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Havard & Lambert Mysteries #5
Murder of a Gentleman
The unusual, romantically attached crime-solving duo return to investigate a ruthless murder!
Charming film writer and director Geraint Denbigh is found lifeless in the garden of his Welsh home. It looks like he fell from a window, but eagle-eyed Detective Chief Inspector Matt Lambert soon finds irregularities in the crime scene. Before long he determines it was murder.
Recently retired, the victim was writing about his eventful life and many of his former colleagues and associates could have had reason to stop him before he spilled the beans on their transgressions.
Lambert’s girlfriend and ex-boss, Fabia Havard, knew Denbigh and decides to help from the sidelines. Will they manage to single out the person with most to gain by the gentleman’s disappearance? Or have they both been led up the garden path?
Murder of a Gentleman is the fifth standalone book in a bestselling series of mysteries set in South Wales.
Charming film writer and director Geraint Denbigh is found lifeless in the garden of his Welsh home. It looks like he fell from a window, but eagle-eyed Detective Chief Inspector Matt Lambert soon finds irregularities in the crime scene. Before long he determines it was murder.
Recently retired, the victim was writing about his eventful life and many of his former colleagues and associates could have had reason to stop him before he spilled the beans on their transgressions.
Lambert’s girlfriend and ex-boss, Fabia Havard, knew Denbigh and decides to help from the sidelines. Will they manage to single out the person with most to gain by the gentleman’s disappearance? Or have they both been led up the garden path?
Murder of a Gentleman is the fifth standalone book in a bestselling series of mysteries set in South Wales.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2022
510 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
About the author
Pippa McCathie
18 books66 followersSouth Wales has played a big part in Pippa's life, two of her three sons were born in Swansea and she visits close friends near Newport as often as she can. Brought up in Mauritius, she's spent a lot of her life travelling, to Guernsey, London, South Africa, South Wales, Iran and back to Guernsey. She began writing in school exercise books to entertain her friends, which resulted in dubious exam results but much laughter. She's had many poems and short stories published and, once her boys had been packed off to school, started on the novels. For the last 17 years she's taught a creative writing class, and in her spare time she's worked as a volunteer with a national charity, helped run Guernsey's local Eisteddfod, and looked after a gorgeous husband and a cowardly cat. All these activities have helped her avoid time wasting activities such as housework and gardening. Murder in the Valleys, published by The Book Folks, is the first in a series featuring Fabia Havard and Matt Lambert, who are currently Pippa's best friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
October 12, 2023
Geraint Denbigh, a famous film director and writer, returned to south Wales after a stroke. Then he was found dead in the garden of his cottage one morning. DCI Matt Lambert was charged with investigating the death after the medical examiner determined it was not accidental but murder. There were several suspects who would not want Geraint to publish his autobiography that he had been working on and a couple had visited him recently. Matt has to divide his attention between the case and his very pregnant wife. Fabia. who used to be his superior.
The case moves along apace without any serious leads; the suspects are slowly being rounded up and interviewed. We are given all the information except for something Fabia discovers in an old movie magazine. That irritated me, I must admit, when she told Matt and he told his Chief - we were not let in on the secret until later but I had realized who the murderer was by then anyway. McCathie writes an adequate mystery but the plot doesn't build tension until the end. I liked most of the people in the small town and their characters were quite well developed. It was good to read a story set in Wales.
The case moves along apace without any serious leads; the suspects are slowly being rounded up and interviewed. We are given all the information except for something Fabia discovers in an old movie magazine. That irritated me, I must admit, when she told Matt and he told his Chief - we were not let in on the secret until later but I had realized who the murderer was by then anyway. McCathie writes an adequate mystery but the plot doesn't build tension until the end. I liked most of the people in the small town and their characters were quite well developed. It was good to read a story set in Wales.
April 20, 2023
DCI Matt Lambert and his partner, Fabia Harvard, are thrust into another murder investigation when a celebrity film writer and director is found dead on the ground below a second floor window. Did he fall or was he pushed?
As he was writing a no holds barred autobiography that would upset many people, there’s no shortage of suspects when the evidence and pathology reveal he was murdered. As Fabia was a close friend, she’s involved in the ensuing investigation once again.
With tensions high and progress painstaking, it becomes a bit of a slog until Fabia makes a possible breakthrough. Though Matt has his doubts, events soon snowball into a thrilling climax.
Once again, the familiar characters move the investigation and backstory along, keeping the suspense high. With a new chief superintendent to contend with and issues at home, Matt has his hands full and doesn’t always get things right, adding to the drama.
It’s another enjoyable and entertaining entry in a compelling series I’ve followed from the start.
As he was writing a no holds barred autobiography that would upset many people, there’s no shortage of suspects when the evidence and pathology reveal he was murdered. As Fabia was a close friend, she’s involved in the ensuing investigation once again.
With tensions high and progress painstaking, it becomes a bit of a slog until Fabia makes a possible breakthrough. Though Matt has his doubts, events soon snowball into a thrilling climax.
Once again, the familiar characters move the investigation and backstory along, keeping the suspense high. With a new chief superintendent to contend with and issues at home, Matt has his hands full and doesn’t always get things right, adding to the drama.
It’s another enjoyable and entertaining entry in a compelling series I’ve followed from the start.
October 15, 2023
Not to be put down thriller
From start to finish a thoroughly engrossing storyline and engaging plot. An elderly man is found dead, by his gardener, below the balcony of his house. It looks like a fall over a poorly kept and decrepit rail, which had been badly in need of attention got some time. Later the post mortem reveals that the fall had not been the reason for his death but he had been struck on the head following. A difficult case for the police especially as the victim had been writing a highly revealing auto biography which would have been highly disturbing for a number of his former associates. Which one had the most to lose?
From start to finish a thoroughly engrossing storyline and engaging plot. An elderly man is found dead, by his gardener, below the balcony of his house. It looks like a fall over a poorly kept and decrepit rail, which had been badly in need of attention got some time. Later the post mortem reveals that the fall had not been the reason for his death but he had been struck on the head following. A difficult case for the police especially as the victim had been writing a highly revealing auto biography which would have been highly disturbing for a number of his former associates. Which one had the most to lose?
October 29, 2023
Slow paced mystery
The best part of the narrative was that the author didn't try to spice up the story with foul language, sexual overtones or graphic violance. I thank her for that.
The story was not a thriller mystery, just a routine investigation of a murder. Even the murder started out as an assumed accident. The characters were underdeveloped which added to the slow pace of the story. There wasn’t really any excitement to the tale to grip your imagination.
Overall the story was easy to read with no indication of who the murderer was until close to the end. It was an "okay" story that wouldn't be confused with a "page-burner. "
The best part of the narrative was that the author didn't try to spice up the story with foul language, sexual overtones or graphic violance. I thank her for that.
The story was not a thriller mystery, just a routine investigation of a murder. Even the murder started out as an assumed accident. The characters were underdeveloped which added to the slow pace of the story. There wasn’t really any excitement to the tale to grip your imagination.
Overall the story was easy to read with no indication of who the murderer was until close to the end. It was an "okay" story that wouldn't be confused with a "page-burner. "
September 23, 2022
Pippa McCathie is back with a new Havard and Lambert mystery. Like the other four books in the series, this book is set in a fictionalised location in South Wales.
Interesting developments here that hint at new avenues for the ex-detective and her partner. Not least a baby being on the way.
This one kept me guessing, although I reckon the suspect was probably staring me in the face all the way through. Love these books that keep you looking for clues and second guessing the detectives.
Interesting developments here that hint at new avenues for the ex-detective and her partner. Not least a baby being on the way.
This one kept me guessing, although I reckon the suspect was probably staring me in the face all the way through. Love these books that keep you looking for clues and second guessing the detectives.
October 3, 2022
Wonderful!
Great series but this is the best yet! All the terrific police characters are still part of the team. Fabia is 8 months pregnant so must remain sidelined for the murder investigation Extremely intricate plot with lots of suspects. So well done that there was no real hint of the actual murderer until the finale! Then, baby Bethan arrives while murderer is being apprehended!
Great series but this is the best yet! All the terrific police characters are still part of the team. Fabia is 8 months pregnant so must remain sidelined for the murder investigation Extremely intricate plot with lots of suspects. So well done that there was no real hint of the actual murderer until the finale! Then, baby Bethan arrives while murderer is being apprehended!
October 8, 2023
MURDER OF A GENTLEMAN: (The Harvard and Lambert Mysteries Book 5)
What a book, so good to read and follow although there were a lot of characters with different backgrounds and lived all over. Sure enough Harvard and Lambert were on the case and it got solved after a lot of investigations, late night working, several interviews and even gunshots and stand offs going on. I hope there will be more in the pipeline to read. I recommend you read this series.
What a book, so good to read and follow although there were a lot of characters with different backgrounds and lived all over. Sure enough Harvard and Lambert were on the case and it got solved after a lot of investigations, late night working, several interviews and even gunshots and stand offs going on. I hope there will be more in the pipeline to read. I recommend you read this series.
October 28, 2025
A classy murder mystery with a great setting. A local celebrity found dead. Havard and Lambert on the case again, although Favia being heavily pregnant reduces her to a supporting role in this one, which allows Matt to shine a bit more. Great characters, good suspects and a twist at the end I didn't expect. Another entertaining well written story from a talented writer. Evan Llwyd does a really great job narrating the story and nails the accents. Highly recommended.
November 12, 2025
Decent mystery about a man who was found dead. He had been having some health issues and at first it appeared he fell off his balcony after a stroke or some other medical episode but then it was discovered that he had been murdered.
Lots of suspects and to go through, a new boss and a pregnancy that is coming closer and closer to the birth of the child.
Overall, it was good but not great.
Lots of suspects and to go through, a new boss and a pregnancy that is coming closer and closer to the birth of the child.
Overall, it was good but not great.
February 17, 2023
Set in South Wales a great whodunit.
5th in the series more of DCI Matt Lambert and girlfriend and ex boss Fabia who is nearly 9mths pregnant and Matt is called into a case of a film director is found under his bedroom balcony dead it looks like an accident but things aren't as they seem as he's writing an autobiography and lots of people are angry with him.
Can't wait for more in the series.
5th in the series more of DCI Matt Lambert and girlfriend and ex boss Fabia who is nearly 9mths pregnant and Matt is called into a case of a film director is found under his bedroom balcony dead it looks like an accident but things aren't as they seem as he's writing an autobiography and lots of people are angry with him.
Can't wait for more in the series.
October 16, 2023
a very good read
I’ve enjoyed reading this story, the plot was a good one with many excellent candidates for murder. Some police procedure balanced well with private life worked well.
Only one swear word, otherwise clean reading adds to the overall story being carefully crafted and we’ll written.
I’ve enjoyed reading this story, the plot was a good one with many excellent candidates for murder. Some police procedure balanced well with private life worked well.
Only one swear word, otherwise clean reading adds to the overall story being carefully crafted and we’ll written.
November 8, 2023
The writing was very tight and well done, but I think this book was just not for me.
I didn't find it gripping at all. I think because it really took a long time to get going. I got to about a third of the way through and still found most of the suspects we only knew about because the police officers were just discussing them with one another, i.e. they hadn't actually appeared in the flesh.
I didn't find it gripping at all. I think because it really took a long time to get going. I got to about a third of the way through and still found most of the suspects we only knew about because the police officers were just discussing them with one another, i.e. they hadn't actually appeared in the flesh.
June 2, 2025
The book kept my interest though at times times the dialog caused me to roll my eyes.
I did find it a bit annoying that while throughout the book the investigation was very open to the reader one thing was kept from the reader. I felt like someone was whispering behind me telling secrets and didn't want me to know. Of course it was the most relevant bit of information.
I did find it a bit annoying that while throughout the book the investigation was very open to the reader one thing was kept from the reader. I felt like someone was whispering behind me telling secrets and didn't want me to know. Of course it was the most relevant bit of information.
December 31, 2022
Another great story
Another great story in the Matt and Davis series featuring lots of the usual characters. There is a new superintendent who is much more supportive to the team. Great story line and a good ending. Hoping there will be more to come.
Another great story in the Matt and Davis series featuring lots of the usual characters. There is a new superintendent who is much more supportive to the team. Great story line and a good ending. Hoping there will be more to come.
March 23, 2023
Thankfully no violence towards Flavia this time, except for childbirth. Matt is more unsure about Flavia helping on the force and it's unclear whether it is because of the baby, his insecurities, or wanting to get to know his new captain more. Flavia's eye for faces is spectacular. A good story.
October 12, 2023
Great book
A great murder mystery. I enjoyed this story and the company of the characters in it. Whilst I'd worked out early on who Cassie was, it didn't spoil the book. It was lovely to read a British story for a change.
A great murder mystery. I enjoyed this story and the company of the characters in it. Whilst I'd worked out early on who Cassie was, it didn't spoil the book. It was lovely to read a British story for a change.
April 5, 2024
Cosy mystery
This book, like all cosy mysteries, should have this in big black letters on the front cover. Then I could avoid them all.
If you like cosy mysteries you might like this book.
This book, like all cosy mysteries, should have this in big black letters on the front cover. Then I could avoid them all.
If you like cosy mysteries you might like this book.
April 6, 2024
Who would want to murder writer and film director Geraint Denbigh. DCI Lambert and his team investiagte with the help of pregnant girland and ex-police Fabia Havard.
An enjoyable modern mystery, another good addition to this series.
An enjoyable modern mystery, another good addition to this series.
January 11, 2025
Not a bad story
The main female characters is becoming tiresome but the stories are still quite good.
What makes these books interesting is the area where the stories play out.
One more book to go, hoping it's still quite good.
The main female characters is becoming tiresome but the stories are still quite good.
What makes these books interesting is the area where the stories play out.
One more book to go, hoping it's still quite good.
October 13, 2025
Murder of a Gentleman
A truly gripping fiction that you need to read. So many characters who you feel may have committed the murder, but there is a twist at the end! A real page turner.
A truly gripping fiction that you need to read. So many characters who you feel may have committed the murder, but there is a twist at the end! A real page turner.
September 25, 2022
Love this Series
More from this great cast of characters and intriguing plots. I look forward to reading more in this lively series.
More from this great cast of characters and intriguing plots. I look forward to reading more in this lively series.
September 25, 2022
Murder of a Gentleman
I really like Pippa MaCathie books all the story lines keep you interested right to the end of her books.
I really like Pippa MaCathie books all the story lines keep you interested right to the end of her books.
September 28, 2022
Brilliant..
Never saw this one!
Great character building but leaves you wanting to know about them.
Very well plotted.
Most readable.
Never saw this one!
Great character building but leaves you wanting to know about them.
Very well plotted.
Most readable.
November 29, 2022
Good read
Well constructed mystery. Interesting characters.
I enjoyed the setting too. This is a well-written series.. I'm required to write five more words for some reason.
Well constructed mystery. Interesting characters.
I enjoyed the setting too. This is a well-written series.. I'm required to write five more words for some reason.
December 5, 2022
Another gripping storyline and its not without its twists and turns. Great set of mysteries and I really enjoyed reading them!
December 25, 2022
Murder yes Gentleman?
Readable from start to finish I had no ide who the murderer was no surprise as the facts came out
Readable from start to finish I had no ide who the murderer was no surprise as the facts came out
January 21, 2023
As usual, very nice read :)
April 6, 2023
Another great read. Pippa does a fantastic job of keeping you on your toes until the end. Matt and Fabia make a great team.
May 1, 2023
Loved the whole series.
May 28, 2023
A real page turner
I could not put it dow. Excellent believable characters and a great twisty plot
Really well worth reading. Can’t wait to read the rest in this series.
I could not put it dow. Excellent believable characters and a great twisty plot
Really well worth reading. Can’t wait to read the rest in this series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews