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Mike Stanhope Mysteries #1
Alternative Outcome: Where fact and fiction collide
“Utterly engrossing – twists and turns that I never saw coming” With its series of surprises and reverses, this absorbing, multi-faceted mystery drama, which one reviewer found reminiscent of The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling), has been hovering under the radar, but has been featured by BookWorks as Book of the Week, and is steadily building up an enthusiastic following. Read it and find out why another reviewer “Have you ever read a book you hoped would never end? This was it!” Downbeat journalist Mike Stanhope’s self-published novel is out there. Job done. Now what? Writing it kept him from dwelling on his broken marriage and his tenuous hold on his day job. What other distraction can he look for? Then the answer hits he’ll seek out the real-life girl he knew briefly as an adolescent – the one who sparked the book in the first place. He’ll find out if she really did grow up into the woman he glimpsed in a railway station two years ago. It seems a harmless pursuit, yet before he knows it, Mike’s life is in chaos. People are trying to prise information from him that he doesn’t have, and he can’t decide if it’s because of an article he once wrote or because of his pursuit of the girl … or even because his book is closer to the truth than he imagined. As the pace gathers and the mystery deepens, the prospect of a new relationship hovers in front of Mike, enticing yet tantalisingly out of reach. But he’s distracted by his search for the girl from his past – and also by a tempting offer that threatens his professional integrity. Meanwhile, the people who are hounding him are losing their patience. Mike has to reconcile present with past and fact with fiction as his internal and external worlds collide. This opening book in the unfolding Mike Stanhope series sets the bar high with its fast pace, intricate and interweaving plot lines, vividly-evoked locations, likeable and vibrant characters, and lively dialogue. More from the “I found this book utterly engrossing. The story is interesting, and the main characters are well drawn as well. It was a great concept, and is very well-executed … ” “Well written, with lots of twists and turns that I never saw coming. Very intricate and well laid out … ” “Life imitates art imitates life. It’s mystery, light romance, action and intrigue. Our hero is just an average guy trying to get his book published … who gets caught up in a twisting and turning ride when his fictional story comes too close to someone else’s reality …” “A fast-paced mind-bending intellectual thriller …” “Quality writing, attention to detail, and ability to keep track of complex/multiple lines quite clearly. A good new author to latch onto!” “Loved the way it kept leading you in different directions. Great book …” “Suddenly you are there with him in the thick of an initially simple mystery which, despite the escalating personal danger, only becomes more puzzling and complex the longer he tries to unravel it ...” Mike Stanhope Mysteries 1. Alternative Outcome
2. Deficit of Diligence
3. Denial of Credit
4. The Concrete Ceiling
5. Now or Not at All “Peter Rowlands gets even better!”
– From a review of Denial of Credit
2. Deficit of Diligence
3. Denial of Credit
4. The Concrete Ceiling
5. Now or Not at All “Peter Rowlands gets even better!”
– From a review of Denial of Credit
380 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2016
675 people are currently reading
449 people want to read
About the author
Peter Rowlands
9 books10 followersPeter Rowlands is an author whose mystery thrillers “are about ordinary people getting thrust into challenging, sometimes dangerous situations.” His leading characters don’t have special skills, and are forced to reach deep into themselves and find the resources they need.
He says character and plot have equal importance for him, and he aims to make his main participants jump off the page as believable, fleshed-out individuals. His objective at all times, he says, is to deliver clear, lucid prose and vibrant natural dialogue.
His keynote series of loosely-connected mysteries features downbeat journalist Mike Stanhope, who works in the superficially unpromising world of logistics journalism. However, his job brings him into contact with all kinds of demanding situations, from corporate corruption to kidnapping, theft and even murder. Along the way he has to weave his way through a tangled love life, trying to do the right thing even when he can’t work out quite what that is.
Mike has aspirations to be a thriller-writer himself, so the series also provides some revealing and occasionally ironic insights into the tribulations of a self-published author.
Peter picked up his background knowledge from editing and contributing to UK business magazines covering transport and logistics. He has also achieved a minor status as a photographer of commercial vehicles – especially British buses – and co-published his first hardback book in that field, Twenty Turbulent Years, in 2022.
He was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in north-east England, but has lived all his adult life in London. He has travelled widely in Europe and North America, and makes use of that experience in some of his novels.
He has also published a thriller under the pen-name Anders Teller.
He says character and plot have equal importance for him, and he aims to make his main participants jump off the page as believable, fleshed-out individuals. His objective at all times, he says, is to deliver clear, lucid prose and vibrant natural dialogue.
His keynote series of loosely-connected mysteries features downbeat journalist Mike Stanhope, who works in the superficially unpromising world of logistics journalism. However, his job brings him into contact with all kinds of demanding situations, from corporate corruption to kidnapping, theft and even murder. Along the way he has to weave his way through a tangled love life, trying to do the right thing even when he can’t work out quite what that is.
Mike has aspirations to be a thriller-writer himself, so the series also provides some revealing and occasionally ironic insights into the tribulations of a self-published author.
Peter picked up his background knowledge from editing and contributing to UK business magazines covering transport and logistics. He has also achieved a minor status as a photographer of commercial vehicles – especially British buses – and co-published his first hardback book in that field, Twenty Turbulent Years, in 2022.
He was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in north-east England, but has lived all his adult life in London. He has travelled widely in Europe and North America, and makes use of that experience in some of his novels.
He has also published a thriller under the pen-name Anders Teller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
July 7, 2025
This starts off quite well and I did initially like Mike, the main character. But he soon outstays his welcome and there is basically too much repetition in this one. I also thought we could have easily done without the book Mike is actually writing - including it added nothing. I started skipping about half way through and was glad when I reached the end.
March 23, 2022
Mike Stanhope is a frustrated trade journalist, who’s written and published a mystery novel that’s based on a true robbery. Little does Mike realise how this novel will come to haunt him when people in the criminal fraternity thinks it’s a true story and want some answers.
This is one of several strands that run through this thoughtful and well written novel. Another concerns Mike’s desire to find a girl he took a shine to on a Cornwall holiday he took with his parents. Then there’s Ashley, who’s romantically interested in Mike. Finally, there’s Rick Ashton, who runs a logistics company that’s overstretched itself.
As the story progresses, Mike finds himself involved in all kinds of adventures and mishaps as the author weaves the various threads into a lively, cohesive story that keeps you turning the pages to find out how it will end.
At its heart, Mike is an unassuming, ordinary guy, who gets caught up in a number of problems that drag him up and down the country in search of answers. It’s exciting, it’s fun and entertaining from start to finish as the story builds to a satisfying climax on several fronts.
If you enjoy character driven mysteries that are a little different from the norm, this is well worth a read.
This is one of several strands that run through this thoughtful and well written novel. Another concerns Mike’s desire to find a girl he took a shine to on a Cornwall holiday he took with his parents. Then there’s Ashley, who’s romantically interested in Mike. Finally, there’s Rick Ashton, who runs a logistics company that’s overstretched itself.
As the story progresses, Mike finds himself involved in all kinds of adventures and mishaps as the author weaves the various threads into a lively, cohesive story that keeps you turning the pages to find out how it will end.
At its heart, Mike is an unassuming, ordinary guy, who gets caught up in a number of problems that drag him up and down the country in search of answers. It’s exciting, it’s fun and entertaining from start to finish as the story builds to a satisfying climax on several fronts.
If you enjoy character driven mysteries that are a little different from the norm, this is well worth a read.
February 20, 2018
Alternative Outcome had a lot of surprises. I read the book because I liked the thought of thinking of someone from your past, then trying to find them again. Additionally, I like books set in England, having spent almost four weeks in Cheltenham, which is barely mentioned in this story. I won't go into much detail, but the main character is a divorced self-published author who writes press releases and trade association articles and stuff. The story has many twists and turns. Think ex-wife, friends, logistics, abduction, robbery, girlfriend and parents, girl from the past and her father, ransacked houses, and some other things and surprises. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book, and I think you will to.
September 27, 2017
This is a fascinating novel that delves into fictional fact and fiction. The hero is a journalist who has written a self published mystery about a factual robbery and the fictional evolution of the person who got away. He is also searching for a woman who he met as a young girl while vacationing with his parents. She is also the basis for one of the characters in his novel. Somehow the facts and the fiction in his life have become enmeshed and he is trying his utmost to straighten them out. The novel captures the reader's interest from the onset and manages to retain it's complex plot line without becoming convoluted.
September 2, 2021
Who knew a writer could get into so much trouble
It took me a few chapters to get into the flow of the story in this mystery novel, Alternative Outcome (btw: love the title!), but once I did I was caught up in the whirlwind. Mike Stanhope is one of those people who just schelps along minding his business... except he's not!
With the curiosity only a good writer has, Mike writes a novel that sparks his own memories while simultaneously inciting others into action thus propelling him into danger. So many things are unearthed from the simple publication of his book and you'll be mystified and entertained throughout the book.
It took me a few chapters to get into the flow of the story in this mystery novel, Alternative Outcome (btw: love the title!), but once I did I was caught up in the whirlwind. Mike Stanhope is one of those people who just schelps along minding his business... except he's not!
With the curiosity only a good writer has, Mike writes a novel that sparks his own memories while simultaneously inciting others into action thus propelling him into danger. So many things are unearthed from the simple publication of his book and you'll be mystified and entertained throughout the book.
May 26, 2017
Having read book 2 first, I had high expectations for this book and was worried that I would be disappointed. I wasn’t. This is every bit as good as book 2.
The characters I read about in the second book are built up well in the first. You can read the books in any order without losing anything, which is a sign of good writing.
As with book 2, there are a couple of different mysteries in the storyline that merge together well. There is a reason behind everything that happens and nothing is over the top.
I can’t wait to read book 3!
The characters I read about in the second book are built up well in the first. You can read the books in any order without losing anything, which is a sign of good writing.
As with book 2, there are a couple of different mysteries in the storyline that merge together well. There is a reason behind everything that happens and nothing is over the top.
I can’t wait to read book 3!
August 10, 2018
Took me a few chapters to get into this book. It grabbed my imagination wondering what it would be like to try and find a childhood friend who you met on vacation and hardly knew. The story line was intriguing and the book well written.
I didn't find Mike that interesting, quite boring actually, rather like an accident waiting to happen. Some of the plot lines were a little hard to believe. I liked the idea of having 2 very different endings. However, the italic segments were very confusing until I clued into it being the "other" story ending sequence.
I didn't find Mike that interesting, quite boring actually, rather like an accident waiting to happen. Some of the plot lines were a little hard to believe. I liked the idea of having 2 very different endings. However, the italic segments were very confusing until I clued into it being the "other" story ending sequence.
December 7, 2018
Smooth Book, Smooth Protagonist
Bravo, Mr. R! Excellent writing, smooth transitions from the present to the book within the book. Loved the whole story tremendously, & I found the author's choices of many of names hysterically funny! The only thing that I found slightly unbelievable is how very socially analytical Mike is toward his business clientele. Sounded a bit like the way a woman might think. But, highly worth anyone's time! On to the next in the series, very soon!
Bravo, Mr. R! Excellent writing, smooth transitions from the present to the book within the book. Loved the whole story tremendously, & I found the author's choices of many of names hysterically funny! The only thing that I found slightly unbelievable is how very socially analytical Mike is toward his business clientele. Sounded a bit like the way a woman might think. But, highly worth anyone's time! On to the next in the series, very soon!
November 18, 2020
Art imitates life, or life imitates art - Mike Stanhope writes his first novel loosely based on a burglary years ago - but what if his fiction is closer to reality than he guessed? An enjoyable read. I'm not sure why other readers find the italicized parts (Stanhope's novel) difficult to understand; it was clear to me what that was and that its purpose was to show us the parallels between his novel and the real-life story.
May 25, 2023
Book sales might kill you
When Mike decided to publish his novel he didn't think it would put him in danger but that's exactly what happened. People are after him and he doesn't know why. I really liked this mystery but it took me a minute to get into the swing of the double entry. I thought it was a bit long and some chapters could have been omitted as they really didn't add to the story. It was still a good read and I'm glad I invested the time.
When Mike decided to publish his novel he didn't think it would put him in danger but that's exactly what happened. People are after him and he doesn't know why. I really liked this mystery but it took me a minute to get into the swing of the double entry. I thought it was a bit long and some chapters could have been omitted as they really didn't add to the story. It was still a good read and I'm glad I invested the time.
September 20, 2023
Incredibly riveting
Quite complicated with numerous coincidences, causing so much havoc in Mike's life. As an amateur novelist, what he writes so innocently becomes death threats, strange identity revelations and childhood memories to all evolve into chaos. What an intriguing story.
Quite complicated with numerous coincidences, causing so much havoc in Mike's life. As an amateur novelist, what he writes so innocently becomes death threats, strange identity revelations and childhood memories to all evolve into chaos. What an intriguing story.
September 25, 2023
Entertaining read
I enjoyed the book for the most part, the mystery was well done and the writing was good. I'm not sure about the side narrative in the later part of the book. There was no real explanation of it or the characters in it. Otherwise it is definitely worth the read if you like mysteries without the usual detective story.
I enjoyed the book for the most part, the mystery was well done and the writing was good. I'm not sure about the side narrative in the later part of the book. There was no real explanation of it or the characters in it. Otherwise it is definitely worth the read if you like mysteries without the usual detective story.
April 2, 2025
Unusual and interesting mystery
This is definitely an interesting story. I love reading a mystery that is different from the others. What begins as a fiction story for the narrator turns into a real life situation. And mysteries abound, both large and small. I definitely recommend this book.
This is definitely an interesting story. I love reading a mystery that is different from the others. What begins as a fiction story for the narrator turns into a real life situation. And mysteries abound, both large and small. I definitely recommend this book.
April 1, 2020
Great story
Engrossing plot with twists and turns. Great characters. As a self published author I sometimes wonder if my readers are able to separate fact from fiction. Hopefully I will never have to face any of the harrowing episodes written about in this novel. Great story!
Engrossing plot with twists and turns. Great characters. As a self published author I sometimes wonder if my readers are able to separate fact from fiction. Hopefully I will never have to face any of the harrowing episodes written about in this novel. Great story!
November 19, 2020
My kind of book
Very captivating read. I enjoyed the casual style and easy going dialogue. The main character is easy to like and the plot keeps moving at a steady pace. Can’t wait to read the next one.
Very captivating read. I enjoyed the casual style and easy going dialogue. The main character is easy to like and the plot keeps moving at a steady pace. Can’t wait to read the next one.
December 14, 2020
Too long, complicated, and slow-moving. The premise for the plot is sketchy and self-serving for the author. British - lots of words that are unfamiliar to American readers. Stuck it out to the end, but after doing so, I wonder why.
September 3, 2023
Intriguing twists and turns.
I felt that the premise of the story was too fanciful to be interesting, but was soon absorbed into the dual stories cleverly interwoven in this mystery.
Real characters and believable sub plots.
An immensely satisfying book
I felt that the premise of the story was too fanciful to be interesting, but was soon absorbed into the dual stories cleverly interwoven in this mystery.
Real characters and believable sub plots.
An immensely satisfying book
September 16, 2023
liked this story but did have to back up now and again to reread parts that had a bearing on where I was in the tale(s). Rather intricately interwoven and I am no good at remembering names of people (or of characters), just things about them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
Good Plot
This book held my attention, good character development. There is not much action, and some parts are not believable, but on the whole, was interesting enough to keep reading. I might give the 2nd book a chance.
This book held my attention, good character development. There is not much action, and some parts are not believable, but on the whole, was interesting enough to keep reading. I might give the 2nd book a chance.
January 30, 2024
Great start to a series, I hope.
I almost missed it, which one is fact and which one fiction? Two stories intertwined and the search for the girl in the photo leads Mike to an involvement in an underworld in both. Looking forward to the next book.
I almost missed it, which one is fact and which one fiction? Two stories intertwined and the search for the girl in the photo leads Mike to an involvement in an underworld in both. Looking forward to the next book.
June 13, 2024
Interesting concept-a fictional novel based on a true crime caper causes the author all kinds of real life complications. He also finds romance along the way. Although it was a slow start, the story pulled me in and I had to find out what happened and whether or not he got the girl.
June 13, 2017
Enjoyed it although it did confuse me, had to read the sub plot several times to get it.
June 22, 2017
Did not finish, because every time I tried to read it, Kindle crashed. Only happened when trying to read this book.
July 15, 2017
The alternate italics scenes just ended up confusing. So very low 3 since I don't get the point of them...
July 19, 2017
Loved the characters!
Fun twists and turns with some very enjoyable character development along the way. I'm thrilled that there's another Mike Stanhope waiting in the wings for me.
Fun twists and turns with some very enjoyable character development along the way. I'm thrilled that there's another Mike Stanhope waiting in the wings for me.
August 25, 2017
Dramatic mystery!
A journalist and budding author finds mayhem when he starts searching for a girl he had a crush on when he was a boy on holiday with his parents 25 years ago.
A journalist and budding author finds mayhem when he starts searching for a girl he had a crush on when he was a boy on holiday with his parents 25 years ago.
December 21, 2017
Very much enjoyed this clever book. Lots to puzzle over and think about. Look forward to reading more by this writer. Excellent!
February 14, 2018
Interesting
This is an interesting novel with some twists and many coincidences. It is a little confusing at the beginning but it doesn't take long to catch on.
This is an interesting novel with some twists and many coincidences. It is a little confusing at the beginning but it doesn't take long to catch on.
May 17, 2018
Mike Stanhope self-publishes a book, and it changes his life
August 7, 2018
Not as clear as I’d like a book to be. The bank robbery issue didn’t seem to be resolved in the end. Were the italics part in the story, the book the character wrote? I was confused, I guess.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews