Haggard Hawk

Nathan Hawk Mystery #1

by Douglas Watkinson

HAGGARD HAWK is the first in a series of English crime novels featuring the ex head of a Murder Squad, Nathan Hawk. A widower with four grown up children scattered all over the world he has gone to live in a typical English village. He spends his time there struggling with Anger Management Disorder and gardening for all he's worth. He's trying to kill time, time he never had as a detective, time he never wanted, time he doesn't want now.

Then, driving home one night from a dinner party in the company of a young, female doctor, he comes across a brutal murder and he's right back where he used to be. Catching a killer...

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

289 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2013

About the author

I’ve been writing for television all my life, everything from Z Cars, through Juliet Bravo, Boon, Lovejoy, The Bill, Poirot - right up to Midsomer Murders, which I helped to establish. You can see a catalogue of my television and stage work on my website.

I also write crime novels featuring a high ranking police officer Nathan Hawk, who was 'required to retire' as we English so delicately phrase it. Hawk's a man with a fiery temper, biting wit and four grown up children he worries about, sometimes with good reason.

Strange, that, because so do I.

Reviews

[Lesley Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fascinated by the freshness of a main character that bucks contemporary trends, i.e. a moody loner with all the attributes to contribute to society who resolutely self-isolates. Instead, Nathan Hawk shoulders the challenges of being an early-retired, 50something widower with 4 adult children, making their way in the world. In concert with his anger management problem, he determinedly solves a complex murder involving a bevy of finely drawn individuals and interesting locations. The writing is refreshingly witty and uplifting. A reader enhancing experience.

[Susan Lee Thuener · Rating 5 out of 5]

Retired Copper still has what it takes.

I enjoyed reading this murder mystery. A police detective with an anger management problem cost him his job when he cold clocked his boss. I like his method of dealing with it. He has an imaginary map in his pocket which he takes out and studies until the need to beat up someone passes. Looks like he has found a new calling as a PI.

[patricia a walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memorable characters

Great plot twists,interesting and multilayered characters you care about and want to meet again. I'll be waiting for next book.

[George Bowser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpected ending but everything ties up nicely. Interesting, enjoyable characters you can identify with.

[Anne Blackstock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've never been into crime but this might turn me! Loved the sheer Englishness. Great central character and dialogue you can believe. Now starting one of the others in the series and so far it looks good.

[Holly Christensen Borash · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was a little hard to read and I had to work to stay interested. I didn't make it halfway through before I deleted it. It is rare that I don't finish a book that I start.

[Mrs.A. Rees-Simkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping read in real setting.

I particularly enjoyed this book as it is set in real locations and in this case all places that I am personally familiar with. Add to that a God plot an excellent and believable central character in Nathan Hawk and an interesting cast of other characters. A really enjoyable read that gripped me throughout and will certainly lead to me reading the rest of the series. The only slight hint of criticism would be that the number of characters , some of them with similar traits meant that on occasions I needed to trawl back to reacquaint myself with their origins. This was possibly more to do with my memory failings.
Anyway I'll press on to the next Hawk with anticipation.

[Elizabeth Doerr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This getaway to an English village saves on plane fair and you still get a good ride.

Love the setting and characters as well as the mystery that winds through the narration. I really enjoyed entering into Hawk’s psyche as he ponders the mystery of the murders as well as of his past and the lives of the other characters. I’m glad this is a series as I want to wander further through the English countryside with Nathan Hawk.

[Keith Withers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly astounding suspenseful mystery

A 'retired' policeman looking to be left to ease out his life in seclusion, is suddenly drawn in by a mysterious robbery and death. Much to the annoyance of the local police he "sticks his nose in where it's not wanted". He is the one who thinks he knows what is going on but even he is eventually surprised by the outcome.

[NANCY WADE · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a fan of Midsomer Murders and like a British mystery, than Haggard Hawk is right up your alley. The Guvner solves a double murder of folks within his small English village and uncovers more than he planned, including a new relationship with his lady friend. Entertaining yarn will keep you in suspense until the end.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author had me totally buffaloed regarding the solution to the murders. I enjoyed the plotline and the characters. One difficulty I had was the heavy use of British English-isms (that don't convert easily to American English). However, the story flowed well and I thought it was a great story.

HAGGARD HAWK MYSTERIES - Total of 6
** 1. Hazzard Hawk (2013)
2. Easy Prey (2013)

[auggie shima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting characters

This was a mystery that takes place in a small English village. The main character is a retired "copper" with anger management issues. I usually can figure out "who done it" but not this time!

[Jordan Seng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging prose and a clever story

Well-written, habitable characters, witty with clipped asides, not over-done in any way. Clever and honest. Looking forward to settling in with the next book in the series.

[Mary E. Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery kept me guessing. I enjoyed the characters and location. I did find his anger control issue a bit off putting. I couldn't figure out at times what it was that angered him to such an extreme.
That said I plan to read the next in series.

[GW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haggard Hawk

I enjoyed this book but it took awhile to get into it. I almost quit twice but I'm glad i didn't. The author is English and as an American, it was sometimes awkward reading.

[Beth Del · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. Unhurried pace

Set in a village outside Oxford. Lots going on but in an unfriended thoughtful way. Mystery remains until close to the end. I liked it. Will read more books in the series.

[Tim Muilenburg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read.

I admit to having a little trouble following the British version of English, but really enjoyed it and the story line was excellent. I plan to read additional books by this author.

[Christy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like English procedurals and this is a modern one. It has a complex but likable main character which is the usually retired policeman who can't stop being a cop. It has a lot of twists and enough suspects to keep you guessing until the surprising end. I'd recommend it to my friends.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ex-DCI Hawk is retired and bored but thankfully forhim one of his neighbours is murdered. Which gives him the opportunity to investigate/interfere in the case.
An enjoyable read with interesting and likeable characters

[Kathy L. Schott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good mystery

For some reason I am always drawn to mysteries and thriller genre. I was easily able to track the characters during the story development, which occasionally I have trouble. I will read more the Nathan Hawk series.

[Bill Barnes · Rating 2 out of 5]

?????

If you are a Brit it would probably make sense. I am not and it didn't. The slang lost me.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

good story

[Margaret Fast · Rating 3 out of 5]

List track of all the characters quite early but did not really matter; several of them quite interesting. Plot good. Pacing rather slow. Several nice descriptions. Would read more in series.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! Hawk is an interesting character.

[Mr Geoffrey Hopkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Really good read, characters are well filled out, nice twists and an unexpected finale. Certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Margrette Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Takes some time getting use to the English terms. Exciting to the end. Fooled me was to "who was responsible for the killings.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some nice twists with an overall serious tone

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

Well thought out mystery. I'm not too sure about the main character, though I will put book 2 of the series on my 'to read' list.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will definitely read this author and this detective again.

[Marion Vermazen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The husband and wife who own the local
Pub are murdered. I liked that the retired cop at first didn’t want to stick his nose in. I will definitely continue reading this series.