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For Murder Press 3 (A Detective Aberthorp Mystery): Book One
A phone call from the anxious husband of a murdered woman brings Private Investigator, Benedict Aberthorp, into the sinister world of his first murder case. When his new client tells Benedict he is the police’s prime suspect, Benedict agrees to help him. But what is the significance of his new client’s brown raincoat? And why was a similar one found at the murder scene?
When Benedict starts interviewing those close to the murdered woman, he suspects they all have secrets they are keeping from him. And before he can get anywhere, he needs to find out what those secrets are.
A murder mystery with many layers and motives. What are they all hiding and who has the most to gain by the victim’s death?
Revenge, love, past hurts, jealousy – all have their part to play in this dark, catalytic whodunnit.
But Benedict Aberthorp, the truth gatherer, does not give in easily.
When Benedict starts interviewing those close to the murdered woman, he suspects they all have secrets they are keeping from him. And before he can get anywhere, he needs to find out what those secrets are.
A murder mystery with many layers and motives. What are they all hiding and who has the most to gain by the victim’s death?
Revenge, love, past hurts, jealousy – all have their part to play in this dark, catalytic whodunnit.
But Benedict Aberthorp, the truth gatherer, does not give in easily.
- GenresFiction
364 pages, Paperback
Published December 13, 2022
8 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 11, 2023
Benedict Aberthorp is a private investigator based in Seagrove on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island. Aberthorp makes an interesting detective, and not just for his trademark dark-rimmed glasses. He regards himself as a “truth-gatherer” and approaches each case without emotion, searching for the seam of veracity within every investigation. Whether he is looking for a missing person or seeking evidence of marital infidelity his approach is simple, unwavering, and effective.
The detective has just solved an enquiry and is looking forward to some well-earned time off. Then, he receives a phone call from Aldo Sherwin who declares himself, “scared to hell they’ll arrest me for my wife’s murder.” The wife in question is Francine Roydon, a well-known antiques dealer. It transpires that the couple had lived apart for some time but met for lunch together each month. Unfortunately for Aldo, their last meeting coincided with his estranged wife’s murder. This is not the only reason why Seagrove Police’s Detective Finnegan, who is leading the murder hunt, suspects him. Benedict encourages Aldo to be frank and open about his relationship with the dead woman to build up a picture of what occurred that fateful day.
It soon becomes clear, however, that Mr Sherwin is not telling the whole truth – and he’s not alone. As Aberthorp begins to track down and interview Francine’s circle of friends, his probing questions are met with silence or avoidance. Before long, the investigation has spawned a veritable smorgasbord of potential killers. The list of characters who enjoyed, or didn’t enjoy, relationships with Francine, Aldo, and each other, are at best complicated and at worst positively incestuous! Power games and disfunction drive the personalities of those whom Benedict and his erstwhile assistant, Gail Hollingford, encounter during the investigation. Benedict’s first murder enquiry presents him with a puzzle that will prove to be both infuriating and intriguing.
For Murder Press 3 is the first in the Benedict Aberthorp Mystery series and the author has created a tantalising whodunnit that bamboozled me at every turn. The focus shifts between Benedict and Gail, and the characters who are under suspicion. What people say when they are questioned is thrown into doubt when the focus shifts to their unscrutinised conversations and behaviour. Indeed, the reader frequently has more information than that afforded to Benedict and Gail. This becomes apparent when the narrative reports the conversations between the delightful detecting duo. I found the novel immersive and entertaining, and I look forward to meeting Benedict again when he tackles his next case, hopefully with wing-woman Gail alongside. Highly enjoyable.
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Reviewer: Dot Marshall-Gent
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
The detective has just solved an enquiry and is looking forward to some well-earned time off. Then, he receives a phone call from Aldo Sherwin who declares himself, “scared to hell they’ll arrest me for my wife’s murder.” The wife in question is Francine Roydon, a well-known antiques dealer. It transpires that the couple had lived apart for some time but met for lunch together each month. Unfortunately for Aldo, their last meeting coincided with his estranged wife’s murder. This is not the only reason why Seagrove Police’s Detective Finnegan, who is leading the murder hunt, suspects him. Benedict encourages Aldo to be frank and open about his relationship with the dead woman to build up a picture of what occurred that fateful day.
It soon becomes clear, however, that Mr Sherwin is not telling the whole truth – and he’s not alone. As Aberthorp begins to track down and interview Francine’s circle of friends, his probing questions are met with silence or avoidance. Before long, the investigation has spawned a veritable smorgasbord of potential killers. The list of characters who enjoyed, or didn’t enjoy, relationships with Francine, Aldo, and each other, are at best complicated and at worst positively incestuous! Power games and disfunction drive the personalities of those whom Benedict and his erstwhile assistant, Gail Hollingford, encounter during the investigation. Benedict’s first murder enquiry presents him with a puzzle that will prove to be both infuriating and intriguing.
For Murder Press 3 is the first in the Benedict Aberthorp Mystery series and the author has created a tantalising whodunnit that bamboozled me at every turn. The focus shifts between Benedict and Gail, and the characters who are under suspicion. What people say when they are questioned is thrown into doubt when the focus shifts to their unscrutinised conversations and behaviour. Indeed, the reader frequently has more information than that afforded to Benedict and Gail. This becomes apparent when the narrative reports the conversations between the delightful detecting duo. I found the novel immersive and entertaining, and I look forward to meeting Benedict again when he tackles his next case, hopefully with wing-woman Gail alongside. Highly enjoyable.
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Reviewer: Dot Marshall-Gent
For Lizzie Sirett (Mystery People Group)
November 2, 2022
This book has a lot of potential, but for me, missed the mark. While the author did a good job of making everyone a suspect, there was too many layers and too many secrets that it became convoluted, and the writing became choppy. For me, I like a real page turner, and this was not that; it read slow, and it did not flow well. The author also chose to have this take place in 2024, and I’m not sure the reason. However, because of that, some of the things in the book seemed like it took place ages ago. For instance, why didn’t anyone look anything up on the internet? Why are people using a telephone directory? Also, while I realize this didn’t take place in the United States, it irked me that there wasn’t much talk of police, just a small mention in the beginning and maybe once in the middle and then towards the end. Also, if someone is a prime suspect, why do they not have a lawyer? Overall, I liked that I couldn’t figure out the killer, but I probably would not read another in this series.
October 7, 2023
This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, Cranthrope Millner Publishers from and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
While this one has a lot of potential, even a decent plot, sadly there was so much going on it missed the mark for me. I was easily distracted by all the plot lines and characters. There was a lot shoved into one story. It should be multiple stories or cleaned up for one. I admire the effort though.
While this one has a lot of potential, even a decent plot, sadly there was so much going on it missed the mark for me. I was easily distracted by all the plot lines and characters. There was a lot shoved into one story. It should be multiple stories or cleaned up for one. I admire the effort though.
November 6, 2022
I received this as an eARC from NetGalley and Cranthorpe Millner in exchange for an honest review. Thank you both for this opportunity! There are no ending spoilers in this review.
This landed at a rounded up 3⭐ for me on Goodreads (since you cannot do partial stars) and a 2.5⭐ on Storygraph which will show once the ISBN is imported there. Below outlines how I landed here.
+.5⭐Writing:
Overall good writing although there were a few too many instances of repetitive information and telling a lot vs showing, half star off for that.
+1⭐World Building:
Well done overall. It was easy to follow and understand this world.
-.5⭐Plot:
Simple revenge plot, easy to figure out because we are given the answer up front and then just connect the other pieces into that. I wish I hadn't known who did it so early on. The press 3 premise just didn't land for me. I found it to be awkward and unnecessary as well as just unbelievable. I won't spoil this piece but honestly it was just out of place anyway.
Plot Twists:
Nothing surprising here. You can see it coming the entire way. You're just waiting for Benedict to figure it out
+.5⭐ Character Development:
Told from multiple POV, you get a good idea of each characters thoughts and behaviors but they are relatively flat unlikeable people. Lilac is the only character I felt really developed.
Personal preference: The names bothered me. Jenniver, Bryony, they read weird to me.
+.5⭐ Representation:
Not a whole lot of representation here (loses half star) outside of some LGBT relationships. Those relationships were done well without stereotyping and I like that the relationships were accepted by those involved.
Pace:
Medium with a few lulls here and there.
Ending:
Meh. It was what I expected but a little loose and without the full justice I was looking for.
+.5⭐Overall:
Landed at a rounded up 3⭐ for me. It wasn't the best mystery I ever read but I wasn't tempted to DNF despite being given too much info about who did it upfront. I still wanted to find out who did it. I would recommend reading this but personally will not buy for my shelf.
(As always to be fair: I am extremely picky about purchasing books for my limited shelf space and choose 4-5 stars from my personal ratings and only if I love it, want my children to read some day, or want to re-read.)
Trigger Warnings:
Infant Loss
Sexual Assault of a Minor
EDITING FEEDBACK: Does not affect my rating as this is an eARC that clearly states it is still in the copyedit process.
This landed at a rounded up 3⭐ for me on Goodreads (since you cannot do partial stars) and a 2.5⭐ on Storygraph which will show once the ISBN is imported there. Below outlines how I landed here.
+.5⭐Writing:
Overall good writing although there were a few too many instances of repetitive information and telling a lot vs showing, half star off for that.
+1⭐World Building:
Well done overall. It was easy to follow and understand this world.
-.5⭐Plot:
Simple revenge plot, easy to figure out because we are given the answer up front and then just connect the other pieces into that. I wish I hadn't known who did it so early on. The press 3 premise just didn't land for me. I found it to be awkward and unnecessary as well as just unbelievable. I won't spoil this piece but honestly it was just out of place anyway.
Plot Twists:
Nothing surprising here. You can see it coming the entire way. You're just waiting for Benedict to figure it out
+.5⭐ Character Development:
Told from multiple POV, you get a good idea of each characters thoughts and behaviors but they are relatively flat unlikeable people. Lilac is the only character I felt really developed.
Personal preference: The names bothered me. Jenniver, Bryony, they read weird to me.
+.5⭐ Representation:
Not a whole lot of representation here (loses half star) outside of some LGBT relationships. Those relationships were done well without stereotyping and I like that the relationships were accepted by those involved.
Pace:
Medium with a few lulls here and there.
Ending:
Meh. It was what I expected but a little loose and without the full justice I was looking for.
+.5⭐Overall:
Landed at a rounded up 3⭐ for me. It wasn't the best mystery I ever read but I wasn't tempted to DNF despite being given too much info about who did it upfront. I still wanted to find out who did it. I would recommend reading this but personally will not buy for my shelf.
(As always to be fair: I am extremely picky about purchasing books for my limited shelf space and choose 4-5 stars from my personal ratings and only if I love it, want my children to read some day, or want to re-read.)
Trigger Warnings:
Infant Loss
Sexual Assault of a Minor
EDITING FEEDBACK: Does not affect my rating as this is an eARC that clearly states it is still in the copyedit process.
December 4, 2022
This book has the essence of a good murder mystery , but sadly it’s lacking a spark.
The spine of the story is good , there are plenty of suspects and motives but this begins to get confusing and clouded .
The writing is excellent but the story seems to lose its way and it all becomes confusing, although it redeems itself with the conclusion.
I hope if there is another in this series that it’s concise and a page turner .
Thanks to NetGalley Cranthorpe Millner Publishers .
The spine of the story is good , there are plenty of suspects and motives but this begins to get confusing and clouded .
The writing is excellent but the story seems to lose its way and it all becomes confusing, although it redeems itself with the conclusion.
I hope if there is another in this series that it’s concise and a page turner .
Thanks to NetGalley Cranthorpe Millner Publishers .
August 19, 2023
I am not normally a reader of this genre but I really enjoyed the plot and pacing of this novel. The settings and atmosphere were cleverly described/developed and the characters were interesting. I look forward to reading Hayes' next book!
January 22, 2023
A new to my mystery author and I hope to this author writes more enamels. Builds quickly to to a high speed and stays there In a dynamic wo derful setting with well developed characters.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews