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Honza #2
Head to Head
Head to Head is the second book in the Honza crime detective series.
A month into his extended stay in Prague, Jonny "Honza" Fox is embracing the culture, beguiled by the charms of his landlady, Ivana, and searching for living relatives of his Czech mother.
When a routine missing person case turns into the discovery of a gruesome crime, Jonny is pulled back into his role as special liaison to the Czech police. Working alongside eccentric detective Felix Mikeš once more, Jonny finds himself drawn into a murder hunt full of twists and turns, as the investigation of a fiercely protective family is hindered by lies, deceit and covert surveillance.
Can Jonny find out who's been following him and catch the killer before it's too late? And will his burgeoning relationship with Ivana survive the strain?
A month into his extended stay in Prague, Jonny "Honza" Fox is embracing the culture, beguiled by the charms of his landlady, Ivana, and searching for living relatives of his Czech mother.
When a routine missing person case turns into the discovery of a gruesome crime, Jonny is pulled back into his role as special liaison to the Czech police. Working alongside eccentric detective Felix Mikeš once more, Jonny finds himself drawn into a murder hunt full of twists and turns, as the investigation of a fiercely protective family is hindered by lies, deceit and covert surveillance.
Can Jonny find out who's been following him and catch the killer before it's too late? And will his burgeoning relationship with Ivana survive the strain?
380 pages, Paperback
Published November 11, 2022
2 people are currently reading
7 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Pratt
3 books8 followersAfter a career in the corporate world, mostly based in London, Andrew Pratt now lives and writes in Prague, Czech Republic.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 6, 2022
Head to Head is the adventure-mystery book that one should read, and one I would love to see as a TV show. This is the second book of the Honza series, and centers around Jonny "Honza" Fox, Mikes, Boukal and their quest to solving the mystery of the disappearance of a British man, Alex Corbet, living in the Czech Republic.
With twists and turns, and smooth writing reminiscent of the writing style of a mystery noir, this book kept me glued till the end. I loved how this book gave readers an emotional look into Honza's personality and personal relationships with people he is close with. I enjoyed reading about the continued unconventional, but heartwarming friendship between him and Mikes. The author has written Jonny Fox's character in a relatable and likable manner, and has made him one of my favorite detective book characters. This book not only gives insight into police procedural tactics, but also into a bit of history of the Czech Republic. I loved the historical background of the architecture of Karlovy Vary, specifically!
Highly recommend this book overall.
With twists and turns, and smooth writing reminiscent of the writing style of a mystery noir, this book kept me glued till the end. I loved how this book gave readers an emotional look into Honza's personality and personal relationships with people he is close with. I enjoyed reading about the continued unconventional, but heartwarming friendship between him and Mikes. The author has written Jonny Fox's character in a relatable and likable manner, and has made him one of my favorite detective book characters. This book not only gives insight into police procedural tactics, but also into a bit of history of the Czech Republic. I loved the historical background of the architecture of Karlovy Vary, specifically!
Highly recommend this book overall.
December 28, 2022
I Really enjoyed the 2nd book
Andrew has given Honza a lot more detail long with the main characters in the Murder Squad
Honza has got himself nicely settled in Prague
The book twists and turns nicely and keeps you guessing to the end for the big reveal.
If you haven’t been to Prague
You need to go to appreciate the amazing Architecture
Especially the beautiful Castle
Can’t wIt for book 3 next year in 23 !!
Andrew has given Honza a lot more detail long with the main characters in the Murder Squad
Honza has got himself nicely settled in Prague
The book twists and turns nicely and keeps you guessing to the end for the big reveal.
If you haven’t been to Prague
You need to go to appreciate the amazing Architecture
Especially the beautiful Castle
Can’t wIt for book 3 next year in 23 !!
February 6, 2023
A very enjoyable follow-up to In the Heart of Prague.
Held my interest and entertained me while I zigged
zagged around Prague for work.
Kevin
Held my interest and entertained me while I zigged
zagged around Prague for work.
Kevin
December 21, 2022
This is the second book in the Honza series and picks up shortly after the first book “In the Heart of Prague” finishes.
The book is a fast paced thriller based on a central character Jonathan “Honza” Fox, a retired Metropolitan Police Detective who is visiting Prague to explore his heritage after the death of his Czech mother.
After successfully identifying the murderer in the first book, Honza, is now working as a consultant with the Czech police. The book starts with him looking into the disappearance of a British ex pat.
The second book continues the relationship between Honza and the eccentric likeable Czech Detective Mikes as well as the other police staff.
The investigation quickly escalates and the book is full of exciting clues that lead in one way only to end up as dead ends. I gave up counting the number of times I had settled on the culprit only to find that I had got it wrong again.
Alongside the crime investigation Honza starts to look into his family tree in Prague to see if he can find out more about his mother’s family.
Having recently visited the beautiful city of Prague it is wonderful the way the author has brought to life all the stunning locations as the characters move though the city and the Czech Republic.
If you want an exciting crime thriller set in a beautiful city with well developed and relatable characters you won’t be disappointed.
The book is a fast paced thriller based on a central character Jonathan “Honza” Fox, a retired Metropolitan Police Detective who is visiting Prague to explore his heritage after the death of his Czech mother.
After successfully identifying the murderer in the first book, Honza, is now working as a consultant with the Czech police. The book starts with him looking into the disappearance of a British ex pat.
The second book continues the relationship between Honza and the eccentric likeable Czech Detective Mikes as well as the other police staff.
The investigation quickly escalates and the book is full of exciting clues that lead in one way only to end up as dead ends. I gave up counting the number of times I had settled on the culprit only to find that I had got it wrong again.
Alongside the crime investigation Honza starts to look into his family tree in Prague to see if he can find out more about his mother’s family.
Having recently visited the beautiful city of Prague it is wonderful the way the author has brought to life all the stunning locations as the characters move though the city and the Czech Republic.
If you want an exciting crime thriller set in a beautiful city with well developed and relatable characters you won’t be disappointed.
December 10, 2022
Another cracking Honza book, fast-paced with an unusual crime for Detective Fox to solve.
June 12, 2023
The second instalment of the Honza trilogy builds nicely on the strong foundations laid in the Heart of Darkness The core characters remain in place and it's pleasing to watch the detective team develop and bond into a close-knit unit. This time Pratt gives us a double murder to contemplate, and adds an eclectic supporting cast which brings the victims' world into focus.
Once again, those familiar with Prague will especially enjoy the setting, with the slightly less visited area adjacent the old town bearing witness to the crime and investigations. You'll need to pay close attention at all times – so good luck when attempting for figure out whodunnit 😅 Andrew also delves deeper into our protagonist's past this time, adding an emotional layer to proceedings.
I'm already looking forward to book number 3 – fantastic!
Once again, those familiar with Prague will especially enjoy the setting, with the slightly less visited area adjacent the old town bearing witness to the crime and investigations. You'll need to pay close attention at all times – so good luck when attempting for figure out whodunnit 😅 Andrew also delves deeper into our protagonist's past this time, adding an emotional layer to proceedings.
I'm already looking forward to book number 3 – fantastic!
April 26, 2023
Another enjoyable installment in the growing Honza series. A classic whodunnit, Head to Head builds on the characters introduced in the first book and once again brings to life the culture and charm of Prague.
March 23, 2023
Great series
Great series. Good characters. If you've ever been to Prague, you will love this. Good storylines and plots. Really involves you in the whole novel.
Great series. Good characters. If you've ever been to Prague, you will love this. Good storylines and plots. Really involves you in the whole novel.
January 3, 2026
I really enjoyed Head to Head, the second book in the Honza series. It feels more confident and more settled than the first, both in terms of plot and character development.
Honza is now properly rooted in Prague, and that sense of place comes through clearly. The city is not just a backdrop but an active presence in the story, from its architecture to its atmosphere. The Prague setting, especially the references to its history and landmarks, adds depth and authenticity. If you have been to Prague, or want to experience it through fiction, this book does a very good job of immersing you in it.
The mystery itself is well paced, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without feeling overcomplicated. What stood out more than the central case, though, was the way Andrew Pratt expands Honza as a character. You get a stronger emotional understanding of him, his relationships, and his place within the murder squad. The friendship between Honza and Mikes continues to be one of the highlights, unconventional but warm and believable.
The writing is smooth and easy to follow, with a noir-leaning tone that suits the story well. It balances police procedural elements with personal stakes, and the investigation unfolds in a way that feels logical while still holding back enough information for a satisfying reveal.
Overall, Head to Head is a solid and engaging follow-up that deepens the series rather than just repeating the formula. It confirms Honza as a detective worth spending time with, and I am definitely interested in continuing with the next book in the series.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven crime fiction with a strong sense of place.
Honza is now properly rooted in Prague, and that sense of place comes through clearly. The city is not just a backdrop but an active presence in the story, from its architecture to its atmosphere. The Prague setting, especially the references to its history and landmarks, adds depth and authenticity. If you have been to Prague, or want to experience it through fiction, this book does a very good job of immersing you in it.
The mystery itself is well paced, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing without feeling overcomplicated. What stood out more than the central case, though, was the way Andrew Pratt expands Honza as a character. You get a stronger emotional understanding of him, his relationships, and his place within the murder squad. The friendship between Honza and Mikes continues to be one of the highlights, unconventional but warm and believable.
The writing is smooth and easy to follow, with a noir-leaning tone that suits the story well. It balances police procedural elements with personal stakes, and the investigation unfolds in a way that feels logical while still holding back enough information for a satisfying reveal.
Overall, Head to Head is a solid and engaging follow-up that deepens the series rather than just repeating the formula. It confirms Honza as a detective worth spending time with, and I am definitely interested in continuing with the next book in the series.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven crime fiction with a strong sense of place.
October 21, 2023
Heartwarming and exciting detective story just like the first book. The setting in Prague and all the accurate locations are the special touch that draws me into the story, but the plotting is excellently executed as well. This time I had a couple of times that I cockily thought I knew where a clue was heading, but I was never right. This one could easily be made into a TV series.
September 8, 2024
Another great mystery set in the most beautiful city on earth, at least to me. I'm enjoying reading about his adventures and his discoveries, both personal and professional.
June 27, 2023
Title: Head to Head
Author: Andrew Pratt
Pages: 380
Genre: Mystery/Crime
Rating: 4/5
Synopsis:
Jonny aka Honza extended his stay in Prague, a month in and he has fallen for the culture and the charms of his landlady Ivana. He has now also begun to search for his living relatives of his Czech mother. Honza’s blissful bubble is soon burst when a missing person case turns into a gruesome crime and Honza is tugged back into his role as special liaison with the Czech police. Once more he begins work with his friend and eccentric detective Felix Mikes. Again, Honza finds himself involved in another murder hunt full of twists and dead ends as the investigation is hindered by lies and deceit, and now to top it all off, he is being followed. Can Honza work out who is following him and catch a killer before it’s too late? And will his new relationship with Ivana survive the strain?
Review:
A huge thank you to the author for sending me a copy of this book, it was a lovely surprise when it landed through my letter box!
This is the second book in the Honza series and I wouldn’t recommend reading it as a standalone, what I do recommend is you get your hands on both books as you really won’t be disappointed!
The author’s writing is so easy to connect with, everything just flows and he is able to capture and keep your attention. I loved how I was thrown straight back into the story; it didn’t feel like they’d been a gap inbetween reading and the author does a fantastic job at linking back to book 1 to refresh your memory.
I was excited to see that the author tells part of the story through police transcripts again, it breaks up the read and keeps things interesting, so very cleverly done. I liked the short chapters, they helped to keep me engaged and I also loved that the author would often leave me on a cliff hanger at the end of a chapter. This built suspense and made it so I couldn’t put the book down until I got my answers.
This was another cleverly plotted read and the author’s passion for Prague shone through once more, and now I feel like I’m really getting to know the place too through his fantastic descriptions. I loved how there was strong character development once more and I’m really intrigued to know what’s next for the characters.
I also have to admit, I did get a little smug at once point when my prediction about someone being a suspect came true, this didn’t spoil the book for me though, if anything I felt satisfied, like I was part of Honza’s team solving the crime. Speaking of satisfying, that ending was too, I definitely finished this book with a smile on my face.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews