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Detective Esther Penman #1
The Art Merchant
Some pictures are not so pretty...
Detective Sergeant Esther Penman is a bit of a mess. She drinks too much. She sleeps around. She has trouble following orders.
But it's her tenacity that's about to get her into the biggest trouble of all...
When a woman is killed in one of Belfield's wealthiest neighbourhoods, Esther quickly realises it's no straightforward homicide. The husband has an alibi, but he's hiding something, and Esther is determined to find out what.
A few days later a man is found hanging in nearby woodland, and her suspicions of a deeper conspiracy begin to grow.
It isn't long before Esther's discoveries set her on the trail of forces far more sinister than she imagined...
And put her on a collision course with the man they call the Art Merchant...
Detective Sergeant Esther Penman is a bit of a mess. She drinks too much. She sleeps around. She has trouble following orders.
But it's her tenacity that's about to get her into the biggest trouble of all...
When a woman is killed in one of Belfield's wealthiest neighbourhoods, Esther quickly realises it's no straightforward homicide. The husband has an alibi, but he's hiding something, and Esther is determined to find out what.
A few days later a man is found hanging in nearby woodland, and her suspicions of a deeper conspiracy begin to grow.
It isn't long before Esther's discoveries set her on the trail of forces far more sinister than she imagined...
And put her on a collision course with the man they call the Art Merchant...
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2022
424 people are currently reading
413 people want to read
About the author
J.K. Flynn
4 books26 followersI spent over ten years as a frontline police officer in the UK. It’s a job unlike any other, a job that exposes you to aspects of life and society that most people never get to see. It changes your perspective on the world. My time in law enforcement made me want capture that perspective, to write crime fiction with an authentic voice, raw and unvarnished. Detective Esther Penman is the product of those efforts – I hope you enjoy her stories!
Subscribe to my newsletter at jkflynn.co.uk for news on all promotional discounts on my books!
— J.K. Flynn
Subscribe to my newsletter at jkflynn.co.uk for news on all promotional discounts on my books!
— J.K. Flynn
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
December 29, 2022
The Art Merchant by J.K. Flynn is a better-than-average police procedural focusing on Detective Sergeant Esther Penmen.
Penman is a homicide investigator known to burn like a candle at both ends and with a penchant for drink and one-night stands, oftentimes waking up in places and with people she has a hard time remembering. While she can mostly afford to do so due to her investigative abilities and consistent results, people like her that do so eventually run up against administrators more concerned with gathering statistics and maintaining the bureaucracy rather than well-conducted criminal investigations.
Penman’s immediate supervisor, Jared Wilcox, acknowledges Penman’s productive skills, but is nearing retirement and seems to be more satisfied with coasting until his last day rather than metaphorically pounding his head against the wall defending the behavior of Penman to his boss.
The novel opens with the home invasion and killing of a housewife and with little suspect information, initial attention is focused on the husband, Charles Gorman. Gorman has an alibi, but when under scrutiny, his behavior causes investigators to believe he is either responsible for his wife’s murder or is hiding something more sinister.
Soon, because of her obstinance, habitual tardiness, and disrespect toward her supervisor above Wilcox, Penman is demoted back to uniform services, but rather than dampening her resolve to get to the bottom of the Gorman murder, her drive to do so only becomes more intense.
As the novel moves forward, Flynn further develops the Penman character and creates a tale with progressive plotting that does not require a suspension of belief to enjoy.
The Art Merchant is recommended to those favorable to police procedurals with flawed characters and believable plots.
An advanced reader’s copy was provided by Netgalley for the promise of a fair review.
Penman is a homicide investigator known to burn like a candle at both ends and with a penchant for drink and one-night stands, oftentimes waking up in places and with people she has a hard time remembering. While she can mostly afford to do so due to her investigative abilities and consistent results, people like her that do so eventually run up against administrators more concerned with gathering statistics and maintaining the bureaucracy rather than well-conducted criminal investigations.
Penman’s immediate supervisor, Jared Wilcox, acknowledges Penman’s productive skills, but is nearing retirement and seems to be more satisfied with coasting until his last day rather than metaphorically pounding his head against the wall defending the behavior of Penman to his boss.
The novel opens with the home invasion and killing of a housewife and with little suspect information, initial attention is focused on the husband, Charles Gorman. Gorman has an alibi, but when under scrutiny, his behavior causes investigators to believe he is either responsible for his wife’s murder or is hiding something more sinister.
Soon, because of her obstinance, habitual tardiness, and disrespect toward her supervisor above Wilcox, Penman is demoted back to uniform services, but rather than dampening her resolve to get to the bottom of the Gorman murder, her drive to do so only becomes more intense.
As the novel moves forward, Flynn further develops the Penman character and creates a tale with progressive plotting that does not require a suspension of belief to enjoy.
The Art Merchant is recommended to those favorable to police procedurals with flawed characters and believable plots.
An advanced reader’s copy was provided by Netgalley for the promise of a fair review.
November 25, 2022
A woman is found murdered in her own home. Suspicion immediately focuses on her husband and when he runs from a visit by the police, they are pretty sure they have the culprit. However, after he is interviewed, DS Esther Penman becomes less convinced. She is pretty sure he is guilty of something but is it murder?
All the characters in this clever, debut novel are very well drawn but DS Penman really stands out. She is stubborn, insubordinate and drinks way too much but also a very talented police officer. Alongside her colleague DI Wilcox, who struggles to keep her under control, they dig deeper into the case, which their boss would rather have closed.
There is a smart balance of action, suspense and police procedural in The Art Merchant. The side story of why Penman behaves as she does is really moving. The plot is very well, thought out and concludes brilliantly. The writing is skilful and creates a really believable narrative.
I really recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and BooksGoSocial for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
All the characters in this clever, debut novel are very well drawn but DS Penman really stands out. She is stubborn, insubordinate and drinks way too much but also a very talented police officer. Alongside her colleague DI Wilcox, who struggles to keep her under control, they dig deeper into the case, which their boss would rather have closed.
There is a smart balance of action, suspense and police procedural in The Art Merchant. The side story of why Penman behaves as she does is really moving. The plot is very well, thought out and concludes brilliantly. The writing is skilful and creates a really believable narrative.
I really recommend this book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author and BooksGoSocial for an ARC in exchange for an honest review
November 15, 2022
This is my first book by this author. It was a good read. I would definitely continue the series.
Detective Sergeant Esther Penman has a drinking problem and an attitude. But she’s a darn good detective. Regardless, her CI is wanting to boot her out and send her back to uniform duty. Will she be able to watch her step and keep her position in the department?
When a housewife is found murdered, Esther doesn’t buy that’s it’s a burglary gone wrong. She looks at the husband but suspects there is something larger at play. When the murderer winds up dead, her CI wants the cases closed. Will she do as she’s told?
The case leads to a man calling himself the Art Merchant. How do these cases tie back to him? Will Esther find the connection and solve the cases?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Detective Sergeant Esther Penman has a drinking problem and an attitude. But she’s a darn good detective. Regardless, her CI is wanting to boot her out and send her back to uniform duty. Will she be able to watch her step and keep her position in the department?
When a housewife is found murdered, Esther doesn’t buy that’s it’s a burglary gone wrong. She looks at the husband but suspects there is something larger at play. When the murderer winds up dead, her CI wants the cases closed. Will she do as she’s told?
The case leads to a man calling himself the Art Merchant. How do these cases tie back to him? Will Esther find the connection and solve the cases?
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 3, 2022
The Art Merchant by JK FLYNN.
Detective Sergeant Esther Penman is a mess. She drinks too much. She sleeps around. And her chief inspector is threatening to kick her out of CID and send her back to uniform because he doesn’t like her ‘attitude’. Luckily for Esther, if there’s one thing she’s good at, it’s solving cases… When a woman is killed in one of Belfield’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, Esther quickly realises it is no straightforward homicide. The husband has an alibi, but he’s hiding something, and Esther is determined to find out what. A few days later, a man is found hanging in nearby woodland, and Esther’s suspicions of a deeper conspiracy begin to grow. It isn’t long before Esther’s hunt for a killer sets her on the trail of forces far more sinister than she imagined… And puts her on a collision course with the man they call the Art Merchant…
Brilliant read. Loved Esther character. 5*.
Detective Sergeant Esther Penman is a mess. She drinks too much. She sleeps around. And her chief inspector is threatening to kick her out of CID and send her back to uniform because he doesn’t like her ‘attitude’. Luckily for Esther, if there’s one thing she’s good at, it’s solving cases… When a woman is killed in one of Belfield’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, Esther quickly realises it is no straightforward homicide. The husband has an alibi, but he’s hiding something, and Esther is determined to find out what. A few days later, a man is found hanging in nearby woodland, and Esther’s suspicions of a deeper conspiracy begin to grow. It isn’t long before Esther’s hunt for a killer sets her on the trail of forces far more sinister than she imagined… And puts her on a collision course with the man they call the Art Merchant…
Brilliant read. Loved Esther character. 5*.
November 13, 2022
The Art Merchant by British author J. K. Flynn is the first book in a brand new thriller series set in the mythical city of Belfield in the English midlands, featuring Detective Sergeant Esther Penman, a deeply flawed but relatable protagonist.
Flynn opens the story with a murder, and the game is afoot. Nothing particularly unusual about that since fans of the genre expect crime thrillers to start with a murder. But what is unusual and something I much liked about the opening scene is it’s not only a murder that should never have happened but it lands the killer in very dire straits where the police are the least of his worries.
When the cops arrive at the crime scene to investigate, we meet our deeply flawed but feisty and earnest protagonist, Esther Penman, a Belfield detective sergeant and former street cop. Her colleague and first-line supervisor, Detective Inspector Jared Wilcox, has one foot out the door as retirement beckons. But meanwhile, he struggles to contain Penman’s inclination to provoke their boss, DCI Warren Porter, who is already looking for an excuse to get rid of her.
Because of her abuse of alcohol, Penman has a habit of reporting late for work with hangovers and smelling of booze. And her behavior toward Porter is often borderline insubordinate. Wilcox attempts to protect his colleague from her self-destructive behavior, because he recognizes Penman is a skilled and talented investigator. But so close to retirement, he is loath to put his career in any serious jeopardy to do so. Not to mention, Wilcox has personal problems of his own to deal with.
Penman and Wilcox pick up the murder of the woman described at the opening. Naturally, since statistics show that their intimate partners kill more than half of all female homicide victims, the detective’s initial focus is on the victim’s husband, Charles Gorman. When they go to interview Gorman at work, he tries to flee from them and his suspicious behavior appears to implicate him. Yet after they interview Gorman, the detectives feel Gorman might not be guilty of the murder after all. Still, Penman’s instincts tell her Gorman is involved in something dodgy, something that might have provoked the murder of his wife. And Esther is determined to find out what Gorman has himself mixed up in. But before she and Wilcox gain traction in the investigation, a new suspect comes to light. DCI Porter, convinced the newly identified suspect is the perpetrator, considers the case solved and despite Penman’s protests, closes the investigation. Livid over his decision, which smacks of department politics, the strong-willed detective persists in continuing to investigate which predictably lands her in even more hot water with her boss when he finds it out, putting her career in serious jeopardy.
Esther Penman isn’t an immediately likeable character as the book unfolds. An attractive, single woman in her thirties, although dedicated to her work, lacks control over her personal life and irresponsible behavior as the synopsis notes.
“Detective Sergeant Esther Penman is a mess. She drinks too much. She sleeps around.”
While DCI Porter is a contemptibly obnoxious person, Penman’s difficulties with him are equally of her own making, so it is hard to muster much sympathy for her even when you understand her thought processes and don’t think she is wrong about continuing the investigation.
Some redeeming qualities counterbalance Penman’s flaws, such as her skill as an investigator, her resolute commitment to her work, and the ethos of what she does (upholding the law, seeking justice, and catching the baddies). Yet her failure to behave more responsibly in her personal life contaminates all that and feels frustrating, especially since those negative aspects bleed over into her work performance. However, as Flynn deftly works Esther’s backstory into the narrative, revealing her darkest secrets, Penman’s flaws suddenly make sense. The motivations behind the excessive drinking and the promiscuous lifestyle become clear. That’s when Esther Penman becomes most human, relatable, and earns our sympathy. What we learn about her doesn’t absolve Esther, but at least helps us understand why Penman is so flawed.
As her character arc plays out over the course of the story, our opinion changes and Esther becomes very likeable and her quirks annoy us less. This is a testament to Flynn’s strong story-telling ability and attention to detail. Esther Penman reminds us there are shades of gray in life lurking between the black and white, between the wrong and right. No one is really all good or all bad.
This book and the events described within feel real, as if the author makes the reader privy to real life pain, anger, and guilt. Flynn drives this home with the most powerful and impressive scene in the book for me where Esther visits her estranged mother, whom she has had no contact with for fifteen years. I won’t indulge in a spoiler by giving away the details, but will admit that the scene resonated with me on a deeply emotional level. Even though I’m no softie, Flynn had me blinking back a few tears there. And to me, that’s the measure of fine storytelling, touching the reader’s emotions. That’s what makes you remember a book long after you’ve turned the last page.
Flynn brilliantly combines suspense and pathos in this remarkably assured debut, balancing the taut plot and the hero’s inner journey toward transformation perfectly as the action builds to a startling conclusion. Fans of crime thrillers with a strong female lead shouldn’t miss The Art Merchant, a debut novel that punches well above its weight. Flynn’s work is thoughtful and provocative, moving and meaningful. I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the second book in the Esther Penman series, Vengeance, due out in Autumn 2023.
Flynn opens the story with a murder, and the game is afoot. Nothing particularly unusual about that since fans of the genre expect crime thrillers to start with a murder. But what is unusual and something I much liked about the opening scene is it’s not only a murder that should never have happened but it lands the killer in very dire straits where the police are the least of his worries.
When the cops arrive at the crime scene to investigate, we meet our deeply flawed but feisty and earnest protagonist, Esther Penman, a Belfield detective sergeant and former street cop. Her colleague and first-line supervisor, Detective Inspector Jared Wilcox, has one foot out the door as retirement beckons. But meanwhile, he struggles to contain Penman’s inclination to provoke their boss, DCI Warren Porter, who is already looking for an excuse to get rid of her.
Because of her abuse of alcohol, Penman has a habit of reporting late for work with hangovers and smelling of booze. And her behavior toward Porter is often borderline insubordinate. Wilcox attempts to protect his colleague from her self-destructive behavior, because he recognizes Penman is a skilled and talented investigator. But so close to retirement, he is loath to put his career in any serious jeopardy to do so. Not to mention, Wilcox has personal problems of his own to deal with.
Penman and Wilcox pick up the murder of the woman described at the opening. Naturally, since statistics show that their intimate partners kill more than half of all female homicide victims, the detective’s initial focus is on the victim’s husband, Charles Gorman. When they go to interview Gorman at work, he tries to flee from them and his suspicious behavior appears to implicate him. Yet after they interview Gorman, the detectives feel Gorman might not be guilty of the murder after all. Still, Penman’s instincts tell her Gorman is involved in something dodgy, something that might have provoked the murder of his wife. And Esther is determined to find out what Gorman has himself mixed up in. But before she and Wilcox gain traction in the investigation, a new suspect comes to light. DCI Porter, convinced the newly identified suspect is the perpetrator, considers the case solved and despite Penman’s protests, closes the investigation. Livid over his decision, which smacks of department politics, the strong-willed detective persists in continuing to investigate which predictably lands her in even more hot water with her boss when he finds it out, putting her career in serious jeopardy.
Esther Penman isn’t an immediately likeable character as the book unfolds. An attractive, single woman in her thirties, although dedicated to her work, lacks control over her personal life and irresponsible behavior as the synopsis notes.
“Detective Sergeant Esther Penman is a mess. She drinks too much. She sleeps around.”
While DCI Porter is a contemptibly obnoxious person, Penman’s difficulties with him are equally of her own making, so it is hard to muster much sympathy for her even when you understand her thought processes and don’t think she is wrong about continuing the investigation.
Some redeeming qualities counterbalance Penman’s flaws, such as her skill as an investigator, her resolute commitment to her work, and the ethos of what she does (upholding the law, seeking justice, and catching the baddies). Yet her failure to behave more responsibly in her personal life contaminates all that and feels frustrating, especially since those negative aspects bleed over into her work performance. However, as Flynn deftly works Esther’s backstory into the narrative, revealing her darkest secrets, Penman’s flaws suddenly make sense. The motivations behind the excessive drinking and the promiscuous lifestyle become clear. That’s when Esther Penman becomes most human, relatable, and earns our sympathy. What we learn about her doesn’t absolve Esther, but at least helps us understand why Penman is so flawed.
As her character arc plays out over the course of the story, our opinion changes and Esther becomes very likeable and her quirks annoy us less. This is a testament to Flynn’s strong story-telling ability and attention to detail. Esther Penman reminds us there are shades of gray in life lurking between the black and white, between the wrong and right. No one is really all good or all bad.
This book and the events described within feel real, as if the author makes the reader privy to real life pain, anger, and guilt. Flynn drives this home with the most powerful and impressive scene in the book for me where Esther visits her estranged mother, whom she has had no contact with for fifteen years. I won’t indulge in a spoiler by giving away the details, but will admit that the scene resonated with me on a deeply emotional level. Even though I’m no softie, Flynn had me blinking back a few tears there. And to me, that’s the measure of fine storytelling, touching the reader’s emotions. That’s what makes you remember a book long after you’ve turned the last page.
Flynn brilliantly combines suspense and pathos in this remarkably assured debut, balancing the taut plot and the hero’s inner journey toward transformation perfectly as the action builds to a startling conclusion. Fans of crime thrillers with a strong female lead shouldn’t miss The Art Merchant, a debut novel that punches well above its weight. Flynn’s work is thoughtful and provocative, moving and meaningful. I’m eagerly looking forward to reading the second book in the Esther Penman series, Vengeance, due out in Autumn 2023.
November 26, 2022
A gritty, dark tale of organized crime that goes off the rails and becomes a public incident. Add in political, ego driven supervisors in the police department and a couple of borderline alcoholic detectives who get the job done, but are sloppy in their personal lives and you have a twisted story to entertain you for hours. The plot is layered with multiple storylines that overlap and twist together to make one very cohesive story. Characters that are extremely good at what they do, but with flawed personalities makes them even more realistic and relatable. I must say that this was a great introduction to these characters and this author. I am absolutely looking forward to reading more and hope this develops into a full series.
November 26, 2022
A gritty, dark tale of organized crime that goes off the rails and becomes a public incident. Add in political, ego driven supervisors in the police department and a couple of borderline alcoholic detectives who get the job done, but are sloppy in their personal lives and you have a twisted story to entertain you for hours. The plot is layered with multiple storylines that overlap and twist together to make one very cohesive story. Characters that are extremely good at what they do, but with flawed personalities makes them even more realistic and relatable. I must say that this was a great introduction to these characters and this author. I am absolutely looking forward to reading more and hope this develops into a full series.
December 23, 2023
The Art Merchant is a book by Detective Esther Penman by J. K. Flynn. Detective Sergeant Esther Penman's life was a mess when she caught a case of the death of a wealthy woman. However, when the killer committed suicide, ending the murder case, Detective Sergeant Esther Penman believed there was more to the case, which caused friction with her bosses and the Art Merchant. The readers will continue to follow Detective Sergeant Esther Penman to discover what happens.
The Art Merchant is an enjoyable book and the first book I have read by J. K. Flynn. I enjoy how J. K. Flynn ensures that I engage with the story and the characters of this book. I love J. K. Flynn's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Art Merchant is well-written and researched by J. K. Flynn. I like J. K. Flynn's description of the settings of Art Merchant, which complained about the book's plot.
The readers of The Art Merchant will understand some of the problems law enforcement officers face during their work. Also, the readers of The Art Merchant will learn about the role of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
I recommend this book.
The Art Merchant is an enjoyable book and the first book I have read by J. K. Flynn. I enjoy how J. K. Flynn ensures that I engage with the story and the characters of this book. I love J. K. Flynn's portrayal of his characters and how they interact throughout this book. The Art Merchant is well-written and researched by J. K. Flynn. I like J. K. Flynn's description of the settings of Art Merchant, which complained about the book's plot.
The readers of The Art Merchant will understand some of the problems law enforcement officers face during their work. Also, the readers of The Art Merchant will learn about the role of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
I recommend this book.
January 1, 2023
Great novel!!
Well written with fantastic character development. Just enough excitement, but not garish. Enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. And a storyline that keeps the reader drawn in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
Well written with fantastic character development. Just enough excitement, but not garish. Enough intrigue to keep the pages turning. And a storyline that keeps the reader drawn in.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and definitely recommend it.
March 22, 2023
Loved it, loved the storyline and the characters. Want to read more by this author. Loved Esther and her illogical way of thinking, and how it paid of
December 17, 2022
The Art of Justice
A tough female detective is on the ropes. She drinks too much and has a bad attitude. The head honcho hates her. But she is a goid detective, unable to let things lie for political advantage. It costs her and may end her life.
Good book. Smart, tough heroine. I usually yawn at cops with issues but this one was not annoying or whiney. The pace was fast and the story good. Recommend.
A tough female detective is on the ropes. She drinks too much and has a bad attitude. The head honcho hates her. But she is a goid detective, unable to let things lie for political advantage. It costs her and may end her life.
Good book. Smart, tough heroine. I usually yawn at cops with issues but this one was not annoying or whiney. The pace was fast and the story good. Recommend.
September 8, 2024
Better than I first expected
I wrote several reviews for this novel already, but kept accidentally bumping the screen, which removed what I had previously written. 😞
The tired cliche of a female law enforcement character, with a traumatic past, was on the road to self destruction. Her partner/immediate supervisor wasn't innocent from his own issues, but they were a good team that trusted each other. A series of murders appeared to be unconnected, but Esther's intuition told her differently. Her penchant for trouble did not make her superiors want to listen to her theories, but Jared, her partner, backed her when he knew to trust her instincts.
While the cases were being investigated, someone very significant to Esther reappeared in her life after several years, and she made the immediate decision to get her crap together. Both her personal and professional conduct improved her life, overall.
After evidence started indicating that she might be on to something, one of their superiors finally gave Esther the opportunity to explain her theories. She and Jared got the necessary support to pursue their course of action.
It ended up being a pretty decent read, but it wasn't what I had been looking for, as far as the orientation of the MC. That is not the fault of the author, but I got it from a list of mystery thrillers with lesbian protagonists, so that was what I expected. Esther was definitely having many bi hookups during her destructive phase. Maybe the later books in the series have a committed relationship with a woman and that's why it was on the list...?
I wrote several reviews for this novel already, but kept accidentally bumping the screen, which removed what I had previously written. 😞
The tired cliche of a female law enforcement character, with a traumatic past, was on the road to self destruction. Her partner/immediate supervisor wasn't innocent from his own issues, but they were a good team that trusted each other. A series of murders appeared to be unconnected, but Esther's intuition told her differently. Her penchant for trouble did not make her superiors want to listen to her theories, but Jared, her partner, backed her when he knew to trust her instincts.
While the cases were being investigated, someone very significant to Esther reappeared in her life after several years, and she made the immediate decision to get her crap together. Both her personal and professional conduct improved her life, overall.
After evidence started indicating that she might be on to something, one of their superiors finally gave Esther the opportunity to explain her theories. She and Jared got the necessary support to pursue their course of action.
It ended up being a pretty decent read, but it wasn't what I had been looking for, as far as the orientation of the MC. That is not the fault of the author, but I got it from a list of mystery thrillers with lesbian protagonists, so that was what I expected. Esther was definitely having many bi hookups during her destructive phase. Maybe the later books in the series have a committed relationship with a woman and that's why it was on the list...?
January 5, 2023
I received this book for an honest review.
The book centers around the life of detective sergeant Esther Penman, she drinks way too much shows up to work late, and rarely listens to the person in charge of their unit. She does listen and respect her boss and partner Jared Wilcox who can only go to bat for her so many times before she burns her own bridges.
The story opens with a murder and who committed it was only supposed to scare the person, instead, the wife of the person is dead and now after going through everything he is hoping that his boss won’t do the same with him. Esther after looking at the crime scene tells Jared that the house was not burglarized just made to look that way, this begins your look into her skills as an investigator but these skills will also lead her back to a uniform because she disobeyed an order by their boss and still investigated when they found the original murderer hanging from a tree making it appear to be suicide, well as you read this story you will find that the evidence she collected that day will go to proving part of the case against the man who owns the art gallery hence the name art merchant. There is a lot going on in this story but you will find that the character does evolve in the story as you get to the end. Some twists and turns along which altogether makes for a very good book with really good characters, very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com
The book centers around the life of detective sergeant Esther Penman, she drinks way too much shows up to work late, and rarely listens to the person in charge of their unit. She does listen and respect her boss and partner Jared Wilcox who can only go to bat for her so many times before she burns her own bridges.
The story opens with a murder and who committed it was only supposed to scare the person, instead, the wife of the person is dead and now after going through everything he is hoping that his boss won’t do the same with him. Esther after looking at the crime scene tells Jared that the house was not burglarized just made to look that way, this begins your look into her skills as an investigator but these skills will also lead her back to a uniform because she disobeyed an order by their boss and still investigated when they found the original murderer hanging from a tree making it appear to be suicide, well as you read this story you will find that the evidence she collected that day will go to proving part of the case against the man who owns the art gallery hence the name art merchant. There is a lot going on in this story but you will find that the character does evolve in the story as you get to the end. Some twists and turns along which altogether makes for a very good book with really good characters, very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com
November 16, 2022
This is the first in the series of the DS Esther Penman and it doesn't disappoint! Esther, an in denial functioning alcoholic who likes to sleep with strangers is a thorn in the Chief Inspector's side. He thinks she has a bad attitude and turns up late for work constantly. He's had enough of her erratic behaviour and is threatening to send her back to uniform. But Esther is one hell of a detective and is one of the best at solving complex cases. Esther is like a dog with a bone, when a woman is found murdered in her home. The husband has an alibi, but he is keeping secrets and she won't rest until she's discovered what he's hiding. When a second body, that of a man is discovered hanging in the woods, Esther is convinced these deaths are linked somehow, and she is going to find out the truth. what will she discover? And who is the Art merchant?
Wow what a ride! I couldn't put this down! I thoroughly enjoyed every second! I really warmed to Esther, and her story becomes apparent as the book goes on, she's like a lovable rouge! The context of the plot was enthralling, with plenty of surprise twists and turns which I absolutely love in a book!
I can't wait for the next in the series, this is an author to watch! so so good!
Thank you for letting me read and review this book!
Wow what a ride! I couldn't put this down! I thoroughly enjoyed every second! I really warmed to Esther, and her story becomes apparent as the book goes on, she's like a lovable rouge! The context of the plot was enthralling, with plenty of surprise twists and turns which I absolutely love in a book!
I can't wait for the next in the series, this is an author to watch! so so good!
Thank you for letting me read and review this book!
July 25, 2023
The Art Merchant was a procedural crime mystery investigation. This book also the first of seri with very interesting and not so innocent Detective Esther Penman.
This is my first read from the author and I think this book is better than another debut crime investigation book I ever read. I like the writing style, the convo and banter between characters are naturally flow and not sound weird. The plot is little bit loose and less in investigations parts but still on track. And most of us tired with super perfect detective or detective with all baggage and sob stories as background. Ester give fresh blood into the group with her wild personal preferences but great brain at work. She still make me headaches with her hurricane attitude but I wish to see some characters depth and development at the future book. So far with several conflicts and issues for our characters, this crime mystery part from this book
still better than other, enjoyable and smooth enough to read.
Thank you Book Go Social for provided me with this copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is my first read from the author and I think this book is better than another debut crime investigation book I ever read. I like the writing style, the convo and banter between characters are naturally flow and not sound weird. The plot is little bit loose and less in investigations parts but still on track. And most of us tired with super perfect detective or detective with all baggage and sob stories as background. Ester give fresh blood into the group with her wild personal preferences but great brain at work. She still make me headaches with her hurricane attitude but I wish to see some characters depth and development at the future book. So far with several conflicts and issues for our characters, this crime mystery part from this book
still better than other, enjoyable and smooth enough to read.
Thank you Book Go Social for provided me with this copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 12, 2023
Esther is a bit of an alky slapper with a bad work ethic but she is a born detective. She and her partner work well together but their boss thinks they are not up to par and wants his clearance rate up at any cost which puts them at an impasse. Esther is not wanting to compromise and suffers the consequence but sticks with the case in her demoted job in uniform and her partner saves her detective job by going to the Superintendent over the boss's head. She is a reformed character when she meets her estranged mother and sees what she is heading for if she doesn't change and the case is eventually cleared to her liking.
November 26, 2022
My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Well what a quality debut,
A superb character driven Police procedural. Totally enthralling from first to last page. I loved out heroine ballsy brave clever fearless feisty and above all smart, troubled of course is there a Detective series out there where he or she has a normal carefree life away from work. Even better news this is the start of a series, so hopefully many more stories to follow.
Totally recommended.
Well what a quality debut,
A superb character driven Police procedural. Totally enthralling from first to last page. I loved out heroine ballsy brave clever fearless feisty and above all smart, troubled of course is there a Detective series out there where he or she has a normal carefree life away from work. Even better news this is the start of a series, so hopefully many more stories to follow.
Totally recommended.
September 18, 2023
Wow, terrific book! I read no. 2 in the DS Esther Penman series first and immediately bought no. I after finishing it. I can't say enough about Esther and her boss, great characters, and the story is excellent. I'm loving this series, it feels so real, especially the problems facing the 2 characters; it's obvious the job is stressful and leaking into their private lives, causing havoc at times. Fantastic; please J.K. Flynn, write super fast so I can read no. 3 soon!
January 2, 2024
Wasn't Sure I Was Going To Like Esther
To start, this was a really custody to read. That said, I confess things didn't start out very well. I found it hard to like our protagonist, Esther. She made me nervous with her personal life. But much I pushed on and gave her some patience. I hope you do, too (cuz I ain't gonna give the plot away). This book gives you all you want in an action-adventure thriller. Read it. Enjoy it.
To start, this was a really custody to read. That said, I confess things didn't start out very well. I found it hard to like our protagonist, Esther. She made me nervous with her personal life. But much I pushed on and gave her some patience. I hope you do, too (cuz I ain't gonna give the plot away). This book gives you all you want in an action-adventure thriller. Read it. Enjoy it.
December 18, 2023
I didn't expect an offering found on Bookbub to be crafted so well. The characters are exceptionally well developed with realistic dialog/humour, an interesting storyline, and is well paced.
Very well edited without any annoying typos or other mistakes often encountered with some ebooks.
I'll be looking for more titles from this author.
Very well edited without any annoying typos or other mistakes often encountered with some ebooks.
I'll be looking for more titles from this author.
December 1, 2024
Esther is a hot mess in her personal life. She doesn't show up on time and often hung over from a night of drinking. But she is excellent as a detective. As we follow her working on a difficult case, we also follow her private life. She sees connections to a couple murders and others don't see. I really liked the book. It kept me turning pages.
April 15, 2025
I was not prepared for how crude and vulgar this book was.
I found the writing trite and formulaic and did not read on past the first sexually explicit part... not to my liking at all.
I cannot comment on the plot.
The author concentrates in realtionships in the police force in the UK. I would be horrified to think that this is a fair reflection of our police heirachy!
I found the writing trite and formulaic and did not read on past the first sexually explicit part... not to my liking at all.
I cannot comment on the plot.
The author concentrates in realtionships in the police force in the UK. I would be horrified to think that this is a fair reflection of our police heirachy!
January 13, 2026
Whilst the main character initially seems generic as the story develops you are drawn in
I love criminal fiction, but can get disheartened by maverick cops with a difficult back history. Yet as I persisted with The Art Merchant I became caught up in the well written fast paced story and began to warm to the characters. My only lasting niggle is where is it set!!!
I love criminal fiction, but can get disheartened by maverick cops with a difficult back history. Yet as I persisted with The Art Merchant I became caught up in the well written fast paced story and began to warm to the characters. My only lasting niggle is where is it set!!!
January 22, 2024
Loved it!
Great writing, exciting plot, and a complicated yet sympathetic lead in Esther. She was a mess at the beginning but I’m glad she’s come to her senses. Very good character development there. And Hannah’s such a badass! Onto book 2 :)
Great writing, exciting plot, and a complicated yet sympathetic lead in Esther. She was a mess at the beginning but I’m glad she’s come to her senses. Very good character development there. And Hannah’s such a badass! Onto book 2 :)
July 15, 2024
I've not read J K Flynn before, and this was a wonderful mystery for me. Esther is a flawed heroine, one who fights her demons, both past and present. Yet she is scrupulous in her work ethic, not accepting the easy answers to the crimes she investigates.
May 21, 2025
great mystery
I love characters that cheat the odds of not being successful and show everyone that strength and hard work conquers all obstacles. A strong women made this story happen.
I love characters that cheat the odds of not being successful and show everyone that strength and hard work conquers all obstacles. A strong women made this story happen.
June 26, 2025
Slow start with a major crescendo
Well-written crime story that keeps you wanting more. It has a slow start, but crescendos to the very end. Bravo! Now, I will have to read the remaining books in the series.
Well-written crime story that keeps you wanting more. It has a slow start, but crescendos to the very end. Bravo! Now, I will have to read the remaining books in the series.
March 24, 2023
Fast-paced with Los of twists and turns.
Fast-paced with lots of twists & turns. Action-packed and we’ll-written. Had to love the main character. Hope there’s a sequel!
Fast-paced with lots of twists & turns. Action-packed and we’ll-written. Had to love the main character. Hope there’s a sequel!
May 19, 2023
Looking forward to more in this series - the lead detective is unusual, off beat, not always likeable and very interesting. A good plot well told.
June 23, 2023
excellent
Thoroughly enjoyed this book beginning to end,very fast paste well written and a look into the seamy side of life that a lot of people do not realise exists
Thoroughly enjoyed this book beginning to end,very fast paste well written and a look into the seamy side of life that a lot of people do not realise exists
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