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Brock & Poole #3
When the Party Died Lib/E
Listening Length: 4 hours, 58 minutes
The launch of a new exhibit at Bexford museum is derailed when Brock and Poole discover a body in its midst.
With rumours of a lost treasure, a confusing array of suspects and a personal stake in the case, they must focus to find their culprit.
Which isn't going to be easy...
Detective Sergeant Guy Poole is dreading confronting his mother with the truth and faces losing a second parent from his life.
Detective Inspector Sam Brock's life is changing, and there are big decisions to make for the future.
Can they untangle the web of mystery to find their killer?
The launch of a new exhibit at Bexford museum is derailed when Brock and Poole discover a body in its midst.
With rumours of a lost treasure, a confusing array of suspects and a personal stake in the case, they must focus to find their culprit.
Which isn't going to be easy...
Detective Sergeant Guy Poole is dreading confronting his mother with the truth and faces losing a second parent from his life.
Detective Inspector Sam Brock's life is changing, and there are big decisions to make for the future.
Can they untangle the web of mystery to find their killer?
Audio CD
First published July 13, 2018
818 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
A.G. Barnett
15 books111 followersA.G. Barnett is an international bestselling Amazon author of mysteries.
After playing the drums enthusiastically but erratically in a band, working to create digital resources for the visually impaired and joining a digital supply chain startup, he eventually fell into the charitable sector where he has worked in online health information for over a decade.
He is currently writing two series, The Brock & Poole mysteries and The Mary Blake mysteries.
Originally from North Devon, England, A.G. moved to Oxfordshire many years ago where he now lives with his wife, daughter, and ridiculous spaniels.
A.G.Barnett loves hearing from readers, so feel free to contact him on Twitter and Facebook or email him at Contact@agbarnett.com
After playing the drums enthusiastically but erratically in a band, working to create digital resources for the visually impaired and joining a digital supply chain startup, he eventually fell into the charitable sector where he has worked in online health information for over a decade.
He is currently writing two series, The Brock & Poole mysteries and The Mary Blake mysteries.
Originally from North Devon, England, A.G. moved to Oxfordshire many years ago where he now lives with his wife, daughter, and ridiculous spaniels.
A.G.Barnett loves hearing from readers, so feel free to contact him on Twitter and Facebook or email him at Contact@agbarnett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
February 3, 2019
The first Brock & Poole mystery was excellent, but the second one was disappointing. Fortunately, the third installment of this series is solid, and frankly I'm relieved at the return to form.
When The Party Died gives us our first real glimpse at Brock's wife Laura, at her career and at other complications in their relationship (beyond the very singular focus of the couple's problem in first two books). The plot soon zooms delightfully between an art gallery and a country manor, with an enormous amount of potential clues—and, like the reader, the investigators have no idea what they mean.
It's a great setup for the main plot, which kept me interested throughout, and satisfied with the reveals. It's one of the few mysteries I've read lately in which I had no idea who did it, but looking back, there were plenty of clues.
The subplots were a bit less effective; Poole is now at a point where he's just an idiot for not being more forward with the intelligent young female constable who's so into him, she's being threatened with Perfect Girl Syndrome. (It's an interracial relationship, which no one seems aware of in the book, which struck me as more than a little odd. Certainly it's not that big of a deal, but when Poole meets Sanders' Indian mother, Barnett seems to go through contortions not to mention it.) The climactic scene reveals something quite delightful about her character. I hope Barnett continues to show us her multiple dimensions in future books.
The continuing subplot of Poole's mother and father are getting diminishing returns for me as well, but there wasn't much of it in this installment.
One nitpick: there were a lot of typos and grammatical errors in this book—inconsistent use of punctuation, names spelled differently (Frazer and Fraser, especially). It was a bit distracting, but not enough where I ever considered abandoning the book.
Overall, a worthwhile read, and one that has me waiting until the day I can pre-order the fourth book in the series.
When The Party Died gives us our first real glimpse at Brock's wife Laura, at her career and at other complications in their relationship (beyond the very singular focus of the couple's problem in first two books). The plot soon zooms delightfully between an art gallery and a country manor, with an enormous amount of potential clues—and, like the reader, the investigators have no idea what they mean.
It's a great setup for the main plot, which kept me interested throughout, and satisfied with the reveals. It's one of the few mysteries I've read lately in which I had no idea who did it, but looking back, there were plenty of clues.
The subplots were a bit less effective; Poole is now at a point where he's just an idiot for not being more forward with the intelligent young female constable who's so into him, she's being threatened with Perfect Girl Syndrome. (It's an interracial relationship, which no one seems aware of in the book, which struck me as more than a little odd. Certainly it's not that big of a deal, but when Poole meets Sanders' Indian mother, Barnett seems to go through contortions not to mention it.) The climactic scene reveals something quite delightful about her character. I hope Barnett continues to show us her multiple dimensions in future books.
The continuing subplot of Poole's mother and father are getting diminishing returns for me as well, but there wasn't much of it in this installment.
One nitpick: there were a lot of typos and grammatical errors in this book—inconsistent use of punctuation, names spelled differently (Frazer and Fraser, especially). It was a bit distracting, but not enough where I ever considered abandoning the book.
Overall, a worthwhile read, and one that has me waiting until the day I can pre-order the fourth book in the series.
July 10, 2020
Great Detective Novel
Once again the team of Brock and Poole are called on to solve a baffling mystery. They have to work through some tough angles to solve several different puzzles at the same time. Excellent read!
Once again the team of Brock and Poole are called on to solve a baffling mystery. They have to work through some tough angles to solve several different puzzles at the same time. Excellent read!
July 20, 2018
A Finale Followed By a Cliffhanger
When I read the first book of this series, I forgave the many grammar errors and misspellings, plus syntax and POV problems, because it was a first book. Perhaps I was feeling overly generous, which sometimes (but not often) happens. I gave book #2 a miss, because my book queue is very long. This is book #3, and there still is no copy-editing.
Although the plot is engaging, the side story about Poole and his family is overdone. After a while I began skipping all the Poole (and Sanita) interludes.
The ending seemed rushed, and the culprit(s) were peripherally involved until close to the denouement. I’m quite sure I only skipped the Poole/Sanita bits.
Yes, there is a finale, which is followed by a “read-the-next-book” epilogue cliffhanger. This is annoying, because I expected a stand-alone police procedural.
I will not be reading book #2, nor will I read the sequel to this book. Don’t let my druthers stop you, because I am part of the minority regarding this book.
When I read the first book of this series, I forgave the many grammar errors and misspellings, plus syntax and POV problems, because it was a first book. Perhaps I was feeling overly generous, which sometimes (but not often) happens. I gave book #2 a miss, because my book queue is very long. This is book #3, and there still is no copy-editing.
Although the plot is engaging, the side story about Poole and his family is overdone. After a while I began skipping all the Poole (and Sanita) interludes.
The ending seemed rushed, and the culprit(s) were peripherally involved until close to the denouement. I’m quite sure I only skipped the Poole/Sanita bits.
Yes, there is a finale, which is followed by a “read-the-next-book” epilogue cliffhanger. This is annoying, because I expected a stand-alone police procedural.
I will not be reading book #2, nor will I read the sequel to this book. Don’t let my druthers stop you, because I am part of the minority regarding this book.
November 10, 2018
This Series Will Delight! Give It a Try!
I was looking for a new author to read that writes British Detective Murder Mystery. Amazon suggested this Author based on my past likes and dislikes. Trying a new series is always rough for me because I want to feel I know these characters, what they look like, act like, you know, their back stories. The first book was read over a weeks period with me deciding along the way if I should continue. I am glad I have. This series is loaded with good mystery, backstory tragedy, humor and a bit of fledgling romance. I lIke that this author gives all the clues along the way to assist the reader to try and solve the puzzle of who dunnit before the final reveal. I just finished the 3rd book in the series and feel A G Barnett has got a great series started. Please give this series a try.
I was looking for a new author to read that writes British Detective Murder Mystery. Amazon suggested this Author based on my past likes and dislikes. Trying a new series is always rough for me because I want to feel I know these characters, what they look like, act like, you know, their back stories. The first book was read over a weeks period with me deciding along the way if I should continue. I am glad I have. This series is loaded with good mystery, backstory tragedy, humor and a bit of fledgling romance. I lIke that this author gives all the clues along the way to assist the reader to try and solve the puzzle of who dunnit before the final reveal. I just finished the 3rd book in the series and feel A G Barnett has got a great series started. Please give this series a try.
July 3, 2024
I started this series several years ago, and although I liked the first book, didn't get back to it until last year. Not sure why, because I like the setting and the two MCs, DI Sam Brock and DS Guy Poole. The story is a good balance between the case they're working on and their personal lives, so we get to know the men behind the uniforms.
The mystery here was good - first having to determine who the victim was, then solving the crime. There were quite a few suspects, and a lot of red herrings along the way. I was not able to figure out who the culprit was until just before it was revealed in the book, but then it all made sense.
I'm happy to see that there are two more books in this series, and I look forward to learning what comes next for Sam Brock and Guy Poole.
The mystery here was good - first having to determine who the victim was, then solving the crime. There were quite a few suspects, and a lot of red herrings along the way. I was not able to figure out who the culprit was until just before it was revealed in the book, but then it all made sense.
I'm happy to see that there are two more books in this series, and I look forward to learning what comes next for Sam Brock and Guy Poole.
Read
August 13, 2024Listened to audible. Short interesting mystery with likable characters. A dead body is discovered in a totem pole in the museum where DI Brock's wife Laura works. DS Poole is still dealing with discovering his mother was partially responsible for a shooting in his teens that result in a shot to his leg and a death of his best friend. The mystery of the body leads to an overextended estate where the grown children live high on the hog though their families are not supporting them financially. Didn't quite figure this out. LIke that the mystery is short though it ends with a cliff hanger. Poole's mother seems to have been kidnapped. Is this due to his criminal father? Who is following Poole?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2019
What I like about these books is how sleek they are. There’s not much wasting time determinedly not looking at the killer. I also like both Brock and Poole. I missed the fact that this one is a third book, I thought it was the second. It didn’t hamper my enjoyment in any way. There was a little bit in the overall arc that had me confused, but I thought I’d forgotten it from the first book. (I hadn’t, but it’s explained and it didn’t take away from the mystery at hand). Looking forward to the next one. And the previous one also.
February 23, 2021
Actually, 4 1/2 stars. This is at least the second book of this series that I have read and enjoyed. Brock finds he is a father-to-be, and Poole is still trying to solve family problems, but now his mother has gone missing. Yup, tune into the next book of this entertaining series. And I will..., but not just yet.
Oh, just so you know, the actual size of this book is 288 pages, not 301, because Goodreads includes chapter one of the next book, plus other stuff, which jumps up the count. Why? Who knows.
Oh, just so you know, the actual size of this book is 288 pages, not 301, because Goodreads includes chapter one of the next book, plus other stuff, which jumps up the count. Why? Who knows.
May 27, 2023
The museum where Brock's wife Laura works has received an unusual totem pole which it is exhibiting. The exhibit's opening is marred when a dead body is found inside the totem pole. Poole also has to contend with confronting his mother about her part in the tragic events in their past.
I like these characters, even though they started out rather stiff. The writing is still about the same, nothing spectacular, and the resolution as usual leaves something to be desired, but is still entertaining. The usual 3 stars.
I like these characters, even though they started out rather stiff. The writing is still about the same, nothing spectacular, and the resolution as usual leaves something to be desired, but is still entertaining. The usual 3 stars.
July 14, 2018
Another great book in this series that I love. This one has an exceptionally devious cunning plot set amidst a very good story. There are a lot of suspects, but they nut it out. The ending is stunning you won’t see it coming. Again the characters are wonderful with some bad things on the horizon for the team and also a nice surprise for one of them. Good clean well written crime, always with some fun or sarcasm.
August 4, 2018
Good story but...
The characters and storyline were fine. However there is scant descriptive text. Poor grammar and sentence construction shows a lack of editing. For example, the persistent use of "they" instead of an appropriate singular pronoun sometimes makes the text confusing. I would expect better from someone who has written serious nonfiction papers previously. The golden age writers can't be improved upon for the quality of authorship.
The characters and storyline were fine. However there is scant descriptive text. Poor grammar and sentence construction shows a lack of editing. For example, the persistent use of "they" instead of an appropriate singular pronoun sometimes makes the text confusing. I would expect better from someone who has written serious nonfiction papers previously. The golden age writers can't be improved upon for the quality of authorship.
October 28, 2018
Another winner!
I'm really enjoying this series and I'm happy to know there will be a 'next one'. Don't cheat but there is a clue... very likable characters and interesting plot twists... what else can we ask for? Oh yes, the writing is very good. Yes, it needs more careful editing... typos etc. but I'm sure that will be addressed.
I see from the authors site there is another book not of this series but it's not on Amazon???
I'm really enjoying this series and I'm happy to know there will be a 'next one'. Don't cheat but there is a clue... very likable characters and interesting plot twists... what else can we ask for? Oh yes, the writing is very good. Yes, it needs more careful editing... typos etc. but I'm sure that will be addressed.
I see from the authors site there is another book not of this series but it's not on Amazon???
April 13, 2019
When the Party Died
When a Death Totem pole is donated to the museum where Laura Brock works, bodies start to turn up--2 of them with multiple attempts on others. And multiple people of interest before Brock and Poole solve the case with the help of Saunders and Davies.
Well constructed, the plot is "killer". The characters are detailed and either very likeable or unlikeable.
Very enjoyable
When a Death Totem pole is donated to the museum where Laura Brock works, bodies start to turn up--2 of them with multiple attempts on others. And multiple people of interest before Brock and Poole solve the case with the help of Saunders and Davies.
Well constructed, the plot is "killer". The characters are detailed and either very likeable or unlikeable.
Very enjoyable
June 29, 2020
This is the third book in the Brock and Poole mystery series, and the plot was very convoluted. I didn't guess the culprit in this one, but I enjoyed trying to . We don't just have the problem of solving a murder, but we also have to figure out how Brock and Poole are going to handle their personal problems too. I like the comradery between the two policemen. Unfortunately, I am going to have to read the fourth book in the series to find out what happens next!!
January 29, 2019
This series really grew on me!
The characters are well drawn. The interactions and relationships between the characters are believable. I especially liked the peeks into the marriage of Brock and Laura. The partnership of Brock and Poole is one I look forward to reading more about. Very good series so far.
The characters are well drawn. The interactions and relationships between the characters are believable. I especially liked the peeks into the marriage of Brock and Laura. The partnership of Brock and Poole is one I look forward to reading more about. Very good series so far.
April 13, 2019
Great mystery!
Brock and Poole mysteries are excellent! Wonderful characters, entertaining pursuit of murderer, lots of misdirection, and satisfying police investigation. My only criticism is abysmal punctuation of text and real need for decent editing of text for grammar and errors. These faults detract from an enjoyable, smooth reading of the story.
Brock and Poole mysteries are excellent! Wonderful characters, entertaining pursuit of murderer, lots of misdirection, and satisfying police investigation. My only criticism is abysmal punctuation of text and real need for decent editing of text for grammar and errors. These faults detract from an enjoyable, smooth reading of the story.
August 8, 2020
Another Great British Mystery Read
I love British mysteries. AG Barnett does a great job of creating a who donit. The author does very well about providing clues along the way...but does not spoil it too soon. It is great twists and turns...however I did suspect the ringer but not going to tell you why.
I love British mysteries. AG Barnett does a great job of creating a who donit. The author does very well about providing clues along the way...but does not spoil it too soon. It is great twists and turns...however I did suspect the ringer but not going to tell you why.
March 3, 2021
The team of Brock and Poole are developing nicely. In this case, a body is found in a totem pole in the local museum. And Brock's wife, Laura, works at the museum. When did the body get placed there? The story switches between the museum and the estate where it had been stored for years. Lots of possible leads. Good story and look forward to the next one.
June 12, 2023
Brock and Poole on another investigation, this time starting at the museum where Brock’s wife works. Just can’t have an enjoyable night without finding a dead body. There’s relationship updates, car chases, missing brothers, missing mothers, stolen inheritance and so much more and is Brock breaking up the team???
December 6, 2023
Yet another brilliant detective novel by this author featuring Sam Brock and Guy Poole. The murder takes place at an art exhibition. Their is also a lot more details about Brock and Guys relationships nd outside the office and they are devolved more then they were addressed in the beginning. I enjoyed this book and Sao far love this mystery series
August 24, 2025
Short and light but engaging.
A good mystery with good characters - or as good as can be in such a short novel. Solidly written, an easy read that is engaging. It's all a bit simplistic, but in a satisfying manner, and this I think is the best of the 3 plots I have read to date in the series.
Cliffhanger ending a bit unnecessary as gripping is not the vibe of these novels. 3 stars.
A good mystery with good characters - or as good as can be in such a short novel. Solidly written, an easy read that is engaging. It's all a bit simplistic, but in a satisfying manner, and this I think is the best of the 3 plots I have read to date in the series.
Cliffhanger ending a bit unnecessary as gripping is not the vibe of these novels. 3 stars.
July 19, 2018
Another quick, enjoyable read. I really love this series! My only niggle is the same as the last one - it could have used one final edit as there were a few little mistakes (calling Clive 'Charlie' at one point). Overall, though, I'm looking forward to No 4.
July 22, 2018
Pretty Decent Series
Brock and Poole are so different, but they work so well together.
They have real lives outside work, which do coincide with work on occasion. That's real life.
Looking forward to the next book!
Brock and Poole are so different, but they work so well together.
They have real lives outside work, which do coincide with work on occasion. That's real life.
Looking forward to the next book!
July 26, 2018
Cracking read
Enjoyed this book, good story enough dead bodies to keep.it interesting and believable, hate it when the body count goes on and on. Hope there will be more of Brock and Poole.
Enjoyed this book, good story enough dead bodies to keep.it interesting and believable, hate it when the body count goes on and on. Hope there will be more of Brock and Poole.
August 7, 2018
Cliffhanger
Enjoyed this very much, Looks like Brock is going to be a farther and Poole us dating, his mother is in danger. What next? Hoping there will be another instalment in the series
Enjoyed this very much, Looks like Brock is going to be a farther and Poole us dating, his mother is in danger. What next? Hoping there will be another instalment in the series
August 30, 2018
Constant improvement.
I really enjoy this series. They’ve steadily improved and now I’m disappointed that the fourth one isn’t available yet! I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next.
I really enjoy this series. They’ve steadily improved and now I’m disappointed that the fourth one isn’t available yet! I’m looking forward to finding out what happens next.
August 31, 2018
A little annoyed with the ending
The ending set up for the next book, like a cliffhanger or a soap opera, I am not a fan of this type of ending. Having said that, the rest of the book was an enjoyable read. I have enjoyed all three books so far, I hope more are coming.
The ending set up for the next book, like a cliffhanger or a soap opera, I am not a fan of this type of ending. Having said that, the rest of the book was an enjoyable read. I have enjoyed all three books so far, I hope more are coming.
September 28, 2018
Didn't see that coming
I love a good British mystery and this one is right up there with a classic Agatha Christie. I figured out who done it early on in the first two books in the series, but not this one. Well played Mr Barnett, well played indeed.
I love a good British mystery and this one is right up there with a classic Agatha Christie. I figured out who done it early on in the first two books in the series, but not this one. Well played Mr Barnett, well played indeed.
October 8, 2018
Good Series
I have enjoyed all three of these stories. Good characters and story development make for a good read. I might have given this last one four stars except for the cliff hanger!
I have enjoyed all three of these stories. Good characters and story development make for a good read. I might have given this last one four stars except for the cliff hanger!
December 4, 2018
I loved Barnett's Brock & Poole!
This book is England's answer to Canada's Gamache series. As a diehard Gamache fan, that's high praise indeed. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries you'll like this book, I believe.
This book is England's answer to Canada's Gamache series. As a diehard Gamache fan, that's high praise indeed. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries you'll like this book, I believe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews