Quirky, fresh and intelligently written, this book draws on Jeremy 's experience on the radio and interaction with loyal listeners but with the added intrigue of uncovering fraud and murder. It touches on a subject that sadly blights so many lives where vulnerable people are targeted, by clever con artists and defrauded of their savings. Edward is the much loved radio presenter being pushed out of his job as the station makes way for younger presenters in it's quest to appeal to a younger demographic ( art reflecting life ...) However, when he is contacted by a young woman, convinced her beloved grandmother's death is no accident, Edward is drawn to investigate. Lost in a world of grief following the hit and run killing of his precious young son, he is gradually absorbed into his new role, accompanied by Stevie , the feisty young woman determined to avenge her grandmother and Kim, the estate agent who seduced him while selling him his home which is perilously close to the cliff edge . This home which delighted his beloved boy, stands as a metaphor for Edward's life since his son's death; constantly threatening to fall off the edge and crash into the sea below. The listener can't help but be drawn into caring for the father's grief and wanting him to find his way back to the job he loves and the listeners who love him. Lots to love in this book

This book is a very good debut start to a new cosy crime series. I loved the characters and the interactions. I look forward to the next one in the series. Well done Jeremy Vine you’re on to a good start!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I listen to Jeremy Vine most lunchtimes so I really wanted to read "Murder on Line One". I could tell it was his book due to the Sidmouth references. Based on what he knows - phone in radio programmes, he has crafted a cosy crime novel around a local radio station and Edward Temmis who got the boot (slight dig at the clear out of radio presenters?). The trio of unlikely friends (as they become) investigate a scam and some murders. I can see this trio appearing in future books but I do wonder what he will write about next. Fun!

Murder on Line One by Jeremy Vine is the first book in a new murder mystery series.
Edward Temmis has lost his job as a radio host and is grieving the loss of his son. He is approached by Stevie who asks for his help to look into the suspicious death of her grandmother. The original plot deals with a number of contemporary issues, including scammers who are targetting elderly radio listeners. The writing is laced with humour and poignancy and there are some well-drawn characters. A light, easy to read story that will appeal to fans of 'cosy crime'.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Murder on Line One by Jeremy Vine is an intriguing concept that combines the drama of a crime thriller with Vine’s signature wit and insight into modern life. However, while the book has its moments, it doesn’t entirely deliver on its potential.

The premise—a murder mystery set in the world of phone-ins—immediately grabs attention. Vine’s knowledge of broadcasting and his ability to weave in contemporary social commentary add a unique layer to the story. The backdrop of the chaotic, high-pressure world of live radio is vividly brought to life, and there are moments where the tension feels electric.

That said, the pacing is uneven. While the opening chapters are engaging, the middle section drags, with lengthy digressions that detract from the momentum of the plot. The mystery itself is serviceable but not particularly groundbreaking, and seasoned thriller readers may find the twists predictable.

The characters are a mixed bag. The protagonist, while relatable, lacks depth, and the supporting cast sometimes veers into caricature territory. However, Vine’s sharp humor and occasional moments of introspection make up for some of these shortcomings.

Overall, Murder on Line One is an enjoyable but flawed read. It’s a decent choice for fans of lighter crime fiction with a touch of satire, but it falls short of being a standout in the genre. An entertaining diversion, but not particularly memorable.

I mostly enjoyed this story, although I did work out who dunnit about 60% of the way in, and prior to that I realised who did the hit and run.
I didn’t like the bad language but I did like the three main characters, especially Edward. It was a bit slow in places but I think those bits were necessary to add depth to the story and characters. I hope that some older people read this book and it stops them from being scammed.

I received this an an Arc from NetGalley. There is not a lot of things I enjoyed about this book. I found it really hard to follow and felt like it was way too long for a mystery book. I felt there was a lot of unnecessary information that made the story feel so long and dragged out. I wanted to DNF this book a lot while reading it but got to the end. Overall it wasn’t an enjoyable read for me, you may enjoy it but I personally did not.

Excellent debut murder mystery from Jeremy. The story manages to expose some despicable crimes while using a radio station as the backdrop. Murder, blackmail, online scamming and a hint of romance combine to make a really good read.

What a gem of a read , a treasure of a story. Jeremy has a huge talent for writing which I found in his previous book however this one is a different genre completely. This time it's a crime/mystery/thriller and couldn't be any further away from “ The Diver and the Lover”.

This is adorable and I devoured it. The character of Edward is one I couldn't help but love and just wanted to give him a big hug and tell him he was supported and loved. (think “A Man called Ove” & “ The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window” type character. )

Edward lost his son a while back in a hit and run and he sometimes finds himself thinking Matty is still around. Edward was a radio presenter on a popular evening radio show but taking so much time off he was let go. As he finds this out from his boss whilst walking on the seafront, they are hit by an abnormal wave and Edward rescues her. He takes on a new job at a garden centre and soon meets Stevie who sought him out as her grandmother, now deceased, listened to Edward all the time and even contacted him. Stevie is suspicious about her grandmother's death and wants Edward to find out about the communications she had with him- something he knows nothing about.

I can’t say how much I loved this (but heck I’m trying!). Edward is an adorable character as is Stevie (in a different way) and it's a wonderful plot, cleverly crafted. Please write more Jeremy! No pressure! Loved this doesn’t cover it. 10* if I could. One of my books of the year 2025.

I enjoy listening to Jeremy Vine on the radio but unfortunately his quirky unique personality didn't quite translate to the page for me, There are too many meandering sentences and asides which would appeal to lots of people but just confused the plot for me,

Edward Temmis has suffered plenty of recent trauma with his son getting killed in a hit and run accident, wife has left him and he then loses the job he loves as a part time local radio DJ. But he becomes involved with looking into a suspicious death and catfishing and the way the plot interacts with his elderly audience in local radio is cleverly done.
Edward is an interesting character and we get to know plenty about him and his thoughts and the other main leads Kim and Stevie are also well filled out.
So great characters and an intriguing plot make for a rewarding read although I was slightly put off by a rather over the top first chapter. Very easy to read and there were plenty of plot twists to enjoy .
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the ARC,

Read in 2 sittings, if sleep hadn't prevailed I would have devoured in one.
This chilling and utterly compelling story is one of those books which grabs your attention from the very beginning. The author has really got into her characters minds and explored the different emotions.
I love this genre a great who done it!

I am new to Jeremy Vine, this is the first time I have read any of his books. Murder on Line One is a clever and absorbing mystery that mixes dark intrigue with the warmth of community bonds. With its unique backdrop of late-night radio and a protagonist whose life unravels only to find unexpected purpose, this book strikes an engaging balance between suspense and human connection.
The setting of Sidmouth, with its seemingly sleepy charm, serves as the perfect foil for the grim events that unfold. Edward Temmis, our protagonist, is a brilliantly drawn character—flawed, grieving and struggling with the loss of his radio career. His love for his listeners radiates off the page, making his quest for justice feel deeply personal and heartfelt. Vine’s exploration of Edward’s internal struggles adds depth to the story, making him a relatable and compelling lead.
The mystery itself is chillingly original. The idea of someone targeting elderly radio listeners is both heartbreaking and sinister, creating an undercurrent of dread throughout the narrative. Edward’s partnership with Stevie and Kim brings a dynamic energy to the investigation. Stevie’s youthful determination and Kim’s no-nonsense practicality complement Edward’s introspective nature, forming a trio you can’t help but root for.
Vine weaves a plot with well-placed clues and red herrings that keep you guessing until the final chapters. The pacing is steady, though it occasionally slows as Edward reflects on his demons. These moments, however, are touching and lend the story a depth that goes beyond its mystery elements.
The climax delivers a satisfying resolution while leaving room for reflection on the book’s larger themes of grief, redemption and the importance of human connection. Vine’s background in broadcasting shines through in the vivid descriptions of Edward’s radio world, adding authenticity and charm to the story.
Murder on Line One is more than just a mystery; it’s a heartfelt exploration of how we rebuild ourselves after loss, with a sprinkle of humour and a dash of romance to lighten the mood. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series, this book will appeal to anyone who enjoys a character-driven whodunit with a unique twist.

I was intrigued to read this book as I am a fan of Jeremy. However I found the book quite slow to get into.
Edward Temmis is struggling to cope after a family tragedy and the loss of his job. Working with Stevie and Kim he decides to investigate some disturbing incidents.
I liked the way the book was split into parts although
I did find the book quite long. As this is part of a series I’m intrigued to read the second book and look forward to hearing more about the characters.
Thanks to Harper Collins UK, Harper Fiction, Jeremy Vine and NetGalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Shenanigans in Sidmouth..
The first of a new murder mystery series, Sidmouth set, featuring late night talk show radio host Edward Temmis. When details of an unsolved murder fall at his feet, Edward may well have found his raison d’etre. With the assistance of a few choice friends, Edward begins to dig - who exactly could possibly be targeting an older range audience and, more specifically, why? A rather convoluted whodunit with an eclectic cast of characters, a detailed backdrop and a plot populated with plenty of turns and laced with a wry humour as Vine weaves his own fond feelings for the broadcasting industry throughout the narrative.

3* Decent for the most but it gets bogged down in trying too hard to make it interesting.

I don't think this author's a natural, sadly. The book, set in England, started off refreshingly enough but got bogged down in minutiae. I wasn't sure if every single detail was going to tie in, but for the most it did. There were just too many characters and too much happening, and sadly, justice over the romance scam aspect didn't go very far. I think the tale had good intentions but there was just too...much of everything. It tried too hard to be PC and a little woke, too. And the cop thing was just too obvious. Editing needs to be more brutal and needs to ignore that JV's a 'name'.

Still, the characters were decent and it ended in a good place for most of them.

ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Harper Collins Publishers, for my reading pleasure.

These kind of books always grab me and I also found this one to be captivating with its story and the want to find out how it was all going to conclude.

It was cleverly woven and I found, as I continued reading, I started to get more invested. It was perhaps a little sluggish to set and it took me about 100 pages to find my grounding in the story; every reader is different.

I found I liked the characters and enjoyed following their lives and developments. The setting too also added to the setting.

The main central plot itself was intriguing - with a million pound con targeting the older generation and twists and turns I didn’t expect. It kept me guessing and I always looked forward to returning back to the book to uncover more of the plot as it went along.

It was a surprise to find out that Jeremy Vine from Radio 2 and Eggheads had written a novel and I was intrigued to read it. Thanks to net galley and the publisher for giving me an early copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

The advice that I most often hear to would-be novelists is to write about what you know and I think Jeremy followed this advice in part as his protagonist is a radio host and the backdrop to the story is a radio station, although not the BBC but a local one. I think that’s where the similarities end as the book involves murder, maiming with acid and a gory stabbing scene. There’s also a love hoax/scam and an actual love story, so a lot of different strands to this story.

At first I wasn’t sure whether I liked the book or not, but as I read further it grew on me and by the end I was hooked.

»Murder on Line One« by Jeremy Vine is an engrossing tale that blends the worlds of radio broadcasting and mystery, set in the picturesque town of Sidmouth. Edward Temmis, is a late-night radio talk show host who's lost his job due to personal tragedy. Things get worse when he learns about the suspicious death of a loyal listener's grandmother in a fire. As Edward teams up with Stevie—the granddaughter seeking answers—and his ex-lover Kim, they uncover a string of disturbing incidents targeting the older fans of his show.

The book's atmosphere is rich and evocative, contrasting Sidmouth's sunny charm with the dark underbelly of danger and deceit. Vine brings the town to life, immersing us in the characters' emotions. Edward's journey is as much about solving the murder as it is about navigating his grief and purpose. The mood shifts between suspense and introspection, pulling readers into the emotional depths of each character.

Vine's writing style is down-to-earth yet refined, mixing casual dialogue with sharp observations on human nature and society. His characters are well-rounded, each with their own baggage that adds nuance to the story. Edward, a flawed but relatable protagonist, wrestles with his past while trying to protect his loved ones.

While the book effectively ratchets up suspense and keeps readers guessing with its twists, some may find the pacing a bit uneven. Still, this mirrors real life—calm moments can quickly turn chaotic. The interplay between personal struggles and external threats enriches the narrative, elevating it beyond a standard whodunit.

Jeremy Vine, known for his broadcasting and journalism career, brings his sharp eye to this debut novel, imbuing it with authenticity and a fresh take on contemporary issues. His media background adds depth to Edward's character as he deals with public scrutiny and personal loss.

This gripping mystery deftly explores themes of loss, redemption, and community. With its engaging characters and vivid setting, it invites readers to consider not just the culprit but also what it means to truly connect with others.

This is technically Vine’s second novel and even on Socratic terms, it’s pushing the envelope. Edward Temming was the host of a lunchtime phone in, in Sidmouth, Devon till a family tragedy intervenes. Made redundant by his employer, Edward discovers a plot.

Well, I can’t really say anymore as it may ruin your enjoyment. Vine is an English eccentric and it’s a truly bizarre wedge of prose; with a surreal line in simile and metaphor. See also: the characterisations of women in this novel (which vary between traitorous/menopausal/libidinous) and a character later in the novel which I would consider to be transphobic.

Linking the narrative is a random chain of objects and events. These include variously: a catfishing scam, antique automata, a Scooby Gang of angry pensioners, an old episode of Columbo, the early Hitchcock ‘Rebecca’ and a computer hard drive filled with acid. No, I’m not making this up.

And although it is nice to see a real place (I should, know, my wife lived there) it is too overworked as a gimmick. Put it this way: if you don’t like it you can use it as SatNav to find your way round the South West. Sidmouth, a place where nothing happens on a daily basis is portrayed as a cross between 1930’s Chicago and millennial Baltimore.

It’s at least fifty pages too long and an editor should have ended the book in Sidmouth Costa. A series is planned. Less snark, more logic and sharper editing may improve it. It’s published by Harper Collins on April 25th, 2025 and I thank them for a preview copy.