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The Falconer Files #1
Death of an Old Git
In the village of Castle Farthing a mean-spirited, spiteful, curmudgeonly old man is found drugged and strangled in the kitchen of his cottage, with no obvious clues to the perpetrator of the crime.
DI Falconer and Acting DS Carmichael are summoned from the police headquarters in the nearby town of Market Darley and begin to uncover a web of grudges against the old man and a sea of familial connections between those who knew him. As the heat of July continues relentlessly, tempers flare, disturbing the usual rural calm of the village, and the normally imperturbable Harry Falconer.
Faced with a crime with no obvious prime suspect and the idiosyncrasies of his new partner, Carmichael, is he gradually losing his grip on the case as the body count rises?
DI Falconer and Acting DS Carmichael are summoned from the police headquarters in the nearby town of Market Darley and begin to uncover a web of grudges against the old man and a sea of familial connections between those who knew him. As the heat of July continues relentlessly, tempers flare, disturbing the usual rural calm of the village, and the normally imperturbable Harry Falconer.
Faced with a crime with no obvious prime suspect and the idiosyncrasies of his new partner, Carmichael, is he gradually losing his grip on the case as the body count rises?
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2011
447 people are currently reading
1363 people want to read
About the author
Andrea Frazer
224 books82 followersAn ex-member of Mensa (bored!),Andrea Frazer is married, with four grown-up children, and lives in the Dordogne with her husband Tony and their seven cats. She has wanted to write since she first began to read at the age of five, but has been a little busy raising a family and working as a lecturer in Greek (she has a Fellowship Diploma in Greek), and teaching music.
Apart from writing, Andrea continues to teach music, and now also teaches French to ex-pats.
Her interests include playing several instruments (but not all at the same time!), reading, and choral singing (she sings with two choirs in a nearby town). In her spare time, she breathes!
Apart from writing, Andrea continues to teach music, and now also teaches French to ex-pats.
Her interests include playing several instruments (but not all at the same time!), reading, and choral singing (she sings with two choirs in a nearby town). In her spare time, she breathes!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
September 2, 2023
First reading of this author was very enjoyable. As the title of the book promises, there is a good deal of humour in this murder mystery. Falconer, the policeman who has an interesting sergeant assigned to him is appealing and a character I want to read more of. The wardrobe of his helper is hilarious. This village where they operate is full of extreme characters, all very interesting. I am up for more Falconer!
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June 24, 2015
This was an easy read but somehow not very satisfying. I bought the book based on the title -- which appealed to me, and still does. There were some moments in the book which had me laughing out loud -- but overall I'm left wanting more.
The characters were flat and almost seemed like 'stock' british mystery characters: the bluff, lord of the manor; a somewhat weak, insignificant vicar; an elderly spinster; shopkeepers; incomers to the village; locals of various sorts. Typecasting. The police were not stereotypes and might develop into more interesting characters in later books in the series.
The location was typical: a very, pretty village with the usual landmarks --- a village green, a pond, a pub, even a general store. Just the kind of village we'd most like to visit or live in.
I was able to solve the mystery before the police which was nice.
May try another in the series but it won't be for a while.
The characters were flat and almost seemed like 'stock' british mystery characters: the bluff, lord of the manor; a somewhat weak, insignificant vicar; an elderly spinster; shopkeepers; incomers to the village; locals of various sorts. Typecasting. The police were not stereotypes and might develop into more interesting characters in later books in the series.
The location was typical: a very, pretty village with the usual landmarks --- a village green, a pond, a pub, even a general store. Just the kind of village we'd most like to visit or live in.
I was able to solve the mystery before the police which was nice.
May try another in the series but it won't be for a while.
October 21, 2013
This is the first book in a murder mystery series called "The Falconer Files" by Andrea Frazer. The series takes place in modern day England in a rural area containing numerous small villages patrolled by officers housed in a central village police station. I've now read all but the latest book (which I am keeping on my Kindle to savor for a awhile before reading and then having to wait for the next book).
How do I describe how much I love this series? The mysteries themselves are at times guessable, but they aren't why I eagerly wait for each book. It is the characters who make me want to return over and over again.
Detective Inspector Falconer is a stuffy, reserved forty-something loner, nice in appearance, very neat, careful of his health, and only truly attached to his cat, Mycroft. In this first book he runs smack up against his newly assigned Sergeant, Davey Carmichael, whose sartorial deficiencies make our poor Falconer cringe in horror.
Did I mention our Davey is a well-built six and a half feet tall and has a thing for Hawaiian clothes? The two misfitted policemen need to work together to solve this first village murder, and over the ensuing books learn a lot about each other. Young, cheerfully naive Davey begins to drag Falconer to a new enjoyment of life, while Falconer teaches Davey some needed decorum. The secondary characters add wonderful touches, including a variety of cats and dogs.
Just a warm, lovely series - with side helpings of murder. I wholeheartedly recommend the books and only wish I might have lived in one of the villages. Detective Inspector Falconer would not have remained a bachelor for long, LOL.
How do I describe how much I love this series? The mysteries themselves are at times guessable, but they aren't why I eagerly wait for each book. It is the characters who make me want to return over and over again.
Detective Inspector Falconer is a stuffy, reserved forty-something loner, nice in appearance, very neat, careful of his health, and only truly attached to his cat, Mycroft. In this first book he runs smack up against his newly assigned Sergeant, Davey Carmichael, whose sartorial deficiencies make our poor Falconer cringe in horror.
Did I mention our Davey is a well-built six and a half feet tall and has a thing for Hawaiian clothes? The two misfitted policemen need to work together to solve this first village murder, and over the ensuing books learn a lot about each other. Young, cheerfully naive Davey begins to drag Falconer to a new enjoyment of life, while Falconer teaches Davey some needed decorum. The secondary characters add wonderful touches, including a variety of cats and dogs.
Just a warm, lovely series - with side helpings of murder. I wholeheartedly recommend the books and only wish I might have lived in one of the villages. Detective Inspector Falconer would not have remained a bachelor for long, LOL.
January 23, 2020
I really enjoyed this book, which I picked up on a whim because of its title. A whodunnit that doesn't take itself too seriously - almost a parody of the genre - almost. Full of dry humour that found me chuckling away to myself on multiple occasions, this was just the book to read curled up on the sofa on a dark winter's evening.
The book was like a delicious marshmallow biscuit with zingy lemon dusting - you know the one's I mean - fantastic if you're in the right frame of mind - and I was.
There are more in the series - but I'm saving them for later, for the right occasion. I've had enough marshmallow - I'm off to hunt down something I can sink my teeth into!
The book was like a delicious marshmallow biscuit with zingy lemon dusting - you know the one's I mean - fantastic if you're in the right frame of mind - and I was.
There are more in the series - but I'm saving them for later, for the right occasion. I've had enough marshmallow - I'm off to hunt down something I can sink my teeth into!
November 5, 2016
Kept me guessing
I thought this started a bit slowly. However, Davey's sartorial splendor and Falconer's snide asides had me laughing out loud soon enough. The mystery came together quite nicely in the end. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
I thought this started a bit slowly. However, Davey's sartorial splendor and Falconer's snide asides had me laughing out loud soon enough. The mystery came together quite nicely in the end. Will definitely read the next book in the series.
June 10, 2024
No one in the village liked Morley--he was a peeping tom, threw dog poop at his neighbor's washing on the line, and stole from both the church collection plate and the local shop. Still, Inspector Falconer must investigate the crime; there are a plethora of suspects since Morley was so universally despised. Then there is another murder with the same MO, and things get even more complicated with a near-fatal auto accident.
September 25, 2014
I was first attracted to this book by its title, which is proof that, not only am I an Anglophile, I have an English husband as well. But trouble quickly loomed on the horizon. The writing was stiff, and there was far more telling me what was going on rather than leaving the characters alone to show me. Just as I was thinking of stopping and choosing a different book to read (at the end of chapter two), something shifted and all the separate parts of this little mystery clicked into place. From a book I'd decided not to finish, Death of an Old Git turned into a very fun, enjoyable read.
The reason for this abrupt about-face is the author's marvelous sense of humor. I lost count of the times Andrea Frazer either made me smile or made me laugh out loud. Falconer is one of those fussy men; everything-- from his clothing and appearance to his home, car, and office-- must be just so before he's happy. Imagine this meticulous man partnered with "the human ironing board" Acting Detective Sergeant Davey Carmichael-- a towering young man who has all the fashion sense of a manic, colorblind stork. To Falconer's astounded and agonized eyes, Carmichael's choice of clothing alone sets the tone for each day of the investigation. And the humor certainly isn't limited to clothing.
The plot of Death of an Old Git isn't complicated. Falconer and Carmichael go 'round and 'round Castle Farthing reinterviewing all the suspects until they finally piece things together. The identity of the killer should be rather clear, and Frazer even has an interactive element in the story when Falconer finds something at the crime scene, slips it into his pocket, and promptly forgets it. Each time it was mentioned, I wanted to grab Falconer by his freshly starched and ironed collar and shake him just a little bit. See? Interactive!
So... a shaky start and a simple plot usually elicits a thumb down from me, but not this time. I was quite frankly hooked and bedazzled by Frazer's wit, humor, and her two main characters. I already have the next book in the series lined up and ready to read.
The reason for this abrupt about-face is the author's marvelous sense of humor. I lost count of the times Andrea Frazer either made me smile or made me laugh out loud. Falconer is one of those fussy men; everything-- from his clothing and appearance to his home, car, and office-- must be just so before he's happy. Imagine this meticulous man partnered with "the human ironing board" Acting Detective Sergeant Davey Carmichael-- a towering young man who has all the fashion sense of a manic, colorblind stork. To Falconer's astounded and agonized eyes, Carmichael's choice of clothing alone sets the tone for each day of the investigation. And the humor certainly isn't limited to clothing.
The plot of Death of an Old Git isn't complicated. Falconer and Carmichael go 'round and 'round Castle Farthing reinterviewing all the suspects until they finally piece things together. The identity of the killer should be rather clear, and Frazer even has an interactive element in the story when Falconer finds something at the crime scene, slips it into his pocket, and promptly forgets it. Each time it was mentioned, I wanted to grab Falconer by his freshly starched and ironed collar and shake him just a little bit. See? Interactive!
So... a shaky start and a simple plot usually elicits a thumb down from me, but not this time. I was quite frankly hooked and bedazzled by Frazer's wit, humor, and her two main characters. I already have the next book in the series lined up and ready to read.
December 8, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Reading mysteries such as this reminds me of an old board game I played when I was little, "Clue" - I think it was done in the kitchen, by Colonel Mustard with the rope.... These "cozy" mysteries are so fun to read and I love to guess the who, where, why and how. I really enjoyed this one. My guesses were proven to be incorrect once the whodunit was revealed. Great read.
Reading mysteries such as this reminds me of an old board game I played when I was little, "Clue" - I think it was done in the kitchen, by Colonel Mustard with the rope.... These "cozy" mysteries are so fun to read and I love to guess the who, where, why and how. I really enjoyed this one. My guesses were proven to be incorrect once the whodunit was revealed. Great read.
July 22, 2019
I would give this book 3.5 stars if that were an option. The beginning is confusing, as all the characters are thrown at the reader at once. When I gave up keeping them straight, I began to enjoy the story. A fussy DI, a giant acting Sargeant distinctly lacking sartorial elegance, and an English village filled with gossipy residents, and an old git no one was going to miss, makes for a perfect and on occasion humorous, mystery.
May 11, 2012
This first book in the Falconer Files series is expertly executed and very engaging; the author obviously knows her craft! The characters of Falconer and Carmichael are witty and amusing and keep you interested with their unusual personae. The book is well plotted and kept me guessing till the end! A thoroughly good read and highly recommended! I'm off now to read the next book in the series.
December 20, 2023
Very well written
This story had my detective senses going in completely the wrong direction. But it was so well written that I doubt anyone would have guessed the ending
This story had my detective senses going in completely the wrong direction. But it was so well written that I doubt anyone would have guessed the ending
March 13, 2024
I'm not sure what attracted me to collect this one for my 'to read' shelf. May be it was the 'cozy' or 'village' or even the 'humour' and the book scored on all three.
All the village characters were there. There was the vicar, the brigadier, the publican, the village shopkeeper and even the village garage owner not to mention the wives, ex wives and girlfriends as appropriate. In addition to those there was' the old git', who, because of the title of the book, it isn't a spoiler to say, is killed.
The humour which was mostly from DI Falconer and aimed at his acting DS Carmichael was of the good natured sort provoked in main because of their chalk and cheese differences.
The plot was OK but without necessarily spotting the clues even I was able to pick out the murderer and the finale was rather telegraphed.
Although, if possible, this was actually too cozy, there was something about the style of writing which kept me reading and I enjoyed it. There is some great potential to build up the characters of Falconer and Carmichael and the play between them and for that reason I am prepared to hunt out the next in the series for my shelf.
All the village characters were there. There was the vicar, the brigadier, the publican, the village shopkeeper and even the village garage owner not to mention the wives, ex wives and girlfriends as appropriate. In addition to those there was' the old git', who, because of the title of the book, it isn't a spoiler to say, is killed.
The humour which was mostly from DI Falconer and aimed at his acting DS Carmichael was of the good natured sort provoked in main because of their chalk and cheese differences.
The plot was OK but without necessarily spotting the clues even I was able to pick out the murderer and the finale was rather telegraphed.
Although, if possible, this was actually too cozy, there was something about the style of writing which kept me reading and I enjoyed it. There is some great potential to build up the characters of Falconer and Carmichael and the play between them and for that reason I am prepared to hunt out the next in the series for my shelf.
May 8, 2025
I stumbled across this audobook in youtube, looking for something I now know was cosy. And before you know it, I had my little heart broken by the fate of Andrea Frazer and her husband's love. As an author myself, I trully hope I am loved just as much and as an author's wife I trully hope I love my husband just as much. Setting life goals here, mister.
To the book, it's absolotely spot on in terms of advertising. A cosy English village murder mystery, with bouts of humor, just what I needed. The prose is easy-going, with beautiful moments every now and then, the plot is not fast but it suits the cossiness perfectly, houmor is discreet and at times made me laugh out loud, and Andrea loved each and every one of her character and it shows - yes, even that old git was a true person, not a caricature to fill a list of must-have roles.
All in all, I've spent just short of six hours listening to this audiobook calming me down and taking me through a very difficult day. Thank you, Tony, for the loads more Andrea books I can relish. I don't know mush but I'm sure she loved you.
To the book, it's absolotely spot on in terms of advertising. A cosy English village murder mystery, with bouts of humor, just what I needed. The prose is easy-going, with beautiful moments every now and then, the plot is not fast but it suits the cossiness perfectly, houmor is discreet and at times made me laugh out loud, and Andrea loved each and every one of her character and it shows - yes, even that old git was a true person, not a caricature to fill a list of must-have roles.
All in all, I've spent just short of six hours listening to this audiobook calming me down and taking me through a very difficult day. Thank you, Tony, for the loads more Andrea books I can relish. I don't know mush but I'm sure she loved you.
March 1, 2024
This was an audiobook on YouTube. This was the first book by Andrea Frazer that I've had the pleasure of reading or hearing. It was great, I'm just sorry I hadn't heard of her before this.
February 29, 2024
I came across this audiobook as part of a public release by Andrea Frazer's husband. This small town 'who done it' mystery was as twisted and complex as I would expect from a closely knit community, complete with infidelity, bad neighbors, and grudges.
October 27, 2022
This was an ok book for me. I thought the title was interesting and was looking forward to a small town English mystery….hopefully along the lines of Agatha Christie. And it was not. The book simply failed to capture my interest. The book tried hard with its ‘Odd Couple’ detectives, snide comments, colourful (literally) characters, a couple murders but it just fell flat for me.
Apparently I’m in the minority - which is fine- not everybody likes the same thing.
Apparently I’m in the minority - which is fine- not everybody likes the same thing.
November 16, 2014
This was a very traditional english village mystery. There is very little reference to modern policing so it feels as if it could have been written anytime between the 1930's on. I liked the relationship between the two policemen. It is pretty humorous which some people may like. Others who don't like murder made funny should avoid it. I am not sure if I will read more.
September 28, 2018
A bit more serious than the Belchester Chronicles series, but Andrea Frazer's gift for creating unique and interesting characters shines through in this series.
I've read the first ten or so of these have have thoroughly enjoyed every book.
I've read the first ten or so of these have have thoroughly enjoyed every book.
November 3, 2016
I love British village mysteries and I couldn't resist one with a title like this.
It pulled me in and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading another of the series in the future. PS... I didn't guess the killer
It pulled me in and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I look forward to reading another of the series in the future. PS... I didn't guess the killer
January 15, 2019
My first Falconer book
I enjoyed the characters in this book and understand why the author gave a brief description in the beginning of the first chapter. The plot has many twists and turns . If you like a well told mystery you should enjoy this one.
I enjoyed the characters in this book and understand why the author gave a brief description in the beginning of the first chapter. The plot has many twists and turns . If you like a well told mystery you should enjoy this one.
February 7, 2025
Great plot poor formatting
Honestly, whoever allowed the kindle ebook to go up without being checked sucks at their job. The formatting was terrible! Otherwise the story was pretty good if a little slowly paced.
Honestly, whoever allowed the kindle ebook to go up without being checked sucks at their job. The formatting was terrible! Otherwise the story was pretty good if a little slowly paced.
June 15, 2013
Pretty boring. There were several attempts at humor, but I just didn't think they were that funny.
April 25, 2015
Nice little mystery, I've given it a 4 but it's more of a 3.5.
July 10, 2020
Enjoyable, witty and fun!
March 24, 2021
Enjoy the quirky odd couple, DI Falconer and Acting DS Carmichael.
November 21, 2021
I really liked reading this book . It is quick to read and a lot of fun. I love the characters in this story.
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October 28, 2023
Different
Quaint, nasty and funny characters. Had me chuckling a few times. Trying to figure out the killer was back and forth. Light reading but enjoyable.
Quaint, nasty and funny characters. Had me chuckling a few times. Trying to figure out the killer was back and forth. Light reading but enjoyable.
January 16, 2024
excellent
A truly enjoyable read I laughed a lot as I read it Carmichael is my new hero he will go far as a police officer.A very good story line a mix of seriousness and humor
A truly enjoyable read I laughed a lot as I read it Carmichael is my new hero he will go far as a police officer.A very good story line a mix of seriousness and humor
August 2, 2024
He was a mean old man with nary a kind word to say. He spied on people, stole from the villagers' gardens and allowed his dog to disrupt his neighbours' lives. It wasn't a surprise when he was found dead - murdered! DI Falconer and Acting DS Carmichael have a village full of suspects with little to help them narrow the field.
This book felt like a playful homage to the cosy mysteries of old, harkening back to the days of Christie and Sayers with similar characters but played in a modern-day setting. As such, it took a very circulatory path towards its solution while the people who populated the tale sprang to life. I found the work fascinating and enjoyed this read very much. Though I didn't fall in love with any of the characters, the story as a whole held me spellbound. I will be continuing with the series.
As this is a modern cosy, there are scenes that allude to sexual activity and a sprinkling of profanity. If this is not your thing- beware.
This book felt like a playful homage to the cosy mysteries of old, harkening back to the days of Christie and Sayers with similar characters but played in a modern-day setting. As such, it took a very circulatory path towards its solution while the people who populated the tale sprang to life. I found the work fascinating and enjoyed this read very much. Though I didn't fall in love with any of the characters, the story as a whole held me spellbound. I will be continuing with the series.
As this is a modern cosy, there are scenes that allude to sexual activity and a sprinkling of profanity. If this is not your thing- beware.
October 30, 2023
This is a cosy murder mystery set in a small village where everyone seemed to have a reason to do away with the victim, the hated man of the village. Trying to keep track of who's who in the village is a problem and so many are related to each other.
DI Harry Falconer and acting DS Davey Carmichael investigate the death, spending a lot of time going around the village talking to the residents. The problem is, you don't get to know much about these two characters in this book, there is no real character development. As these are the main characters in this series you would expect to learn something about what makes them tick, their quirks and where they come from.
There is no real depth to this book and is full of cliches that I've seen so often in this sort of simply murder mystery. I even picked the killer.
DI Harry Falconer and acting DS Davey Carmichael investigate the death, spending a lot of time going around the village talking to the residents. The problem is, you don't get to know much about these two characters in this book, there is no real character development. As these are the main characters in this series you would expect to learn something about what makes them tick, their quirks and where they come from.
There is no real depth to this book and is full of cliches that I've seen so often in this sort of simply murder mystery. I even picked the killer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews