Those Who Know: 3

Teifi Valley Coroner #3

by Alis Hawkins

Harry Probert-Lloyd has inherited the estate of Glanteifi and appointed his assistant John as under-steward. But his true vocation, to be coroner, is under threat. Against his natural instincts, Harry must campaign if he is to be voted as coroner permanently. On the hustings, Harry and John are called to examine the body of Nicholas Rowland , a pioneering schoolteacher whose death may not be the accident it first appeared. What was Rowland's real relationship with his eccentric patron, Miss Gwatkyn ? And why does Harry's rival for the post of coroner deny knowing him? Harry's determination to uncover the truth threatens to undermine both his campaign and his career. An unputdownable Victorian historical crime thriller, perfect for fans of D. V. Bishop, Andrew Taylor and Ambrose Parry. 'Beautifully written, cunningly plotted, with one of the most interesting central characters' E. S. Thomson 'The most interesting crime creation of the year' Phil Rickman

Genres: Historical Fiction, Crime, Mystery

384 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2020

About the author

Alis Hawkins grew up on a dairy farm in Cardiganshire. Her inner introvert thought it would be a good idea to become a shepherd and, frankly, if she had, she might have been published sooner. As it was, three years reading English at Corpus Christi College, Oxford revealed an extrovert streak and a social conscience which saw her train as a Speech and Language Therapist. She has spent the subsequent three decades variously bringing up two sons, working with children and young people on the autism spectrum and writing fiction, non-fiction and plays. She writes the kind of books she likes to read: character-driven historical crime and mystery fiction with what might be called literary production values.

Series: The Teifi Valley Coroner historical crime series, featuring Harry Probert Lloyd and John Davies. Published by Freight Books 2017, due for reissue by The Dome Press October 2018

Trilogy: The first of the Black Death trilogy, The Black and The White, coming soon from Sapere Books (summer 2018).

Standalone: Testament – previously published by PanMacmillan, soon for reissue by Sapere Books (summer 2018).

You can find more on Alis and her writing on her website (see link below) on Facebook - Alis Hawkins Author - and on Twitter (see link below)

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed None So Blind, the first book in Alis Hawkins’ Teifi Valley Coroner series, and I’m kicking myself that I’ve not yet made time to read the second in the series, In Two Minds. However, it does mean I can reassure readers who haven’t read the previous books that Those Who Know can easily be enjoyed as a standalone. That’s not to say there aren’t a few references to events in the earlier books but these are subtly done. In fact, the appearance of characters who were new to me, such as Doctor Reckitt and Lydia Howell, made me even more eager to go back and read In Two Minds.

It was a delight to catch up with Harry and John again. As before, they narrate alternate chapters giving a sense of pace to the book and providing the reader with different views of events, an insight into their perspective on each other, and on what has become an unique working relationship. I was touched once more by John’s anticipation of Harry’s needs, not just the help Harry requires to overcome his visual impairment but his desire to be independent and not the subject of people’s curiosity or pity. Equally touching is Harry’s faith in John and his appreciation for his abilities despite John’s humble birth and troubled upbringing.

Although the book sees them occasionally pursuing their enquiries independently, they’re at their most formidable when working as a team, such as during interviews of witnesses when they adopt a “good cop, bad cop” approach. Or when John acts as Harry’s eyes, as he does during the inquest into Nicholas Rowland’s death, signalling by his posture whether Harry should press ahead with a line of questioning or desist.

The inquest is just one of the great set pieces in the book. Others include the dramatic night-time scene when the cefyll pren or wooden horse (a traditional form of folk justice that also made a memorable appearance in None So Blind) is taken to the house of someone the villagers believe may have been involved in Rowland’s death. “Daylight restraints are loosened after dark, anger rises in the blood and darkness releases animal instincts.“

Skilfully woven into the main storyline are nuggets of information about Welsh history. Okay, the 1847 Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the State of Education in Wales may not sound that interesting but, believe me, you may be surprised at its relevance to the plot.

The author is a Welsh speaker and I particularly enjoyed the part the Welsh language plays in the book. As John explains, the aforementioned 1847 report branded the speaking of Welsh as not only “holding the whole nation back” but of “encouraging backward thinking and immorality”. At the time the book is set, Welsh is considered the language of the ordinary people not of the “gentry” who speak English. Therefore, the people Harry comes across in the course of his investigation are often surprised that he, a member of the gentry, is able to converse with them in their native tongue. During the inquest, the difficulty of translating the evidence of some witnesses from English to Welsh for the jury is revealed. As John observes, “Welsh isn’t a scientific language. English is good as absolutes. Science. Welsh is better at poetry and metaphor and a different kind of truth. Not one that’s clear cut and neat…but messy and bloody and confusing. Like life.“

Those Who Know has all the elements you look for in a mystery: a perplexing crime scene, an unknown motive, a victim with secrets in his past and an array of possible suspects. Before long, links also begin to emerge between Harry’s campaign for election as Coroner and the investigation into Rowland’s death. But do the electors want a Coroner who, as one character puts it, “sees doubt where everybody else sees death”? Not everyone, least of all the local magistrates, approves of Harry’s dogged pursuit of the truth, hammering away at “the stone of unexplained death” with question after question until the “unyielding stone finally gives way and the truth is uncovered”.

I can highly recommend The Teifi Valley Coroner series to fans of historical crime fiction. Like its predecessors, Those Who Know combines an intriguing mystery, engaging leading characters and convincing period detail. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for another book in the series before too long.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rated the first two books in this series as 4.5 stars rounded up to 5. This third in the series is a solid 5 stars, in my humble opinion.

[ancientreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this more or less by accident, having somehow missed the fact that it's third in the series -- but as neither the Brooklyn Public Library nor the NY Public Library has ebooks of the first two, I'm glad I took what I could get. Satisfyingly twisty and (judging by the author's note) the mid-19th-century Welsh setting is well researched. I appreciate that neither Harry (the coroner, who has lost his central vision and much of his peripheral vision) nor John (his assistant) is a perfect human being, and that although the mystery is solved, there remain some questions that I won't spoil but that echo Harry's visual deficits -- central matters that can never be known for sure. Nice touch, that.

I had a few quibbles, and I'm feeling cautious so I've rounded down rather than up from 4.5 stars, but I enjoyed this book enough that I got Kobo Audio Plus just because the whole series is included, and I'm dying to find out how to pronounce all the Welsh terms.

[booksofallkinds · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher.

An excellent plot with plenty of intrigue and twists to keep you hooked, THOSE WHO KNOW by Alis Hawkins is everything I wanted in a thriller and then some more for good measure.

​Harry is in the untenable position of having to fight for his position as a permanent coroner which is his true calling. Politics is not his forte and he is struggling. And when the death of schoolteacher, Nicholas Rowland, is discovered, the local people are in shock. But when it becomes obvious that Nicholas was the victim of murder rather than an accident, Harry and his assistant John must figure out the truth even if it means Harry's dream could slip out of his hands.

Compelling and intelligent like the previous two books in this series, THOSE WHO KNOW blends fascinating characters, local politics, and murder effortlessly and it left me wanting more. While Harry tries to deal with the many difficulties in his life, he doesn't let them steer him off course as he pieces the truth together with the help of John, and I loved watching them work together.

THOSE WHO KNOW by Alis Hawkins is a beautifully written story of deception and death, and I highly recommend this book and this series to fiction fans everywhere.

[Jamie Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

After serving as temporary coroner for the past few months Harry now faces an election and with the recent death of a teacher, it might just provide with a fine electioneering tool to demonstrate his credentials. But with Harry battling two priorities he finds himself struggling to juggle everything and ensuring justice is served may not be achievable. With Harry struggling, new evidence comes to light and John is sent to London, it’s a race against time. Can justice be served and can Harry secure the election?

Another cracking book in the Teifi Valley Coroner series, the relationship continues to develop between Harry and John, they really are a fine crime fighting duo. But Harry is struggling in this book as he fights two battles and John finds it hard to support him as he would like. It’s a cleverly constructed mystery, as you would expect now, interwoven with the Welsh history of the time, this time the education system in Wales. I can’t recommend this series enough, I love it.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Harry has only been coroner 10 weeks… he was appointed in None So Blind so I don’t appear to have missed that much by skipping In Two Minds. But Harry is determined to stay in the position but has to be elected (seriously??! Elections to investigate deaths??!) so he’s got to go in the campaign trail with his trusted aide John (love their rapport) and political man and canpaign manager Minnever (not so keen on him tbh)…

Poor Mr Rowland. He seems the ideal man to be helping a local community but is there more than meets the eye with this man? If something or someone is so perfect, are they too good to be true? Why would someone so highly thought of and invested in the community be murdered where he could be found by the impressionables of the community he is trying to help?!

As John and Harry continue to interview the villagers of Llanddewi Brefi, they leave no stone unturned. But as with any investigation, who can you trust?! I’ll admit, I was flummoxed to get a suspect or even a motive for this one!

If we asked the right questions, we’d find someone with a motive

As the investigation and inquest progress, the right questions are asked of the right people (as you’d expect) which leads to an interesting outcome. But this tale just keeps giving with its twists and turns. Just when I thought our dynamic duo had everything sewn up, someone throws a curve ball (not that they had those in 1850s deepest darkest Wales)….

I loved the little nods to the modern age, Reckitt making arguments for autopsies, the on-going debate about the death penalty. I love to think that this society that Hawkins has created is paving the way that we see the practices that we saw/see in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Returning the Teifi Valley allowed me to escape to a time when things seemed simpler as today’s world rages with a different style of politics and difficulties to those Harry was facing. Harry’s world of murder investigation is a stark difference to that of the modern day crime fiction I normally entertain myself with. The lack of modern technology and developed investigative techniques gives a feel of back to basics which makes the story so different to my usual fare and I personally find it refreshing. I’ll need to fill in my Harry and John journey by reading In Two Minds. I’ve grown quite fond of this duo and I want to see what’s next for them!

[B.E. Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s always a pleasure to join Harry and John when they solve a new mystery and ‘Those Who Know’, the third in the Teifi Valley Coroner series, doesn’t disappoint. This instalment features another fascinating puzzle, slowly unravelled through the alternating viewpoints of temporary Coroner Harry Probert Lloyd and his young steward John, whose different but complementary voices carry the story.

I am in awe of the skill with which Hawkins has managed to build a completely immersive world inside these novels, conjuring up the sights, sounds and smells of 19th Century Wales, while creating characters so believable and engaging you feel you could walk up to them and start a conversation!

Unlike some historical novels, ‘Those Who Know’ wears its erudition lightly and cleverly. So much so, that you could be forgiven for losing yourself in the intrigues surrounding the suspicious death of a school teacher while never appreciating the meticulous research that has obviously gone into bringing such a complicated and three dimensional political and cultural landscape to life.

Shot through with dry humour, wit and characters who jump off the page, this is definitely a skilfully plotted crime novel to savour on the dark, cold evenings. Nominated for the Crime Writers' Association Historical Dagger Award 2020, this is original and highly recommended.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

He's got a lot on his mind, does the (acting) Teifi Valley Coroner. Stumping for his permanent job and hunting down murders at the same time isn't easy, but we'll get there in the end, won't we? At least, Alis Hawkins will see that we do, in Those Who Know, the latest installment of the "Teifi Valley Coroner" series.

As in the earlier books, we get strong characters, a tightly constructed plot, and just enough tidbits of information to make us want to scurry alongside as Harry Probert-Lloyd and John Davies, his hard-working clerk figure out why the unfortunate, forward-thinking schoolteacher had to die -- and whodunit. This story has quite the little twists and turns, but Harry gets there in the end.

And that permanent coroner position? You'll have to read Those Who Know to find out, won't you? But you should, because it's an excellently written story with a clever protagonist. Looking forward to more adventures for Mr. Probert-Lloyd and his cohorts.

[Lucy Lennox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just gets better and better. In the third book, Harry has to win election if he wants to continue as coroner, but politics does not suit him. Meanwhile, he's trying to solve another murder with very few clues to go on. As in the previous books, we get a deep and sensitive look at various marginalized people in Victorian society, and see how the class system, the church, the schools all kept people in their place, despite attempts at reform. Once Harry starts investigating what seems like a happy, peaceful community, all the dirty laundry comes out, especially about Victorian attitudes about sex. As in the previous books, the plot twists are surprising but satisfying, as character motivations are rooted in social reality of the time. It's always a delight to read such deeply researched historical fiction.

[Nerys Mellor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another brilliant installment in the Teifi valley coroner novel series. Harry and John are such well developed characters that it's a joy to join them on another investigation. I really appreciate and enjoy the historical information in these books, especially as few people understand the extent of historical discrimination, prejudice, and oppression against the Welsh people. Hearing John's passionate thoughts on the 1847 report of education in Wales was a brilliant way to discuss the consequences of the report, especially the terrible demonisation of the Welsh language which followed. The plot was great and gripped me throughout. Another great read 😁

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m enjoying getting to know the characters of these four books (I think it’s only four)
They are set back in the 1800’s and the names of the places in Wales where it is set are still there today. Some of the activities of those times are included and I’m loving the inclusion of the odd snippets of the Welsh language which is dropped in on occasion.
Harry is slowly going blind but is in line to take over the Manor and land. He had his heart set on studying law but with his loss of eyesight he returns home and sets his sights on being the Coroner. His good friend John is his deputy of sorts and guides him visually noting people’s facial expressions when they’re being questioned to fill Harry in later if he hasn’t been able to see them. Within this book he employs Lydia as his secretary of a range of duties and runs for a position as local councilor.
All this while trying to solve a murder because yet again the police have the wrong fellow and the locals would rather call it an accident.

[Catherine McCarthy]

This is the third in the series, and I enjoyed it as much as the others. I don't usually read crime fiction, but this series is set in and around my home town. It's also historical, which I enjoy. A great read!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Probert - Lloyd wants to be local coroner permanently in his part of Wales. In 1851 it is a political appointment, and the election is surprisingly complicated - at least as far as Harry and his assistant John Davis are concerned. Life is difficult enough with Harry’s partial sight, dealing with the estate of his late father and suspicions which abound in the locality of a young man who went away to London to train as a barrister.

This is the third book in the series of the Tefi Valley Coroner novels, though happily because of the way the book is written it is a standalone read. The past is alluded to sufficiently to convey John’s satisfaction at qualifying as a solicitor, but also his qualms about being steward to Harry’s newly inherited estate at Glanteifi. Meanwhile Harry is standing for the post of Coroner after doing the job for three months, and making himself unpopular with some people with his dogged pursuit of the truth into suspicious deaths that some would prefer to remain uninvestigated. As the characters slip between speaking English and Welsh, the rhythm of speech in this book has a special quality, with specific words and phases being explained and listed in the front of the book. Like the first two books in the series this is a beautifully written book which engages the reader’s attention and keeps it throughout, as the honesty with which the characters react is transparent. One of my favourite aspects of the novels is the emphasis on the female characters who are central to the narrative, and the importance of their actions to the story overall. Harry has his difficulties, John his insecurities, but essentially at this stage they work well together which makes for a fascinating story. I was so very pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this book which continues a fascinating and well written narrative.

The book begins with Harry being torn in two ways, between an election campaign orchestrated by Jonas Minnever promoting Harry’s cause with the support of the Liberal party, and an investigation into the suspicious death of Schoolmaster Rowland. The latter Harry regards as “a gift from the gods”, as he is fed up of being paraded around to voters in all the local gathering places. Rowland is not the typical village schoolteacher but a man of ambition for transforming education for both boys and girls in the area and indeed all of Wales. Helped by two local young women he has attempted to establish a collegiate education funded by well intentioned donors, but his disability has made him slightly more vulnerable to what at first seems to be an accidental fall. When a medical examiner questions the circumstances of the death, Harry resolves to ensure that an inquest is a genuine enquiry into all the secrets of the death, even though it takes up all the time which Minnever wants him to devote to campaigning. The mysterious Phoebe Gwatkyn, of Alltybela, the local big house, admits to being a supporter of Rowland and offers to help together with her slightly irregular household. Meanwhile John has mixed feelings about the imminent arrival of Lydia Howell to be private secretary to Harry, partly to enable him to have more time for his responsibilities to the estate as well as his coroner’s work. Trying to juggle all commitments means that Harry has to deal with tasks not done, and an investigation compromised.

This book benefits greatly from the technique of switching from the point of view of Harry and John, which allows them both to be honest about their experiences and feelings during the novel. This is such a well written and enjoyable novel that I found it a pleasure to read. Small flashes of humour and plain speaking, especially from Lydia and Phoebe, make this entertaining read, especially when John discovers a hitherto unsuspected side of London life. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical fiction which specialises in a terrific sense of place and character, embodying a well paced mystery and more.

[Rachel Bridgeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Huge thanks to the wonderful Emily Glenister for inviting me on the blog tour, as a big fan of Alis' work, and a burgeoning lover of Welsh fiction, I leapt at the chance to read 'Those Who Know'.

I get the feeling, having read this novel, that the series is standing on a precipice, and about to go in an entirely new direction. After having established the geographical, political and cultural circumstances of Harry Probert-Lloyd's life, it is as if he is about to dive into unchartered territory, involving his 'necessary evil' , Jonas Minniver who is pushing for him to become an elected coroner, and his battle to be seen as a legitimate contender for this position.

Suspicion swirls around him as the fact he doesn't look squarely at people goes against him, (due to his encroaching blindness), he is a squire yet chooses to talk Welsh, and he has appointed the most unlikely candidate as his under-steward, John Davies. In contrast to this, the death of local school teacher ,Mr rowland, is a welcome distraction.

However, when it is looked into further, the injuries on Rowland's body are inconsistent with a fall from a ladder. And then there is the matter of the money hidden in his suitcase. And to complicate things further, the small issue of his will...

Tackling political divides, the Education Act and the Anatomy Act alone would make for a hugely involved novel, let alone the facets of the office of coroner in the late 19th century, the burgeoning feminist movement and Anglo/Welsh feeling. Yet these 446 pages do not feel long enough!

The colloquial and intimate manner in which the alternating chapters, told from Harry and John's perspectives, makes this an unmistakingly Welsh novel. However, it is not one which alienates a reader by being painfully Welsh-there are some writers who write what they think Welsh people would say and there are some writers who write naturally and succinctly without being obvious. All classes represented talk in a instantly recognisable way, and as such, this reader fell deeply into the story and was easily swept along with it.

It's a historical novel,a whodunnit, a character study and a cultural cornerstone all in place, as Alis delves into the lack of opportunities and education afforded the children of Llandewi Brefi. That Mr Rowlands was so unviersally loved and appreciated for his efforts to bring learning to all those willing to attend his 'cowshed academy' is so very touching. And it immediately throws up suspects who would want his ambitions to create an accesible college curtailed. After all, going to church and school encourages dangerous free thinking and opinion forming, and in the ashes of the Rebecca Riots, free thinking Welsh people were not to be cultivated.

A novel of contrast between haves and have nots, and a man with limited vision who sees so much farther than those with 20/20 vision, this has fascintating insights into the way that juries were formed, post mortems were carried out and the stance against developing thinkers was thwarted. It is another cracking read from an author just getting into her stride with these wonderful characters, and as a Welsh person, I fully appreciate and embrace the visibility that Alis brings to her part of Wales, it's history and all its charms. A truly wonderful read, I would recommend seeking out the 'Teifi Valley' novels and settling in for a good session of detection, solid characters and suspense.

[Karen Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the previous two books in the Teifi Valley Coroner series, Harry Probert-Lloyd is still acting coroner here but the election to appoint a permanent coroner is looming, meaning he now has to involve himself with politics. Electioneering is clearly not something he is comfortable doing but while it's easy to justify his position, his ambitiously fervent election agent, Jonas Minnever actually makes some good points which leads to Harry reassessing his attitude since his return to the Teifi Valley from London. The narrative alternates between Harry and his assistant, John and it's fascinating to see the ongoing development of their still uncertain working relationship and to learn of their different perspectives of the same events; particularly the manner in which their sharply contrasting upbringings continues to affect how they behave and how they are treated by all levels of society. Harry's blindness and the way he manages it, is an important part of the plot, of course and the acknowledgment of how it can be both a burden and an aid is handled with astute insight.
Although Those Who Know follows Harry and John's investigation into the death of a local schoolteacher, Nicholas Rowland, it's as much about the prejudices of society as it is the mystery as to how he died. One profoundly interesting scene finds John remembering the Report of the Commission of Inquiry into the State of Education in Wales. Despite the dry sounding name, the lasting anger engendered by a biased report which was so critical of Welsh culture and language is powerfully evoked. Society at a more local level is examined too; the influence of the church and of prominent townsfolk is recognised as holding sway even over the pursuit of improvement and indeed, justice.
It's obvious from the start that Nicholas Rowland's death is unlikely to be an accident but I didn't realise just how dark or twisted the pursuit for the truth would become. Harry's investigation prior to the inquest into his death is hindered by the election and his guilt at his remiss in following all leads means he becomes ever more relentless as he attempts to save a man from the gallows even at the risk of his own ambitions.
One of the most pleasing aspects of this riveting story is that even though the characters don't appear to be in danger, the increasing sense of tension generated becomes almost too nerve-wracking as Harry and John try to discover what really happens before it's too late to save a man - and Harry's career. The candid exploration of Victorian society and especially the treatment of women is the real highlight of Those Who Know, however, and Alis Hawkins' powerful, persuasive words ensure that the unexpected ending is wholly gratifying.
Those Who Know is a superb novel; the research that evidently went into writing it is utilised to rich effect, and the historical details - from the day-to-day elements to the discussions of a number of pertinent topics which colour both how characters behave and how we perceive their actions - are fascinating and thought-provoking. Harry Probert-Lloyd and John Davies are two of the most engaging characters in crime fiction and this atmospheric, cleverly plotted book is a compelling and immersive treat!

[Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb on the back cover summarises the novel as follows:- "On the campaign trail to secure his hold on the coronership Harry Prober-Lloyd finds himself uneasily embroiled in politics. so, when the death of a pioneering local teacher is reported, Harry is torn - should his focus be election or inquest?
A compromise proves damaging to both causes and Harry finds himself disastrously badly prepared for the inquest. New information comes to light during the hearing and the outcome threatens to see an innocent hanged.
As Harry struggles to put Rowland's death aside and win the election, his assistant John Davies travels to London to follow up a new lead. Will the startling evidence he finds there save the accused, or has Harry left it too late."

This is the third novel featuring Harry, the well-educated barrister, who has been reluctantly driven home (to the Teifi valley) by the loss of his sight and his ambitious low-born assistant John Davies, who acts as his eyes. Their characters and relationship are developed further in this novel and Harry finally concludes that West Wales is where he belongs, while country lad John, dispatched to London in search of evidence, has his eyes opened to aspects of human nature he had never contemplated before and determines to present himself as an unshockable man of the world, taking seamy steamy London in his stride. There is an interesting contrast too, in the outcome of the election and the murder investigation. One is wrapped up neatly as it should be whereas the other has nothing neat about it, because justice is never simple.

The novel neatly follows the architecture of crime fiction: a death, investigation, suspects, red herrings and a resolution which is both surprising and appropriate. It can be enjoyed on that level but this is crime fiction with a difference and although there are deaths and some potentially frightening scenes, the focus is more on the motives and what led up to what happened.

Like her previous novels there is depth in that social commentary, historical insight (which are very well researched) and a real sense of place are intelligently woven into the story thus elevating it well above a simple pot-boiler. Issues such as class and gender are integral to this series of novels but Hawkins writes about them without ever being worthy or preachy. It is this depth and development of the characters, other than Harry and John which make the novels so enjoyable. It is a very intriguing and compelling read and you don't have to have read the first two in the series to enjoy it, but they're equally good, so why deny yourself the pleasure?

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this third book in the Teifi Valley Coroner series, Harry Probert-Lloyd remains acting coroner for the Teifi valley, however, plans are afoot to make this position permanent. Harry along, with his assistant, John Davies, have little time for campaigning, or the machinations of local politics, especially when there is the suspicious death of a local school teacher to investigate.

From the very start of this complex investigation it would seem that all is not well in this corner of rural Wales and both Harry and John must face local prejudice, and opposition, before they can get the answers they seek into the mystery surrounding John Rowland's untimely death. As always, the author creates a strong sense of atmosphere and in Those Who Know there is a dark shadow of foreboding as right from the start there is an inkling that there is something suspicious about the teacher's death which doesn't add up, and as the investigation gets under way there are more questions unearthed than there are answers.

I enjoy this feisty investigative partnership very much as both Harry Probert-Lloyd and John Davies bring their own unique strengths to the narrative. It's always interesting to see just how well they work together, as Davies is not only Harry Probert's eyes but is also, at times, his conscience, I really enjoy their individual chapters which help to bring their distinct personalities to life. It was especially interesting to have a set of strong female characters take centre stage, especially the two friends, Nan Walters and Ruth Enyon, and the enigmatic, Phoebe Gwatkyn of Alltybela, as they each have their own specific roles to play in the story.

I've now followed this series from the beginning and whilst each book can be read as a standalone I do think that it makes more sense to read the books in order, as not only do you get to to know and appreciate just how much work the author puts into fine detailing her characters, but there's also a strong, and fascinating, sense of Welsh history, which the author puts into perspective in a clear and well ordered way.

I think that Those Who Know is a fine addition to this continuing series, and I am sure that this talented author will make sure that are more adventures to come for this intrepid investigative duo.

[Ronnie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Harry Probert-Lloyd is determined to win the permanent position of coroner but his opposition seeks to unfoot him and ruin his efforts. The only way to improve his chances is to campaign. But Harry is not one for politics.

When he and under-steward, John are called to examine the body of a local school-teacher, his already complicated life is thrown into chaos.

The investigation of Nicholas Rowland’s death throws up some very grim questions. The children looked up to him, the parents admired and respected him. Then he is found dead in the classroom and it soon becomes clear his was not a natural death. But if everyone loved him, who killed him?

Alternating between two POVs, Those Who Know, delves into themes such as history, culture, politics, prejudice and the many secrets that can live in a small village.

I was lucky enough to be involved in the blog tour for None So Blind, the first book in this series; I absolutely adored it. As soon as I was ‘introduced’ to Harry Probert-Lloyd, I fell in love with his character and the dynamic between he and John Davies. It’s been such a thrill to be back with them in Those Who Know. Harry is faced with some big dilemmas in this book, both political and personal, what with his job under threat and his sight failing. The book is tightly plotted, tense and super entertaining.

Something that Ali’s Hawkins does so beautifully is bring an authentic and true sense of time and place. It is quite simply remarkable, as if I’ve been transported to Wales and I’m in the company of Harry and John. Brimming with dramatic locales and dark atmosphere. I’m already looking forward to being reunited with them in the next instalment.

Those Who Know by Alis Hawkins is an atmospheric and beautifully written book that had me savouring each and every page! Book 3 in the Teifi Valley Coroner series and the best yet!!

[Karen Mace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 3 in the series and Harry and John are back! And this time their cases prove to be more complex than ever. Especially with Harry having his head turned by the lure of local politics. He is aiming to be elected coroner full time, but it isn't proving an easy task.

The death of a popular local teach has raised some alarm bells. He was found on the floor, seemingly having fallen out of a loft. Did he fall or was he pushed? And when the local magistrates want the case closed quickly, the irks Harry as he's never one to just settle! He wants to find out what really happened and if he has to ruffle some feathers to get to the truth, he doesn't care!

As always, we have the alternating points of view of Harry and John which works so well for these characters as it gives you time with them both to watch things unfold.

The more they delve into the life of the deceased teacher, the darker the plot becomes. His aim was to prove how good small welsh schools could be, but many were against this, and they uncover family feuds too so the list of suspects begins to grow. Despite their own battles personally, their focus rarely waivers from the case.

The sense of history surrounding the story is as strong as ever, showing up the treatment of women and how society expected them to behave was especially illuminating.

This is a story full of secrets and scandal, and I just loved how determined and clever Harry and John were in getting to the bottom of the mystery of just how the teacher died. I also really appreciated the notes at the back of the book that gave more historical insight into the times when the book was set.

A fantastic novel, and a series that I hope will carry on for some time to come!!

[Norma Laming · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story in this novel is, as with the first two in the series, ingenious, compelling and unusual. As before, the narration is compelling, too, with a wide variety of voices. I do find it a little mournful at times but perhaps that is intended to give atmosphere. I will definitely read the next one in the series but I am becoming a little tired of the tension between Harry, Lydia and John. As before, Harry‘s disability is a really interesting perspective but he doesn’t seem to add anything but status and vulnerability. It would be such a relief if he could contribute something extra in terms of personality and ideas: as it is, John still apparently resents him and appears to be capable of managing investigations without him, had he Harry’s status and Lydia is described as being brighter and quicker than Harry. What actually is Harry apart from a peg to hang a story on and a focus for others to preach at about social circumstances? I do hope that he comes into his own in future books.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A schoolmaster is found dead, having fallen from the loft in his cow shed schoolroom. Did he fall or was he pushed? Harry and John investigate together and separately, turning over many unexpected stones. All while Harry continues to struggle with his failing sight and trying to be elected as permanent Coroner.

Another strong entry in the excellent Teifi Valley series. A propulsive crime narrative with an intriguing cast and a fabulous sense of time and place

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book.

[Sōsuke Aizen · Rating 5 out of 5]

MANGO MANGO💀💀💀☠️STILL WATER + BALKAN RAGE +GERMAN STARE + JAMAICAN SMILE + RUSSIAN GOONING + AERATED WATER💀💀☠️ THOSE WHO KNOW:☠️

[Ivan Monckton · Rating 2 out of 5]

Again, I see I’m out of kilter with the vast majority of reviewers. I managed to get through this book, but didn’t get much enjoyment out of it. Despite the author hailing from the area covered, the Welsh glossary at the beginning, continuous references to the Welsh language and the Mabinogion, I got no feeling of the tale relating to Wales that one would expect. Besides that, the plot and characters are not believable, much of the language used feels incorrect for 1851, and one of the main themes of the story, a Conservative Liberal election fight for a Coroners position fails to recognise that the Liberal Party was not formed until 1859…

[Lynne · Rating 3 out of 5]

First encounter with Harry Probert-Lloyd the blind coroner of Teifi Valley and John, his assistant so some of the characters' histories were unfamiliar. This time Harry and John are called to attend to the death of pioneering schoolteacher Nicholas Rowland a man who has upset more than one local with his desire to educate the locals in his cowshed school.

Set in 1851, this is a dual narrative which allows Hawkins to present events from the sighted John and the intuitive Harry, a former London barrister who has returned to Wales on the death of his father to run the family estate.

Engaging and well written.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoy this series. I learn a lot about Welsh culture and history while figuring out a good murder mystery. I didn't get into the main character development quite as much as the previous two in the series but am certainly looking forward to no.4

[Miss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written. The characters are distinctly individual. A twisty plot.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great outing for Harry and John with the death of a local school teacher. I found the second half particularly page turning. Alis really brings to life mid 19th C Cardiganshire.

[Wendy Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well that went in a direction I wasn’t quite expecting! As absorbing as ever and a real page turner …just a bit…unexpected ….

[Phil Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third in this series is possibly the best so far. I love the way that history is blended effortlessly into a very human story of the treatment of women, education and a society changing.