Murder in Haxford

Pignon Scorbion #2

by Rick Bleiweiss

A delightful day in 1910 at the Haxford Spring Fair turns horrifying and deadly when a balloonist plummets to the earth from the blue skies above. However unlikely, it's soon discovered that this unfortunate corpse was not done in by his precipitous plunge but instead from an arrow fatally lodged in his chest. Unraveling the twisted web of intrigue that took the man's life requires the expert skills of Haxford's brilliant and sartorially splendid Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion.

But the quirky detective is not alone in this task. Aiding Scorbion in his dogged pursuit of truth and justice are his carefully chosen deputies: six quirky and unconventional thinkers from the town who meet regularly with Scorbion in Calvin Brown's barbershop to unmask ne'er-do-wells and solve local crimes. Since his move to the charming village, the enigmatic detective has also realized his growing dependence upon its bookshop's owner. Lovely and quick-witted Thelma Smith not only helps Pignon with his criminal cases, but she seems well on her way to unlocking the mysteries of his heart.

Not everyone in Haxford is so cooperative. Faustin Hardcastle from the Gazette is bound and determined to ruin the town's new officer of the law with slanderous news reports of failure and misconduct. And other residents of the picture-perfect village do not welcome the inspector's inquiring eye and expert nose for trouble. When they engage in decidedly un-quaint activities like gambling, revenge, forgery, and loan sharking, it falls to Pignon Scorbion to reveal their deceit and criminal misdeeds--all in a good day's work. Once done, he and Thelma can then thoroughly enjoy a delicious dinner at the Bridgehouse Inn.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Cozy Mystery, Historical, British Literature, Cozy

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 21, 2023

About the author

Rick Bleiweiss started his career in music as a rock performer, producer of over 50 records (including a Grammy nomination), songwriter and record company senior executive, working with Clive Davis, Melissa Etheridge, the Backstreet Boys, Kiss, U2, Whitney Houston, The BeeGees and other industry legends.

Since 2006 as a publishing company executive, he has acquired works by bestselling and award-winning authors including James Clavell, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Rex Pickett, Leon Uris, and Catherine Coulter among many others.

In his latest creative endeavor, Rick has crafted the Pignon Scorbion historical mystery series—blending his love of the past with the twisty deliciousness of a whodunit.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Dawn Michelle]

First, this is NOT a cozy mystery [for all the people complaining about how slow it starts, the language, the the the...sigh]. Not even close. This is a historical mystery [with more emphasis being on mystery here], so if you are going into this thinking it is going to be a nice cozy, you will be disappointed. NOT that the book/story is a disappointment, because it is not, but if I was looking for a cozy and the parameters that those have and ended up with a HM that has more innuendo and language than a cozy, then I would be put out. Thankfully, I read book one [which was also very, very, good] and knew what to expect.

Pignon Scorbion is a unique character [he does have some similarities to Hercule Poirot, but not enough to mistake Pignon for the lovely Belgian sleuth], who has a real love of clothes, cleanliness and solving mysteries in HIS way, no matter how many threats a particularly nasty newspaper man makes [<--HE is really icky] and if deputizing his friends [who just happen to work in a barbershop] and his paramour [A WOMAN DEPUTY!!! Shocking! LOL So refreshing to have a Chief Inspector that knows what is what!] are unconventional, all the better.

As with the first book, there are several stories in this book, all linked and all leading to an end that I certainly didn't guess and I believe leaves us with the format for a third book [along with the idea that a certain someone just might be around after all if my mystery-sense is firing on all cylinders! ;-) ]. I thoroughly enjoyed this book [AND the new narrator {B.J. Harrison<--He is BRILLIANT} - he is SO MUCH BETTER than the previous one! Whew!] and am certainly looking forward to another book should there be one written.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rick Bleiweiss, and Blackstone Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Angel (Bookn.All.Night)]

Murder in Haxford is a delightful cozy mystery. It's a little slower in pace than I'm used to for a cozy, but that didn't take away from my enjoyment.

I didn't realize this was book 2 (it's scary how often I tend to start a series out of order lately 🤣) BUT within the first few chapters I had a pretty good grasp of the characters in play and it didn't feel like I missed much by not reading the first. I do love when a book can be read as a standalone.

I really enjoyed the period this was set in, as well as the dialogue used. It was definitely a different time for genteel conversations and manners.

The mystery was interesting as well and I enjoyed the working mind of Pignin Scorbion. I need to go back and read the first book now. I read some reviews that said the first was even better with the humor and dialogue so I'm curious now.

I am glad I had the chance to read this one and I sincerely appreciate the publisher and Kaye Publicity for the review copy. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

[Susan]

Pignon Scorbion has only been chief inspector of the police in Hexford, a quiet little village, for a few months, when a balloonist at the town fair is killed by an arrow. No sooner does he solve this crime, with the help of an oddly assorted group he's deputized (including the local barber and the lady who owns the bookstore--and possibly Scorbion's heart), than a local loan shark and artist is poisoned. Despite the assumption that the loan sharking provided the motive, Scorbion wants to look at all aspects of the case. The structure of this book, with two separate and unrelated cases narrated sequentially, is unusual. Scorbion and some of the other characters speak in an especially ornate and unnatural fashion. Maybe if I'd started with book 1, this would have been explained--as it is, I found it peculiar and off-putting.

[Rebecca]

This is certainly a cozy mystery that moves at a slower pace, without any frenetic scenes (even the dangerous scenes seemed more sedate). I didn;t read the first one, but it was easy to jump into this one and get a sense of the setting and characters. Det. Pignon was an interested man who seemed to act / be regarded as ahead of the times, compared to the bumbling typical policeman. He surrounds himself with a seemingly random assortment of friends who have been deputized to help him and each is definitely a unique character, though I do feel like they could be more developed (maybe I missed this in the first book). It was not a laugh out loud type of book, and definitely felt more serious than some cozies, though overall the vibe was pleasant. I enjoyed the Poirot-esque theatrical reveal with all the players present.

If you like a slow burn mystery with a smart detective and surprising ending, this one is for you!

[Lavender]

This book is #2 in the series and I remembered that I really liked the first one. You might find the dialogue strange at first but I appreciate how it makes the mystery easy to follow by saying everything out loud. I was surprised that the mystery was already solved even though there were several chapters left. Usually, mysteries take the entire book to resolve, so seeing the "resolution" while there were still pages left made me tensed, thinking that it's not actually fully resolved and might have a plot twist. As it turns out, there were two cases.

[Jean Kolinofsky]

Pignon Scorbion is settling nicely into the position of Chief Inspector in Haxford. After solving several crimes with the assistance of six of the town’s citizens, he has now deputized them. Calvin is the local barber, whose shop Scorbion uses for his suspects’ interviews. He is joined by several of his employees, a young reporterfrom one of the town’s papers and Thelma, the owner of the local bookstore. When a hot air balloon crashes at the town’s fair, there is a body found in the basket. Rather than the fall, his death was caused by an arrow to the chest. The balloon was stolen from a nearby town and the victim was suspected of being involved in a recent murder. Scorbion’s investigation leads to the disappearance of several witnesses and a conspiracy to cover additional murders. Like Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, Scorbion uses his intelligence to draw logical conclusions and solve the murder. It is not long, however, before he and his deputies are also presented with another murder. Archie Williams, the town’s loan shark, falls dead in Calvin’s barber shop, the victim of poison. He was also a talented artist. Was his death caused by his threats against borrowers or was he involved with forgery?

Like Poirot, Scorbion is particular about his appearance and often makes observations that others overlook. Among his deputies, Thelma offers not only support but also valuable resources from her bookstore. Her intelligence is one of her many attractions for Scorbion. Rick Bleiweiss has created a close group whose support and easy banter will have you wishing that you could visit Haxford and join them. My only hope is that Pignon Scorbion will have many more investigations in the future. I would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing this book for my review.

[Roberta J.]

I am completely captivated by the incredibly rich atmosphere that Rick Bleiweiss has crafted within the pages of Murder in Haxford. From the very first chapter, the town of Haxford comes alive with a vivid, comforting sense of Edwardian charm that makes you feel as though you are walking down its historic streets yourself. At the heart of this world is Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion, a detective who instantly stands out as an unforgettable and brilliant addition to classic mystery fiction. He possesses all of the eccentric elegance and sharp intellect that traditional whodunit fans crave, yet he carries a unique warmth that keeps him from feeling like a mere carbon copy of past literary greats. The brilliant nods to a larger universe where characters like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot exist in the background add such a fun layer of depth for historical mystery enthusiasts. Furthermore, the creative concept of the Barbershop Detectives adds a wonderful, collaborative layer to the investigation, giving the supporting characters a genuine sense of purpose and wit. I love how the sudden, dramatic death of the balloonist perfectly shatters the peace of this quiet village, immediately pulling back the curtain on hidden local scandals and intense rivalries. Every interview conducted by Scorbion feels essential to the narrative, pushing the plot forward while deepening our understanding of the town's social hierarchy. It is incredibly apparent that the author has a profound respect for British detective traditions, as the pacing and tone honor the golden age of mysteries flawlessly. The dialogue is consistently sharp, realistic, and infused with the perfect amount of period-accurate politeness and tension. For me, the true joy of the book was watching this brilliant investigative team piece together a highly intricate puzzle using pure logic and deduction. It is a rare feat for a historical mystery to feel simultaneously nostalgic and entirely refreshing, but this story achieves that balance effortlessly. I am already eager to see where Chief Inspector Scorbion’s instincts take him next, and I know our community will be discussing this ending for a very long time

[Annie]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Murder in Haxford is the second book in a light historical cozy mystery series by Rick Bleiweiss. Released 21st Feb 2023 by Blackstone, it's 350 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats.

This is a quirky Edwardian shopfront cozy with an ensemble cast of oddly charming characters, and none moreso than the titular newly arrived chief inspector Pignon Scorbion. He's a sartorial force-majeur (channeling his hero Monsieur Poirot) with a formidable intellect and backed up by a Greek chorus of barbershop employees, he sets his brain to solving highly outlandish crimes. In this case, he's untangling a ballooning accident with deadly consequences.

Although it's not derivative, stylistically I would place it in the same subgenre with Richard Osman and maybe Edmund Crispin. It's a bit farcical and pompous, but there are some smiles to be found here. I suspect it will engender delight or antipathy in readers and not much in between those two extremes. I found it charmingly silly in places and an engaging diverting light read. I'm looking forward to finding out what comes next. It's definitely a series I will continue to pick up and read as it's released. Readers will not have any trouble following the story if the book is read as a standalone. If it pleases, then the first book will also fit the bill as it's very much in the same vein.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Janet Mahlum]

I have several criticisms of this book. The writing was choppy, uneven, rough. A grammatical error persisted through the entire book which drove me crazy. Who/whoever vs whom/whomever. I think only one time was the correct word used. Most people misuse who/whoever and use it when the correct word would be whom/whomever. This author and editor misused the two words every single time except once. Who is nomnative case - subject, e.g., who is at the door. Whom is accusative case - object, e.g., whom they bring. The other thing that drives me crazy and is like chalk on a chalkboard is "utilize." Why do people USE utilize when use is a perfectly good word. For example from the book: "I will utilize these colored eye glasses to counteract the extreme brightness of the day." I would use sunglasses... I think people USE utilize because they think it makes them sound sophisticated and erudite. I think it makes them sound silly and pretentious.

That said, this was actually 2 novelettes. I kept waiting for the two murders to be combined, but they were two entirely different cases. And that brings me to another criticism. Why does such an outstanding chief inspector need so many helpers? He has a sargeant and constible for his official staff. Then he enlists the aid of 3 barbers, one shoe-shiner, a newspaper reporter, and a book store owner. Then they all meet at the barber shop, I think at least once a day, which means the barber shop has to close. I would think customers would get tired of always showing up only to find the shop closed and decide to take their business elsewhere.

At least Pignon Scorbion isn't as obnoxious as Holmes, and he does treat all his aides with respect and courtesy. If none of my complaints bother you, it's not a bad mystery, and you get 2 for the price of one.

[Jen Woodrum]

Murder in Haxford is a cozy detective mystery that takes place in 1910. Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion and his group of townsfolk who help him solve local crimes band together when a balloonist lands with an arrow through his chest at the Haxford Spring Fair.

This was my first book in the series, but it was easy enough to jump into the world and characters without reading the first! However, it was hard to connect with the relatively large cast of characters, and none of them really grew on me.

The old-timey language was really fun and entertaining, and I think some readers will really enjoy the 1910's British banter. The mysteries were well developed - it was very satisfying to watch Pignon pull together all the pieces and clues to share his solution in front of his townsfolks. The payoff was lovely!

The pacing was bothersome to me, as one mystery was solved about 60% of the way through, leaving a second mystery for the last half of the book. Without an overarching plot to carry me through, I found it challenging to get completely invested in the second mystery.

For those who like mystery and crime stories, you will probably enjoy cuddling up with a blanket, a cup of coffee, and this read!

Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! I will be sharing my review on Instagram and TikTok closer to the pub day.

[Jean J.]

Rick Bleiweiss possesses a truly wonderful gift for historical world building, instantly transporting the reader back to the year 1910. The sensory details are woven into the narrative with such care that you can practically smell the shaving soap in the barbershop. Rather than overwhelming the reader with massive blocks of history, the era reveals itself naturally through the characters' etiquette and daily routines. The language strikes the perfect chord, feeling appropriately classic without ever becoming dense or difficult to parse for a modern audience. This stylistic choice creates an incredibly immersive reading experience that honors the literary traditions of Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle. I was deeply impressed by how the author uses the cheerful Haxford Spring Fair as a vibrant backdrop for a grim crime. This clever juxtaposition increases the underlying tension, reminding the reader that danger can lurk in the most idyllic places. It is a beautifully written, atmospheric piece of historical fiction that captures the absolute heart and soul of traditional mystery.

[Susan Johnston]

Princess Fuzzypants here: Pignon Scorbion is the new DCI in the village of Haxford in the English countryside not far from London in 1910. He is an excellent detective with an unusual set of deputies including a couple of barbers and a woman who owns a bookstore. The questioning of the suspects is often in the barbershop and while both the murders and the investigations are quirky to say the least, they are also very entertaining. The stories do a wonderful job of creating a time capsule of what life must have been like at the time complete with hot air balloons, bows and arrows and poison.

The crimes are intricate with plenty of twists and turns. The interaction of the various characters is also a treat. And to make matters more difficult Pignon is also plagued by a newspaper editor whose sole purpose seems to be to humiliate Pignon. Naturally, he is the one with egg on his face as the crimes are solved and the public learn of Pignon’s clever deductions. Four purrs and two paws up.

[Lillie B.]

While Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion is undoubtedly the star, the ensemble cast surrounding him is what truly elevates this mystery. The camaraderie and intellectual synergy between Scorbion and his trusted team provide a brilliant spin on the classic lone wolf detective trope. Watching them dissect the village gossip and analyze physical evidence together inside the barbershop grounds the story with incredible charm. The author takes great care to ensure that none of the secondary characters feel like flat placeholders in the narrative. Every interaction reveals a new layer of Edwardian social tension, showing that beneath the polite surface lies a hotbed of jealousy. The pacing is handled beautifully, allowing these relationships to develop naturally without slowing down the momentum of the actual murder investigation. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and perfectly tailored to reflect the differing social classes and backgrounds of the village. I finished the novel feeling incredibly attached to this community and genuinely look forward to future installments.

[Lina C.]

The narrative momentum of Murder in Haxford is masterfully sustained from the opening pages right up to its spectacular conclusion. The book hits the ground running with a highly theatrical murder setup that immediately establishes high stakes for the investigation. As the search for the balloonist's killer begins, the author expertly tightens the narrative screws with perfectly timed complications. Just when you think the investigation is pointing toward a clear suspect, a new revelation drops that reframes everything. This brilliant utilization of misdirection is where the author's meticulous plotting skills truly shine for the engaged reader. I found myself completely unable to put the book down because each chapter concludes on a note of genuine suspense. Scorbion’s calm, methodical approach serves as the perfect anchor amidst the growing panic and chaotic gossip of the village. When the final pieces of the puzzle click together, it results in a highly satisfying, logical, and emotionally resonant payoff.

[Marvin N.]

What makes this such an intriguing read is the fascinating way it bridges the gap between a cozy mystery and a darker crime story. On the surface, Haxford appears to be the epitome of a charming English countryside town where nothing bad could happen. However, the sudden and brutal nature of the murder allows the author to explore a darker underbelly within the community. The investigation exposes a complex web of buried secrets that contrast beautifully with the town's elegant, polite exterior. Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion navigates these two worlds flawlessly, using his charm to put suspects at ease while his sharp eyes dissect lies. The cozy atmosphere of the local barbershop serves as a brilliant sanctuary of safety and logic where the detectives can regroup. I found this exploration of human nature to be incredibly compelling, adding a layer of sophisticated drama to the standard whodunit blueprint. The resolution strikes a perfect emotional chord, delivering justice while leaving a lasting impact on the community itself.

[Edwin H.]

The heart and soul of this novel lies in its brilliant reliance on old fashioned detective logic and clever reasoning. In an era before modern forensic science, Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion must rely entirely on his deep understanding of human psychology. The choice to have him operate out of a local barbershop is a stroke of absolute genius on the author's part. A barbershop is naturally the center of community gossip, making it the perfect strategic location to gather unfiltered information. This unique setup allows the investigation to unfold from both official police interviews and informal, organic conversations. I loved watching Scorbion sift through this mountain of local chatter, effortlessly separating useless rumors from crucial evidence. The logic he applies to the timeline of the murder is beautifully structured and entirely transparent to the reader. Rick Bleiweiss has built a fantastic foundation here for an intellectually stimulating historical mystery series that honors the genre.

[James L.]

A mystery story is only ever as good as its villain, and Murder in Haxford delivers a fascinating web of motives. The author does a spectacular job of exploring the destructive nature of secrets, jealousy, and long-simmering desires for revenge. The murder of the balloonist is not an act of random violence; it is a deeply personal, calculated crime born out of a tangled history. As the Chief Inspector digs into the victim’s past, he uncovers a mirror world of hidden scandals that changes everything. I highly appreciated that the motives presented are deeply human and understandable, even if the actions taken are entirely monstrous. This psychological depth prevents the characters from feeling like cartoonish villains, transforming them instead into complex, tragic figures. Every clue Scorbion uncovers acts as a scalpel, peeling back the polite layers of Edwardian society to reveal the raw emotions underneath. The suspense is amplified because you realize that the killer is hiding in plain sight while interacting daily with the detectives.

[Tonie J.]

The dialogue in this novel is an absolute masterclass in subtext, politeness, and intellectual warfare, making every conversation exciting. Because the story is set in the highly structured social world of Edwardian England, characters rarely say what they mean. Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion’s interrogations are written like elegant games of verbal chess, where every question is a calculated move. The author has an exceptional ear for the cadence of the era, crafting exchanges that are polite but dripping with tension. I loved watching Scorbion use his gentle, sophisticated demeanor to disarm suspects, causing them to accidentally reveal crucial details. The banter between Scorbion and his Barbershop Detectives provides a wonderful contrast, filled with sharp wit and mutual respect. This attention to detail makes the reading experience engaging, as you find yourself analyzing the dialogue just as closely as clues. It is incredibly satisfying to read a mystery where words are the primary weapon used to achieve justice.

[Lenard S.]

For readers who appreciate a fair play mystery that challenges their analytical skills, this book is an absolute triumph. What impressed me most as the plot unfolded was the absolute precision with which the author hides his clues. It is completely obvious while reading that Rick Bleiweiss meticulously edits his work to achieve a flawless balance. He perfectly gives the reader a fair chance to solve the crime without ever making the final solution obvious. The breadcrumbs are dropped so naturally into casual conversations that you easily miss them on your first pass through the chapters. This multi layered approach relies on clever misdirection rather than cheap gimmicks, making the eventual reveal feel entirely earned and logical. I highly appreciate that the historical backdrop serves as a crucial element of the plot rather than just basic window dressing. It beautifully captures the exact brand of sophistication that makes traditional detective fiction so entirely timeless

[Betty H]

As an avid collector of historical mysteries, I can confidently state that this novel is a magnificent addition to the genre. The story serves as a beautiful, intentional homage to the golden age of British detective fiction while firmly establishing its own identity. Rick Bleiweiss has done an exceptional job of capturing the specific spark of magic that makes characters like Sherlock Holmes timeless. The setting of Haxford is so rich with geography, local lore, and distinct landmarks that it can support dozens of stories. By the time I reached the final chapter, I felt completely invested in the future of the entire town. The author leaves just enough threads of character development dangling to make the reader immediately crave the next installment. I love how the ending wraps up the central mystery completely while leaving you excited to see this team evolve. I cannot recommend this charming, clever, and thoroughly absorbing novel highly enough to anyone who loves a great mystery

[Soren Blackwell]

Every once in a while, a book reminds me why I fell in love with reading in the first place, Murder in Haxford gave me that feeling.

It isn't loud or overdramatic. It simply tells a really good story with characters that feel honest and a mystery that kept pulling me back for "just one more chapter." Before I knew it, I was turning the last page and wishing there was another one waiting.

I especially appreciated the quiet moments between the investigation. Those small conversations, the sense of community, and Scorbion's growing bond with Thelma gave the story a warmth that stayed with me long after the mystery was solved.

Rick Bleiweiss has written more than an entertaining whodunit. He's created a place that readers can get attached to, and that's much harder to do than simply writing a clever mystery. I'm grateful I picked this book up, and I'll happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories with heart as much as suspense.

[Dawn Fu]

As much as I enjoy mystery/murder stories, I am satisfied with the process of solving the murder cases in this book which is the murder in the gondola of hot air balloon and death by poison.

While the story is quite slow-paced, it tries to humour entertain the reader by having different characters beside the detective such as the bookstore owner, newspaper journalist, barbershop owners etc. These characters will come together with the detective to discuss the murder cases and brainstorm their ideas in the barbershop instead of doing it at police station. And these characters have their own unique personalities and will joke with one another to make the story entertaining. I find this story is interesting in the way it not only involve the detective alone but it involves other characters to work together to solve the cases which is a surprise to me.

[Isolde Crane]

I closed this book with a smile.The mystery kept me guessing, but what surprised me most was how much I came to care about the people in Haxford. It would have been easy for the investigation to overshadow everything else, but Rick Bleiweiss gave the town and its characters so much life that they felt like people I had actually spent time with.

Pignon Scorbion is the kind of detective I wish there were more of. He's brilliant without needing to prove it every five minutes. He listens, observes, and lets the story unfold naturally. I also found myself looking forward to every scene with Thelma. Their connection feels genuine, never forced.

Thank you for writing a mystery that isn't just about solving a crime. It's also about people, trust, and seeing beyond first impressions. Books like this remind me why I still love sitting down with a good mystery after all these years.

[Kael Thornbridge]

I don't usually write reviews, but this book deserved one. What I appreciated most was that the mystery never felt like it was trying too hard. The story trusted the reader. Little details that seemed ordinary at first ended up meaning something later, and I caught myself thinking back through earlier chapters more than once.

Pignon Scorbion is such an enjoyable character. He's observant without being showy, and I liked that he treated people with respect, even when he knew they weren't telling him everything. That made him feel believable.

By the end, I wasn't just happy because the mystery was solved. I was genuinely glad I had spent time in Haxford. It's rare for a mystery to leave me feeling satisfied instead of simply surprised.

Rick Bleiweiss has written the kind of story that reminds me why classic mysteries have never gone out of style.

[Nyra Solace]

When Sophie Clara Bennett recommended Murder in Haxford, I wasn't sure it would be my kind of mystery. I usually gravitate toward faster-paced thrillers, but she told me this one was worth slowing down for because of the characters.

She was right.

What surprised me most wasn't the murder itself. It was how much I enjoyed spending time in Haxford. The mystery is clever, but it's the people who stayed with me. Pignon Scorbion doesn't rush to conclusions, and that made me pay closer attention as a reader too. I found myself looking for the little details instead of racing to the ending.

By the time I finished, I understood why Sophie had recommended it. It isn't just about solving a crime. It's about watching a thoughtful investigator uncover the truth in a community where everyone has a story to tell.

I'm glad this book found its way onto my reading list.

[Vintagebooklvr]

2 1/2 stars. A slow-paced but smart mystery set in 1910 Britain in a small village starring Chief Inspector Pignon Scorbion with a group of deputized friends who solve an Impossible murder type crime involving a body found in a hot air balloon followed by another mystery. Pignon is a "modern" detective who specializes in noticing details others don't and being a somewhat fastidious character who reminds me of Hercule Poirot. There is some fun banter but it is somewhat more serious in tone than most cozies and the amount of characters makes it a bit hard to really get to know them.

I enjoyed it and would probably read another in the series. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.

[Kyle]

I adore this series. Murder in Haxford takes up right where the first book left off. To fully get the nuances of the characters as well as the richly detailed time period and location it really is best to start with the first book.
This is not a cozy mystery but will appeal strongly to fans of Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot mysteries. Scorbion shares many of Poirot's idiosyncrasies which is a part of the charm.
Scorbion has a group of ordinary, but interesting citizens that help him untangle the extremely fascinating mysteries Bleiweiss has imagined and presents to the reader. This group of deputized citizens add to the charm. This characters are a delight. It is a unique and fun means to present and work out the mysteries.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to more.

[Aera]

This was hard going at first. Slow, boring...I wanted to quit numerous times but pressed on and 50 or so pages in, it started to grow on me: the characters, the author's stilted writing style, the eye rolling at some of the exchanges between Thelma and Pignon (really, I wonder if the author was being deliberately corny or whether he was being sincere) but I found myself somewhat enjoying myself. Enough, to want to read book one of the series. We'll see how it goes.

But, I noted a minor discrepancy. SPOILER:

On pg. 228 Pignon asks Constable Pawley if Hodge knows Farnsworth and Carter when he was already told on pg. 224 by Hodge himself that he has never heard of the two. Considering Pignon is supposed to possess some great, meticulous brain, the discrepancy is ironic.

[Joy]

Hideous pretentious boredom with many useless chapters having nothing to do with the plot..the little there was . ie 1. A whole chapter wasted on hiriig a shop assistant. 2 The 5 page rubbish about the football game article
ant )the thin thread there was of plot.

Take them all out and you'd have a,short story. Still boring ,but at least over in an hour .

The whole repetitive useless babble at the barbershop .

Oh also drinking game : everytime you sew the line about him putting on or taking off his sunglasses ..take a drink .

I'm gobsmacked at the tons of reviews ..they must all beendrunk or reading another book instead of this comatose inducing babble .


1 Zero wit or charm or humor in the pretentious,detective..who gives a bloody crap about his clothes

[Selene Marlowe]

This felt like the kind of mystery that respects its readers. The story never relied on cheap surprises or impossible twists. Instead, it invited me to pay attention, trust the process, and enjoy putting the pieces together alongside Scorbion. I loved that.

What also stood out was the heart behind the story. Even the characters who made mistakes felt human. No one existed just to move the plot forward, and that made every revelation carry a little more weight.

When I finished, I found myself thinking about how much care must have gone into writing a book like this. As a reader, I noticed it, and I appreciated it.

Thank you for creating a mystery that is both clever and genuinely enjoyable to spend time with.