Down in the Country

In many respects, more of a “cosy” than a police procedural, an enjoyable read nonetheless. Well developed characters and a twisty plot make things interesting.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

A couple are shocked to discover the naked body of a woman in their garden. She has been strangled. Acting Inspector Beauregard, who has never led a murder investigation, doesn’t understand how or why the body of a woman ended up in the garden and seeks assistance from ex-detective inspector Clive Walsingham. Clive is now running a hotel in Carlow Valley, but when Beauregard asks for his help, he jumps at the chance.

As intriguing details of the dead woman’s past emerge, suspicion falls upon a notoriously unscrupulous local businessman but, before he can build a case against him, Inspector Beauregard is called away to investigate the mysterious disappearance of Lord Westleigh’s daughter, leaving Clive to continue the investigation with the support of an abrasive Detective Constable.

A seemingly innocent entry in the dead woman’s notebook, the strange behaviour of her family and the arrival of a mysterious guest at his hotel drag him deeper into the murky investigation. Clive has to use all his powers of deduction to uncover the truth. But, in doing so, he realises his own life is in serious danger. This book was filled with suspense, action, drama, and all kinds of twists and turns! I highly recommend reading this book! Its well worth reading! Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

Naked dead woman found in garden - no idea who, how or why. Bumbling Acting Inspector (annoying) and local hotelier, ex DI, come together to solve the mystery. Local lord of the manor, local aggressive business man, drunken gardener, lid off quarry men all lead into a well-scripted cosy murder mystery. Clive, the ex DI is good, works well with very patient wife who's left running the hotel alone for too long, and most of the other characters. Acting Inspector Beauregard is just a lycra-clad, cycling, bumbling pain and should never have made it that far in the ranks - even if his boss was rushed into hospital unexpectedly. More senior officers should have made a better choice. Dump him and the story would be much better! Thanks to NetGalley and The Book Guild for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is a cute and cozy murder mystery if that makes sense.

Definitely one to enjoy on a rainy day, more than a hard hitting procedural.

Well observed and good solid fun.

Neither a police procedural or a cozy crime novel this is a splendid hybrid of both. The author's superb sense of humour permeates every single page. His characters speak with a well-polished irony.
Acting Inspector Casper - Dick - Beauregard, Clive Walsingham and Alison Pawlett are fabulous characters, and I must not forget Archie.
The complexities of the plot are all tied-up with razor-sharp precision in a denouement to rival, the late, great Agatha Christie at her best.
I can't wait to read more Carlow Valley mysteries.

A Catalogue Of Events…
A naked body in a suburban back garden sparks a catalogue of events in this polished, well paced and enjoyable mystery. Populated with well drawn characters and with an engaging narrative laced with wry humour, this is a wholly escapist and cleverly plotted read. Hopefully there will be more to come for the Carlow Valley Mysteries.

What a nice and solid read, that really felt like a Midsomer Murders episode. Really enjoyed the book, will read more by the author in future.

it was ok it took me a while too get into it as i am one of them people that can get a bit confused when there are too many people involved clive and clare make me smile and that little bit at the end had me chuckling it was an interesting story and i sidnt see it coming though got a bit lost and confused at some of the information.
its definately worth a reas though and their hotel sounds nice.