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Bridget Hart #2
Killing by Numbers
Listening Length: 8 hours and 52 minutes
When reclusive artist Gabriel Quinn is gunned down outside a gallery on Oxford High Street, Detective Inspector Bridget Hart investigates the world of contemporary art, where paintings can change hands for millions in the auction room.
Bridget is convinced that the last words spoken by the artist – a mysterious code of 8 digits and a letter – are key to unravelling the mystery of his death.
But when her ex-husband, Ben, now a senior detective with the Metropolitan Police in London shows up with new information about the murdered man, Bridget's personal and professional lives are brought crashing together with dramatic consequences.
When reclusive artist Gabriel Quinn is gunned down outside a gallery on Oxford High Street, Detective Inspector Bridget Hart investigates the world of contemporary art, where paintings can change hands for millions in the auction room.
Bridget is convinced that the last words spoken by the artist – a mysterious code of 8 digits and a letter – are key to unravelling the mystery of his death.
But when her ex-husband, Ben, now a senior detective with the Metropolitan Police in London shows up with new information about the murdered man, Bridget's personal and professional lives are brought crashing together with dramatic consequences.
9 pages, MP3 CD
First published February 23, 2020
1583 people are currently reading
203 people want to read
About the author
M.S. Morris
22 books221 followersM S Morris is the pseudonym for the writing partnership of Margarita and Steve Morris. Together they write psychological thrillers and crime novels. The couple are married and live in Oxfordshire. They have two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 27, 2020
This is another satisfying book set in Oxford by these authors. I don't know how a couple works together to produce a flawless harmonious story filled with complex characters and entertaining criminal investigations, but they certainly succeed. Oxford's art scene is the focus this time round, as well as drug use and other detours that include the invasion of Bridget's ex Ben and his team from London landing in Oxford to take over her homicide case. Central to the solution of crimes and misdemeanors included in this second episode is the history of Albrecht Dürer. The student who was shot whilst riding his bicycle was a disciple of Dürer and uttered a mysterious series of numbers with his dying breath. There was a great deal of dedicated police work by Bridget and her team in trying to determine the why and the who of of that initial murder. A very dramatic and hilarious reveal in London is just too good to miss, but I shall not spoil!
This was such a great book I look forward to charging into the third book very soon. I like the nod to Morse (or Dexter) in making Bridget a lover of opera.
Kindle Unlimited
This was such a great book I look forward to charging into the third book very soon. I like the nod to Morse (or Dexter) in making Bridget a lover of opera.
Kindle Unlimited
February 6, 2024
Book 2 in this series set in Oxford. An easy to read crime/police procedural with continuing and developing characters.
July 3, 2025
I'm really enjoying this mystery series! I'm sad to see it's ended after seven entries, but really look forward to reading the rest of the series. I had no idea who the villain was in this mystery featuring artists and the art world in Oxford.
I enjoyed learning a bit more about Bridget's (our key detective) crack team, and look forward to learning more about them in the remainder of the series.
I enjoyed learning a bit more about Bridget's (our key detective) crack team, and look forward to learning more about them in the remainder of the series.
February 28, 2020
The plot and characters are marvelous. Cannot wait for Book 3 in the series!
Read
April 20, 2024I do like a series. Easy to read, fairly standard crime drama. Set in current day Oxford, or close enough, this is number two and I’m starting to find the characters familiar. Decent enough plot to keep things moving.
December 29, 2022
M.S. Morris -- Bridget Hart series
Killing by Numbers #2
This is a first for me. I’m reviewing the entire Bridget Hart series of books, at least the first seven which I’ve ‘read’ one after another for the past few weeks.
They’re all pretty good. I’ve given them all a 3 star rating but I’d put them on the high side of 3 stars, certainly good enough to enjoy binge-listening to them. I couldn’t go to 4 stars because that would elevate them to the level of admiration I’ve reserved for the works of Peter Grainger, Donna Leon and a few others; they’re not that good, however, I do recommend the series. The books are not all equally good but they are close enough not to matter; they share the same virtues and weaknesses so this review is for all seven books. If you want plot summaries you can find them on Goodreads or elsewhere. The books are “cozies” but not of the ‘tea and scones’ type. There is more to them than that but they’re not gritty, gruesome or challenging. Here is my take on the first seven books.
Pros:
• The books offer the gentle feel of a cozy without being fanciful or silly. There may be no real tension or thrills but the writing is solid, easy to read and satisfying.
• Each book delivers something new to the reader. It’s often a detailed examination of some arcane practice or study: steganography in ‘Preface to Murder’, the details of ‘change ringing’ in ‘Toll for the Dead’ and so on. I found these elements to be very interesting and worth the read all on their own.
• Relationships are well handled, including both professional and romantic. Listening to the last in the series I felt as if I were saying good-bye to a community I’d come to know and will miss.
• The narrative is clear and easy to read; the performance of the audiobooks is very well done.
• The descriptions of Oxford and the colleges, architecture and history of the area are great and also worth the reading on their own. It’s like being there and, if you like, you can see most of the locations on Google Streetview so as to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the location if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting them in person.
Cons:
This is the other side of the coin to the “Pros” above.
• This doesn’t bother me but it might alienate some. The books don’t offer a lot in the thrills and intensity department so they may be a bit bland for some readers.
• The main character, her Welsh officer and superior are frequently irritating. They also receive a lot of repetitive character enhancements. This may have been done to allow a reader to enter the series with any of the books. On a ‘binge-listen’ this becomes disturbingly apparent.
• The unpicking of the mystery relies on the awful trope of brilliant police interview techniques. In fact, the key to solving a case usually comes down to a fortuitous accident: a dropped piece of paper, a ‘suspicious’ glance, an overheard snatch of conversation. The interviews, the squeeze techniques and implied threats used by the detectives are enough to make anyone resent the police. Bridget Hart blunders around like a headless chicken accusing everyone of murder and then arresting then releasing characters who never should have been suspects in the first place. She is definitely a weak link.
• The series also involves what is perhaps my #1 pet peeve of police procedurals, that of constant references to how detectives are so overworked that they have no time for relationships, a home life or other interests. I really hate this one.
• The plots of all the books are formulaic. Once you’ve cracked the formula it’s clear that the guilty party will be introduced early. He or she will seem nice and harmless only to be left on the periphery of the narrative. Eventually he/she will be shown to have harboured a grievance for years only to crack one day for no credible reason. The motives behind the crimes never seem adequate.
• One expects red-herrings and misdirection in any mystery/police procedural but, in this series, they are clumsy and obvious. This may not be significant in the reading of any individual book but they are obvious when binge-listening.
I know I’ve given more “cons” than “pros” but the series is seriously good fun. Anyone wanting to enjoy a mostly nice bunch of engaging characters solving complex criminal challenges should take the time to explore these books. I don’t regret a minute spent with Bridget Hart & co.
Killing by Numbers #2
This is a first for me. I’m reviewing the entire Bridget Hart series of books, at least the first seven which I’ve ‘read’ one after another for the past few weeks.
They’re all pretty good. I’ve given them all a 3 star rating but I’d put them on the high side of 3 stars, certainly good enough to enjoy binge-listening to them. I couldn’t go to 4 stars because that would elevate them to the level of admiration I’ve reserved for the works of Peter Grainger, Donna Leon and a few others; they’re not that good, however, I do recommend the series. The books are not all equally good but they are close enough not to matter; they share the same virtues and weaknesses so this review is for all seven books. If you want plot summaries you can find them on Goodreads or elsewhere. The books are “cozies” but not of the ‘tea and scones’ type. There is more to them than that but they’re not gritty, gruesome or challenging. Here is my take on the first seven books.
Pros:
• The books offer the gentle feel of a cozy without being fanciful or silly. There may be no real tension or thrills but the writing is solid, easy to read and satisfying.
• Each book delivers something new to the reader. It’s often a detailed examination of some arcane practice or study: steganography in ‘Preface to Murder’, the details of ‘change ringing’ in ‘Toll for the Dead’ and so on. I found these elements to be very interesting and worth the read all on their own.
• Relationships are well handled, including both professional and romantic. Listening to the last in the series I felt as if I were saying good-bye to a community I’d come to know and will miss.
• The narrative is clear and easy to read; the performance of the audiobooks is very well done.
• The descriptions of Oxford and the colleges, architecture and history of the area are great and also worth the reading on their own. It’s like being there and, if you like, you can see most of the locations on Google Streetview so as to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the location if you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting them in person.
Cons:
This is the other side of the coin to the “Pros” above.
• This doesn’t bother me but it might alienate some. The books don’t offer a lot in the thrills and intensity department so they may be a bit bland for some readers.
• The main character, her Welsh officer and superior are frequently irritating. They also receive a lot of repetitive character enhancements. This may have been done to allow a reader to enter the series with any of the books. On a ‘binge-listen’ this becomes disturbingly apparent.
• The unpicking of the mystery relies on the awful trope of brilliant police interview techniques. In fact, the key to solving a case usually comes down to a fortuitous accident: a dropped piece of paper, a ‘suspicious’ glance, an overheard snatch of conversation. The interviews, the squeeze techniques and implied threats used by the detectives are enough to make anyone resent the police. Bridget Hart blunders around like a headless chicken accusing everyone of murder and then arresting then releasing characters who never should have been suspects in the first place. She is definitely a weak link.
• The series also involves what is perhaps my #1 pet peeve of police procedurals, that of constant references to how detectives are so overworked that they have no time for relationships, a home life or other interests. I really hate this one.
• The plots of all the books are formulaic. Once you’ve cracked the formula it’s clear that the guilty party will be introduced early. He or she will seem nice and harmless only to be left on the periphery of the narrative. Eventually he/she will be shown to have harboured a grievance for years only to crack one day for no credible reason. The motives behind the crimes never seem adequate.
• One expects red-herrings and misdirection in any mystery/police procedural but, in this series, they are clumsy and obvious. This may not be significant in the reading of any individual book but they are obvious when binge-listening.
I know I’ve given more “cons” than “pros” but the series is seriously good fun. Anyone wanting to enjoy a mostly nice bunch of engaging characters solving complex criminal challenges should take the time to explore these books. I don’t regret a minute spent with Bridget Hart & co.
August 23, 2020
Excellent book
I just dont write reviews,I read everyday,yet I am not a writer. M S Morris now they are the ones that write. Just when you are sure you know who did it, you find out how wrong you were. British murder mystery at its best. I am off to start the next book,by the way each book is a stand alone (I think thats what it's called) . Of course it is nice to see how the team are fairing in the next book.
I just dont write reviews,I read everyday,yet I am not a writer. M S Morris now they are the ones that write. Just when you are sure you know who did it, you find out how wrong you were. British murder mystery at its best. I am off to start the next book,by the way each book is a stand alone (I think thats what it's called) . Of course it is nice to see how the team are fairing in the next book.
February 1, 2021
I was quite enjoying this book, the case was reasonably intriguing and I was beginning to develop a better picture of the main characters. Then the author comes up with the appalling clichéd idea of putting Bridget’s philandering ex in charge of her investigation.
Overall this was a decent story, but I can’t forgive the author for dragging Ben Hart into the story.
Overall this was a decent story, but I can’t forgive the author for dragging Ben Hart into the story.
March 31, 2020
Excellent!
DI Bridget Hart is a single mother doing her best as a police murder investigator and parent. Murder case brings London Met to " help" and she has to deal with her obnoxious and arrogant ex husband and his equally unpleasant team. Brigid perseveres and she and her Oxford team successfully solve the two murders! Good mystery.
DI Bridget Hart is a single mother doing her best as a police murder investigator and parent. Murder case brings London Met to " help" and she has to deal with her obnoxious and arrogant ex husband and his equally unpleasant team. Brigid perseveres and she and her Oxford team successfully solve the two murders! Good mystery.
March 11, 2020
This second book in the Bridget Hart series is just as good as the first. The mystery is clever and intriguing and kept me turning pages right to the end. In this book we see more of Bridget’s personal life and family relationships which all adds to the enjoyment.
August 5, 2023
Another good read with a few twists and turns on the way. Thought there was quite a bit of padding at times in thevearly stages.
July 29, 2024
Another who funnier with twists and turns
May 16, 2021
Number two in this series and a good read. Well plotted and characters developing well. Highly recommended.
October 2, 2025
Bridget Hart is so relatable. Trying to juggle a career while raising a teen daughter is enough of a challenge. Throw in an intolerable ex and a demanding boss and I wonder how she keeps her sanity. This was a fun story with plenty of suspects and plot twists to keep you guessing. On to DI Hart's next challenge.
November 11, 2022
Little, but fierce.
Bridget Hart is a detective inspector, not as far up the ladder as she had originally hoped to be. An early marriage and motherhood to a serial philanderer, had resulted in some years as a single mum. Now she was back on the rings and proving to be an asset to Thames Valley in Oxford.
Her latest case is unusual, a talented art student is shot in the heart from a moving car. Not luck, but judgement - it is a hit.
Her ex husband, Ben is a DCI in the Met and their relationship is not good. His having decided he wants to be part of their daughter's life, having been largely absent for most of it.
The case is moving slowly, until the bullet is matched to a couple of hits in London. Ben is sent to Oxford to take charge of the enquiry, much to Bridget's annoyance.
The characters are well drawn, and the story keeps a constant pace throughout.
Bridget Hart is a detective inspector, not as far up the ladder as she had originally hoped to be. An early marriage and motherhood to a serial philanderer, had resulted in some years as a single mum. Now she was back on the rings and proving to be an asset to Thames Valley in Oxford.
Her latest case is unusual, a talented art student is shot in the heart from a moving car. Not luck, but judgement - it is a hit.
Her ex husband, Ben is a DCI in the Met and their relationship is not good. His having decided he wants to be part of their daughter's life, having been largely absent for most of it.
The case is moving slowly, until the bullet is matched to a couple of hits in London. Ben is sent to Oxford to take charge of the enquiry, much to Bridget's annoyance.
The characters are well drawn, and the story keeps a constant pace throughout.
August 2, 2022
Another compelling read in the series, but where were the Oxford colleges? :o
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 28, 2022
I have Goodreads and a friend to thank for this book.
I received a notification of a 'Like' for my review of 'Aspire to Die', the first book in the Bridget Hart series. I had read that almost two years ago and as I had forgotten all about it, I read through the review which reminded me how much I had enjoyed this opener. I wondered why I hadn't followed it through and was annoyed to find that I had and that this book had been waiting patiently on my shelf for all this time.
As I started reading I was soon back in Oxford with the recently promoted D.I. Hart fresh from her success on the previous case with her two D.S.s Ffion and Jake.
I am not too keen on the Detective's private life being included in a Murder Mystery as it seems to indicate that the mystery itself isnt enough to hold the book and needs some padding. Here it is kept to a minimum and is spliced in well.
From the beginning when a young artist is shot in a crowded Oxford street and Hart is given the case, the reader is as much in the dark as the Team. The artist uses his dying breath to make sure a string on numbers didn't die with him. I'm sure that I wasn't the only one to try to beat the computer brain of Ffion to find their significance.
Not too many characters and each well defined which should have made this mystery easier to solve. However, plenty of clever misdirections made it harder until final dramatic scenes.
If I've one complaint , as an Armchair Detective, it was that a significant piece of information was kept from us ( and the team) until the guilty party had been uncovered.
So nearly a 5 - again. Perhaps the next one - which I will not leave for another two years.
I received a notification of a 'Like' for my review of 'Aspire to Die', the first book in the Bridget Hart series. I had read that almost two years ago and as I had forgotten all about it, I read through the review which reminded me how much I had enjoyed this opener. I wondered why I hadn't followed it through and was annoyed to find that I had and that this book had been waiting patiently on my shelf for all this time.
As I started reading I was soon back in Oxford with the recently promoted D.I. Hart fresh from her success on the previous case with her two D.S.s Ffion and Jake.
I am not too keen on the Detective's private life being included in a Murder Mystery as it seems to indicate that the mystery itself isnt enough to hold the book and needs some padding. Here it is kept to a minimum and is spliced in well.
From the beginning when a young artist is shot in a crowded Oxford street and Hart is given the case, the reader is as much in the dark as the Team. The artist uses his dying breath to make sure a string on numbers didn't die with him. I'm sure that I wasn't the only one to try to beat the computer brain of Ffion to find their significance.
Not too many characters and each well defined which should have made this mystery easier to solve. However, plenty of clever misdirections made it harder until final dramatic scenes.
If I've one complaint , as an Armchair Detective, it was that a significant piece of information was kept from us ( and the team) until the guilty party had been uncovered.
So nearly a 5 - again. Perhaps the next one - which I will not leave for another two years.
August 22, 2024
3.5 stars
I like Bridget Hart as a character and think that the relationship with her daughter Chloe was really well done. i live in Oxford and liked hearing about all the Oxford landmarks that were described in the book, these were described accurately and without the need to make anything up which has annoyed me in other Oxford based series. I thought that Ffion was a pretty good character as well. the narration was pretty good this time as well, especially the character voices.
My big criticism was that I wasn't sure that in a real police investigation her ex husband would have been able to jump into the case the way he did. I'm sure that similar things have happened but in many workplaces relationships between staff are discouraged altogether and there could have been more explanation from the Super as to why this was considered ok. the same goes for one of the suspects on the case, I thought in such cases, where they knew the suspect, police officers were supposed to excuse themselves from the inquiry. although I am prepared to believe this doesn't always happen I think there should have been more discussion of this as the fact she remained on the case remained surprising to me, she was a competent and professional police officer otherwise.
I like Bridget Hart as a character and think that the relationship with her daughter Chloe was really well done. i live in Oxford and liked hearing about all the Oxford landmarks that were described in the book, these were described accurately and without the need to make anything up which has annoyed me in other Oxford based series. I thought that Ffion was a pretty good character as well. the narration was pretty good this time as well, especially the character voices.
My big criticism was that I wasn't sure that in a real police investigation her ex husband would have been able to jump into the case the way he did. I'm sure that similar things have happened but in many workplaces relationships between staff are discouraged altogether and there could have been more explanation from the Super as to why this was considered ok. the same goes for one of the suspects on the case, I thought in such cases, where they knew the suspect, police officers were supposed to excuse themselves from the inquiry. although I am prepared to believe this doesn't always happen I think there should have been more discussion of this as the fact she remained on the case remained surprising to me, she was a competent and professional police officer otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2024
( Format : Audiobook )
"Melancholia."
Having lived for over three decades of my adult life in Oxford and still visiting the four families I left behind, I am very fond of reading books set in the City and it's surrounds. Some are dreadful. This one, not so bad. The characters do have a certain life of their own and the plot, apart from the intrusion of the ex husband part way through, is interesting if somewhat predictable, sufficient to keep this reader listening without mentally pining for the ending to arrive. The narrator, Esther Wane, had a pleasantly modulated voice, attempting to give individual differences to the conversation of separate protagonists even if one of the speakers sounded more from the West Country than Oxfordshire, an easy mistake. But, please, if telling the story set in a well known location, learn how to pronounce the place names before reading them allowed: not all are straightforward (for example, Wytham is not 'With them' but 'White ham'.
My thanks to.The Audible Plus programme, from which I downloaded this book for free.
"Melancholia."
Having lived for over three decades of my adult life in Oxford and still visiting the four families I left behind, I am very fond of reading books set in the City and it's surrounds. Some are dreadful. This one, not so bad. The characters do have a certain life of their own and the plot, apart from the intrusion of the ex husband part way through, is interesting if somewhat predictable, sufficient to keep this reader listening without mentally pining for the ending to arrive. The narrator, Esther Wane, had a pleasantly modulated voice, attempting to give individual differences to the conversation of separate protagonists even if one of the speakers sounded more from the West Country than Oxfordshire, an easy mistake. But, please, if telling the story set in a well known location, learn how to pronounce the place names before reading them allowed: not all are straightforward (for example, Wytham is not 'With them' but 'White ham'.
My thanks to.The Audible Plus programme, from which I downloaded this book for free.
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February 17, 2021 4.35 · Rating details · 584 ratings · 19 reviews
When reclusive artist, Gabriel Quinn, is gunned down outside a gallery on Oxford High Street, Detective Inspector Bridget Hart investigates the world of contemporary art, where paintings can change hands for millions in the auction room.
Bridget is convinced that the last words spoken by the artist – a mysterious code of 8 digits and a letter – are key to unravelling the mystery of his death.
But when her ex-husband, Ben, now a senior detective with the Metropolitan Police in London shows up with new information about the murdered man, Bridget's personal and professional lives are brought crashing together with dramatic consequences.
Math professor guilty.
When reclusive artist, Gabriel Quinn, is gunned down outside a gallery on Oxford High Street, Detective Inspector Bridget Hart investigates the world of contemporary art, where paintings can change hands for millions in the auction room.
Bridget is convinced that the last words spoken by the artist – a mysterious code of 8 digits and a letter – are key to unravelling the mystery of his death.
But when her ex-husband, Ben, now a senior detective with the Metropolitan Police in London shows up with new information about the murdered man, Bridget's personal and professional lives are brought crashing together with dramatic consequences.
Math professor guilty.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 16, 2024
Great plot, with plenty of twists. The Art World, Drug Scene are involved, along with a contract killer on the loose, disturbs Oxford. There are some cryptic clues which take in Mathematics and History.
And Bridget's ex husband Ben, another DI, who is a little arrogant and not as clever as he thinks he is, appears for a while. There is speculation whether Bridget will finally complete a date with Jonathan, who runs a local art gallery.
I totally see why some readers have not take to this novel and its prequel. They books are not 'great' literature as such but I think that they are a jolly good read. Enough for me to proceed to the next book in the series. Still find the characters a little too clumsy and stereotypical though.
And Bridget's ex husband Ben, another DI, who is a little arrogant and not as clever as he thinks he is, appears for a while. There is speculation whether Bridget will finally complete a date with Jonathan, who runs a local art gallery.
I totally see why some readers have not take to this novel and its prequel. They books are not 'great' literature as such but I think that they are a jolly good read. Enough for me to proceed to the next book in the series. Still find the characters a little too clumsy and stereotypical though.
April 11, 2025
I have come to the Oxford Murder series after having read the Tom Raven books. Although I have really enjoyed the setting of each book with a back drop or association with one of the Oxford colleges, the quality of writing has shown how this first series was using very basic creative writing rules. However, The Tom Raven books are far more sophisticated in their plots and writing.
Back to The Oxford Murder books. The large team of characters both police and family does work very well. There is enough information about each person for their character to stand alone but also understand the different interactions. The plot of each book was quite original even though the writers used a little too much backtracking to re-enforce information.
Back to The Oxford Murder books. The large team of characters both police and family does work very well. There is enough information about each person for their character to stand alone but also understand the different interactions. The plot of each book was quite original even though the writers used a little too much backtracking to re-enforce information.
August 9, 2020
This is the second book in the Bridget Hart series that takes place in Oxford, and it does not disappoint. A young art student is shot on the streets of Oxford and leaves a cryptic number code as a clue to the murder. Hart and her gang scour the city of Oxford chasing lead after lead that takes them through the scholarly art world and a venerable financial institution. The puzzle is engaging, and the characters are worth caring about. We find ourselves angry as Bridget's ex-husband is called in from London to oversee the case and in the process causes a lot of harm to his ex-wife's personal and professional life. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait to get started on the next one.
February 13, 2022
I like these books; the writing is good, the characters are likable and they seem to develop, and the plots are plausibl enough; I like that Bridget’s superior, Grayson, is a decent guy. (The tired trope of superior officer who is incompetent/corrupt/venal/otherwise constantly-impeding-our-hero is so overworked as to ruin the experience of a book.)
For me, there’s something missing that keeps these books from being 5*. This particular book lost at least half a star because of the idiotic way the authors handled the Sotheby’s sale; it is beyond belief that Sotheby’s would accept a piece such as the one in this story without ascertaining provenance. THIS WAS IDIOTIC!! (Sorry for yelling.)
For me, there’s something missing that keeps these books from being 5*. This particular book lost at least half a star because of the idiotic way the authors handled the Sotheby’s sale; it is beyond belief that Sotheby’s would accept a piece such as the one in this story without ascertaining provenance. THIS WAS IDIOTIC!! (Sorry for yelling.)
May 23, 2022
Entertaining read!
I like this second book of a series, I think even more than the first one. We're still getting to learn what makes DI Bridget tick! We're learning a bit more about her team. And we saw one person get taken down a notch,, wether they realized it or not. We saw some get to keep their relationship, after what seemed against all the odds, and we got to see a new one budding (possibly) . And what draws me the most is how different all of the characters are, and how likable and relatable they are! I for one am drawn to keep reading this series to find out! if you're wondering what I am talking about, you should just jump in and read the books!
I like this second book of a series, I think even more than the first one. We're still getting to learn what makes DI Bridget tick! We're learning a bit more about her team. And we saw one person get taken down a notch,, wether they realized it or not. We saw some get to keep their relationship, after what seemed against all the odds, and we got to see a new one budding (possibly) . And what draws me the most is how different all of the characters are, and how likable and relatable they are! I for one am drawn to keep reading this series to find out! if you're wondering what I am talking about, you should just jump in and read the books!
June 12, 2024
this the first D. I. Bridget Hart book I've ever read and the 2nd in the series she is a British Detective Inspector of a small force separated from her ex-husband who is also a policeman for London's Met. Bridget is given a murder inquiry to handle and then it is taken over by her ex who dismisses all her ideas and concerns....A young art student is shot to death riding his bicycle....an art shop owner is brutally stabbed to death in the upstairs apartment over his shop....a young artist's model tries to take her own life with a drug overdose...an art teacher steals her students ideas and uses them for her own work it is a roller coaster ride from start to finish....
September 10, 2024
A cozy that needs an editor
Like in the first book in the series, the author spends a lot of time on Bridget’s inner ramblings, worries, backstory.
Rather than treat the books as stand alones, she should build on them and let her character grow. Clearly Bridget should be in counseling.
Both novels spring the killer on you at the end. I identified the probable killer in book one but not book two: that’s how much he was in the background. It doesn’t make the team look smart.
However both novels reflect Louise Penny’s Gamache … murders with history and powerful emotions at their core.
Like in the first book in the series, the author spends a lot of time on Bridget’s inner ramblings, worries, backstory.
Rather than treat the books as stand alones, she should build on them and let her character grow. Clearly Bridget should be in counseling.
Both novels spring the killer on you at the end. I identified the probable killer in book one but not book two: that’s how much he was in the background. It doesn’t make the team look smart.
However both novels reflect Louise Penny’s Gamache … murders with history and powerful emotions at their core.
February 8, 2021
I quite enjoyed this story of DI Bridget Hart trying to solve a murder where no one is telling the full truth and those assigned to help have their own agenda. The math, the art and other heady pieces of information were done in a way to inform yet not overwhelm, all while moving the story forward. The authors didn't take the easy way out in solving the crime which I appreciate. They've created characters that I want to continue to get to know.
Excited to read the next in the series.
Happy Reading!
Excited to read the next in the series.
Happy Reading!
March 22, 2021
This was a well-done mystery with a very interesting art theme and a lovely Oxford setting that was spoiled for me by triteness in the main character, something I feared a bit based on the first book. Bridget is a cliche who eats too much of the wrong things, drinks too much, and suffers boring angst about her daughter, her ex-husband, and her younger sister, who was murdered while Bridget was at the university.
I am not aure I will read any more in the series because of the annoyance factor.
I am not aure I will read any more in the series because of the annoyance factor.
September 22, 2021
Once again the Oxford setting was very strong. The author is still bringing up the death of Bridget's sister when they were teenagers without moving that storyline on. Here Bridget's ex-husband is brought in, as the Met take over one aspect of the case and their interactions were very unprofessional and seemed unlikely to me. This would have been a stronger book if (as seemed possible at one point) .
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