Accident by Design

Lambert and Hook #9

by J.M. Gregson

Walter Fletcher's family try to persuade him to move from the big house in the Forest of Dean where he has lived for forty years, but within two days he is dead. His granddaughter, home for the funeral, raises doubts about his death and Superintendent Lambert and Sergeant Hook find that her suspicions of foul play are only too well founded. As the small Forest community closes ranks, the police investigation becomes increasingly difficult...especially when it emerges that the killing is probably the work of either family or close friend. "Begins with quiet observation before pouncing to murderous effect" - SUNDAY EXPRESS

Genres: Mystery

272 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

James Michael Gregson taught for twenty-seven years in schools, colleges and universities before concentrating on full-time writing. He has written books on subjects as diverse as golf and Shakespeare.

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Walter Fletcher lives alone in a remote place, but is determined to keep his house despite the wishes of his family. Not long after another confrontation, he is found dead--seemingly an accident where he fell off his ladder. His granddaughter comes home and notices something strange and goes to the police that it wasn't an accident and explains why. After investigating, they agree and open a case. Can they figure out which family member might have murdered the old man?

Well written police procedural. I like Lambert and Hook very much.

[Elva Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

ACCIDENT BY DESIGN: (A gripping Cotswolds murder mystery Book 9)

I found this book a little calm and indifferent after reading so many hardcore Murder Mysteries that wer so fast moving and exciting. This would make an excellent book for a weekend away or for someone who doesn’t read a lot.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walter Fletcher died in an accident working on the outside of his house. But his granddaughter Hannah, is not convinced. So Lambert and Hook investigate.
An enjoyable crime story

[Ann Schapansky · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

Kept me guessing right up to the end. I liked delving into the family dynamics and their little hidden secrets.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Story

Quite a few characters in the story to follow. The lies reported to police always appeared to be the truth until the very end.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

A reasonable police procedural. Quite short and not too difficult to figure out whodunit.

[Damaskcat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walter Fletcher is an independent and active elderly man. His family want him to sell the family home and move into sheltered accommodation. He refuses but then is found dead at the foot of a ladder. His grand- daughter - home form university for the funeral, contacts the police as she believes that what appears to have been a tragic accident was actually murder.

Lambert and Hook find themselves immersed in an investigation which becomes more and more obscure. The only certain thing about it is that the 'accident' was actually murder. They have plenty if suspects - his three adult children and a few close friends. His children are singularly unpleasant characters who seem to be focussed on the money which is tied up in Walter's house believing that they are entitled to their share of it.

The author expertly brings to life the tensions which affect many families even if all on the surface seems to calm and peaceful. All have secrets which they do not want revealed to the others but is one of them a murderer? I enjoyed listening to this audio version of this story, expertly read by Gordon Griffin. It is number nine in the Lambert and Hook series.