns of this story were breakneck on occasion and well-worth the time spent reading. If you like your mysteries deeply intertwined, you must check out this book.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Accomplice to Murder is the fourth book in The Devonshire Mysteries series. This British murder mystery captured my interest from beginning to end with interesting characters, murder, conspiracies, twists and turns, action, and danger. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading more books in the series.

[BRT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good mystery with interesting male friends dynamic. I still struggle with picturing the male leads as older men, likely because I don't generally read male lead stories. Also, they both behave like grumpy old men at times, but that's part of their charm. Complicated mystery with a lot of moving parts.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely marvelous Good Read

Michael Campling's latest work, 'Accomplice to Murder,' is really three great mysteries intertwined in one great read. His characters Dan and Alan are as adventurous as ever, and the entire plot extremely clever.

[Carol Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting mystery. Many different threads to follow. Likeable heroes, and romance, too. . Occasional swearing. I did have a few questions at the end, but I’m looking forward to more mysteries featuring Dan & Alan, two friends who make a great team. I received a free copy with no obligation.

[Martha R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book gets longer and longer (like he's getting paid by the word). They're great mysteries, with excellent character development. I'm enjoying the series, but these mammoth tomes! The next book is 800+ pages!

[Erwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan and Alan return in a high-stakes investigation that pulls them straight into the heart of a deadly conspiracy. With sharp twists, atmospheric Devon settings, and nonstop tension, this installment delivers everything mystery lovers crave. A dark, clever, and thoroughly satisfying read!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edge of your seat suspense with twists and turns you don't expect! Best Devonshire Mysteries book yet!

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

End. A well written story that was perfectly plotted out to keep me intrigued. Fascinating all the way to the end. The characters keep you wondering what could happen next.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good mystery from Michael Campling.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Intriguing plot, twists and turns. The main people are developing
into friends to me. Going to be waiting with great anipation for next book.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all four of the Devonshire Mysteries and thoroughly enjoyed them. I shall miss Alan and Dan and hope that the author may give them another mystery to explore.

[Donna Mcnab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book in the series so far. It retains the feel of the English countryside with the addition of more action and a more complicated crime.

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m still adjusting to the move into cybercrime and the corporate world. I missed the comfort of village life and the slightly off-to-the side sleuthing. It looks as if I will need to adjust now Dan is setting up an agency. Clearly there is a place for contemporary organisational crime, but village sleuthing, location and relationships held my interest. Less so the corporate world of this one. 🤞🏼