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Anne Brown series
The Reluctant Detective
A young widow, orphan and mother, Wilhelmina Anne Brown is just beginning to find some stability in her new home in Prince Edward Island when she is forced to deal with the death of her beloved uncle, Bill Darby. Darby, a Charlottetown private investigator, leaves Anne and her fourteen-year-old daughter a small savings account and his business, where Anne has worked as office manager for six years. What follows is Anne's struggle to protect her family, find justice for her clients, and forge a new life for herself in this page-turning thriller.
- GenresMystery
241 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
25 people want to read
About the author
Finley Martin
9 books7 followersFinley Martin was born in Binghamton, New York and grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He received a B.A. degree in English at the University of Scranton, and during the 1960’s he served as an officer with the United States Marine Corps at posts in America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
He lives in the fishing village of Beach Point, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
He lives in the fishing village of Beach Point, Prince Edward Island, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 31, 2012
Was delighted to read this detective story by a PEI author. Nice to "read local"! However, I had troubles getting into it. Story has merit, but there is backstory given for every character and this makes it tough to concentrate on the important ones. I ended up skipping lots of paragraphs that spent too much time on description of characters past lives, etc.
Maybe it's because I had just seen "Nevermore", Shakespeare By the Sea's excellent production of Poe's stories (where there is no backstory at all and yet you are pulled in immediately and savaged by the story), but this seemed too much.
The female main character is spunky and cheery and one of those people who want to do it all themselves, but I failed to see where the confidence stemmed from. Not many of us would take on serious gangsters without some quailing.
Still, a good read and much fun despite these flaws. Looking forward to seeing more by this author.
Maybe it's because I had just seen "Nevermore", Shakespeare By the Sea's excellent production of Poe's stories (where there is no backstory at all and yet you are pulled in immediately and savaged by the story), but this seemed too much.
The female main character is spunky and cheery and one of those people who want to do it all themselves, but I failed to see where the confidence stemmed from. Not many of us would take on serious gangsters without some quailing.
Still, a good read and much fun despite these flaws. Looking forward to seeing more by this author.
October 6, 2012
So far loving it. A good thriller is fun, but this is also set in Charlottetown. A great backdrop for a thrilling ride. I cannot wait to see where it goes next.
Just finished it. The adventure had many twists and turns, the characters were engaging, and I loved the setting. Martin's use of a female detective was a great choice. She was a strong character but did manage to get into a few scrapes. I do not want to give too much away, but it was true to life and engaging. A great read.
Just finished it. The adventure had many twists and turns, the characters were engaging, and I loved the setting. Martin's use of a female detective was a great choice. She was a strong character but did manage to get into a few scrapes. I do not want to give too much away, but it was true to life and engaging. A great read.
August 12, 2024
Is this a perfect book? No. Are some elements of the story improbable or hard to come to grips with? Yes. Did I still enjoy it? Absolutely.
I bought this book while I was on vacation on PEI, at a lighthouse in Cape Bear. I did not expect to find books at a lighthouse, but it seems the author lives in the general area and the people there are proud to have his books on offer. I do enjoy crime, investigative, or even thriller novels, and I'm always happy to encourage local artists and artisans, so I was pleased to add three of Mr. Martin's books to my ever-growing library.
One aspect of this first book that I really enjoyed was the descriptions of the locale. I felt that I was right back in Charlottetown, and I was able to easily follow along with the story.
The characters are well-defined, maybe a little too much for some readers, but I generally quite like having the backstory on characters, to better understand them and the motivations behind their actions.
I also enjoyed the author's writing style. Some people might not appreciate the short paragraphs and short chapters, but they can work well if they are clear cut, and in this case they are.
The story itself, even though some elements seem far-fetched, still flows well.
All in all, a decent book.
I bought this book while I was on vacation on PEI, at a lighthouse in Cape Bear. I did not expect to find books at a lighthouse, but it seems the author lives in the general area and the people there are proud to have his books on offer. I do enjoy crime, investigative, or even thriller novels, and I'm always happy to encourage local artists and artisans, so I was pleased to add three of Mr. Martin's books to my ever-growing library.
One aspect of this first book that I really enjoyed was the descriptions of the locale. I felt that I was right back in Charlottetown, and I was able to easily follow along with the story.
The characters are well-defined, maybe a little too much for some readers, but I generally quite like having the backstory on characters, to better understand them and the motivations behind their actions.
I also enjoyed the author's writing style. Some people might not appreciate the short paragraphs and short chapters, but they can work well if they are clear cut, and in this case they are.
The story itself, even though some elements seem far-fetched, still flows well.
All in all, a decent book.
September 6, 2018
Really quite good. Crime/mystery genre. Engaging characters, setting ideal--PEI--and the pace was smart.
Anne suddenly inherits her late uncle's detective agency and intends to make a go of it. Things get dicey when her first client wants a new paramour investigated; he's just too slick and good to be true. Then a bag of money is plopped outside her door with instructions to deliver it under cover of night, an arrangement her uncle Billy had?! Seriously?
Of course, all kinds of dangerous antics and situations ensue but Anne is up for them having had some experience working for her uncle for a few years. With the help of some good friends and getting her daughter safely secreted away, what goes wrong gets righted but not before time.
Writing is smooth and fluid and snappy. Would love to read another book by Finley Martin.
Anne suddenly inherits her late uncle's detective agency and intends to make a go of it. Things get dicey when her first client wants a new paramour investigated; he's just too slick and good to be true. Then a bag of money is plopped outside her door with instructions to deliver it under cover of night, an arrangement her uncle Billy had?! Seriously?
Of course, all kinds of dangerous antics and situations ensue but Anne is up for them having had some experience working for her uncle for a few years. With the help of some good friends and getting her daughter safely secreted away, what goes wrong gets righted but not before time.
Writing is smooth and fluid and snappy. Would love to read another book by Finley Martin.
July 27, 2017
One of the big reasons I liked the book was the setting...Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island where I live. It was fun to picture exactly where a scene took place because the story mentioned many pertinent areas and buildings.
I did feel the story was unbelievable in that Ann Brown does so much in 3 days, miraculously escapes of being killed several times, gets beaten up, sprains her ankle, but keeps right on going. But then, I recently read a Baldacci novel where the protagonists did even more unlikely escapes from danger.
Felt the ending weak and not complete but would like to read more about Ann Brown, her daughter, her relationship with Dit and her unlikely sleuthing. Overall a fun read.
I did feel the story was unbelievable in that Ann Brown does so much in 3 days, miraculously escapes of being killed several times, gets beaten up, sprains her ankle, but keeps right on going. But then, I recently read a Baldacci novel where the protagonists did even more unlikely escapes from danger.
Felt the ending weak and not complete but would like to read more about Ann Brown, her daughter, her relationship with Dit and her unlikely sleuthing. Overall a fun read.
June 28, 2023
Alicia- Here's my review for The Reluctant Detective By Finley Martin. Despite having a wonderful and happy ending, I'm a little sad that this is the official goodbye to Anne Brown and the rest, Since I've now read all 3 in the series. This book is highly underrated and in my opinion doesn't get as much love as it should, for those who read the Dead Letter or Killings At Little Rose, I think you should read this one, and for those who haven't read any, definitely give this one a go. Throughout this series you really get to fall in love with the character of Anne Brown, she embodies confidence, empowerment, and strength. I do wish I had read the series in order because I got the Dead Letter and Killings At Little Rose before I got this one, and well, Killings At Little Rose had the ultimate ending, but regardless, the book was incredible, and Anne Brown will forever have a special place in my heart, and on my bookshelf. I rate The Reluctant Detective a 5/5 star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 if I could go higher I would.
_________
Hidayah:
This mystery novel was set in PEI, Canada, where a widowed mother, Wilhelmina Anne Brown, is just starting to find some stability in her new home but is forced to deal with the death of her beloved uncle as well as many unexpected and mysterious happenings.
All of the characters in the book were well-developed and, although some of them were introduced quite abruptly in the beginning, the book was very engaging. It wasn’t difficult to keep track of all the characters. It’s always so refreshing to read books with a courageous female protagonist, especially ones that aren’t damsel-in-distress reads. The author takes the reader on a compelling journey of one woman’s efforts to take care of her family and work, whilst remaining true to herself as she forges a new life in a new place.
This book had me captivated from the start, and I enjoyed reading all of the unexpected plot twists. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys reading thrillers and/or mystery novels.
This book was well-written, and I’m very excited to read the rest of the books in the series. I would rate this book 5/5 stars. It’s easily one of the best fiction books I’ve ever read. ‘The Reluctant Detective’ left me eager for the sequel. I highly recommend reading this book.
_________
Hidayah:
This mystery novel was set in PEI, Canada, where a widowed mother, Wilhelmina Anne Brown, is just starting to find some stability in her new home but is forced to deal with the death of her beloved uncle as well as many unexpected and mysterious happenings.
All of the characters in the book were well-developed and, although some of them were introduced quite abruptly in the beginning, the book was very engaging. It wasn’t difficult to keep track of all the characters. It’s always so refreshing to read books with a courageous female protagonist, especially ones that aren’t damsel-in-distress reads. The author takes the reader on a compelling journey of one woman’s efforts to take care of her family and work, whilst remaining true to herself as she forges a new life in a new place.
This book had me captivated from the start, and I enjoyed reading all of the unexpected plot twists. This is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys reading thrillers and/or mystery novels.
This book was well-written, and I’m very excited to read the rest of the books in the series. I would rate this book 5/5 stars. It’s easily one of the best fiction books I’ve ever read. ‘The Reluctant Detective’ left me eager for the sequel. I highly recommend reading this book.
May 1, 2021
Really would have been more enjoyable if it had been edited properly. Seriously, any published book with half a dozen typos and grammatical errors really is a shame.
May 23, 2022
An enjoyable and totally unbelievable novel set in the fantastic setting of Prince Edward Island.
November 20, 2023
I enjoyed the familiar setting as I live in Charlottetown PEI and I liked the characters.
December 8, 2024
I started interested in the story but found the main characters stupidity a real turn-off.
July 27, 2013
THE RELUCTANT DETECTIVE by Finley Martin (Detective Fiction, Atlantic Canadian author) 4 star rating
From the beach near our home on Nova Scotia’s North Shore, on a clear night we can see the lights of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. I wouldn’t want to live on PEI but it’s a great place to visit and, after all, part of this “Atlantic Canada” that is now my home.
When she loses her job in Ontario, Anne Brown, a single mother moves back “home” to PEI at her uncle’s invitation, along with her 14-year-old daughter. His hook? “Pay’s not great, but nobody starves on PEI. And there’s no rat race like in Ontario.” Amen to that.
Anne’s uncle runs a Private Investigation service and takes her on as his office manager, but after six years of working together he dies of a heart attack, leaving the business to Anne. Sure, you have to suspend your disbelief a little, but isn’t that what detective fiction is about – suspending disbelief?
There’s a solid, if not greatly innovative, mystery and some slightly bizarre loose ends. But I’d read more if this becomes a series, simply for the Island references.
Read this if: you enjoy private investigator novels; or you are interested in seeing P.E.I. beyond Green Gables. 3½ stars plus ½ for the Atlantic Canada connection = 4 stars
From the beach near our home on Nova Scotia’s North Shore, on a clear night we can see the lights of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. I wouldn’t want to live on PEI but it’s a great place to visit and, after all, part of this “Atlantic Canada” that is now my home.
When she loses her job in Ontario, Anne Brown, a single mother moves back “home” to PEI at her uncle’s invitation, along with her 14-year-old daughter. His hook? “Pay’s not great, but nobody starves on PEI. And there’s no rat race like in Ontario.” Amen to that.
Anne’s uncle runs a Private Investigation service and takes her on as his office manager, but after six years of working together he dies of a heart attack, leaving the business to Anne. Sure, you have to suspend your disbelief a little, but isn’t that what detective fiction is about – suspending disbelief?
There’s a solid, if not greatly innovative, mystery and some slightly bizarre loose ends. But I’d read more if this becomes a series, simply for the Island references.
Read this if: you enjoy private investigator novels; or you are interested in seeing P.E.I. beyond Green Gables. 3½ stars plus ½ for the Atlantic Canada connection = 4 stars
January 30, 2015
The reluctant detective of the title refers to a young, recently widowed mother (Anne with an “e”) who returns to Prince Edward Island to work as a receptionist for her Uncle Billy, a private detective. When Billy dies and leaves her the agency she decides to keep it and become a detective as well.
My comments are not favorable. They include: improbable, far-fetched, unbelievable, cartoonish and silly. The short chapters and uneven pacing was distracting. I liked the way it started by introducing a new, reluctant, detective, finding her way, but then found it veered off into improbable action thriller mode. There was some humour in the book but not enough. There were inaccuracies concerning Africa and the use of the derogatory term “natives” when referring to African people.
The Charlottetown setting rang true and the characters around the detective, although not necessarily the detective herself, were likeable. This combination has potential for another book. The blurb and publicity around the book created high expectations which were not met. I think it very unlikely that I will read another book my this author.
My comments are not favorable. They include: improbable, far-fetched, unbelievable, cartoonish and silly. The short chapters and uneven pacing was distracting. I liked the way it started by introducing a new, reluctant, detective, finding her way, but then found it veered off into improbable action thriller mode. There was some humour in the book but not enough. There were inaccuracies concerning Africa and the use of the derogatory term “natives” when referring to African people.
The Charlottetown setting rang true and the characters around the detective, although not necessarily the detective herself, were likeable. This combination has potential for another book. The blurb and publicity around the book created high expectations which were not met. I think it very unlikely that I will read another book my this author.
January 29, 2015
First Anne's husband is killed within a few years of their marriage, then her parents are killed in automobile accident then she is squally assaulted at work and loses her job. And then Anne moved to Prince Edward Island where she began she working for one of her few remaining relatives and then of course he dies. the coffin has barely been buried when she gets kicked out of office where she works and I've had to put the book inside because it's too depressing. The only luck this woman has is bad luck and she is fortunate enough to have plenty of it.
December 20, 2012
While the setting initially caught my interest the author did a credible job with the plot. There were some minor areas where I felt the characters/plot were pushing limits of credibility but overall an enjoyable read.
June 8, 2013
I'm not sure why I finished this book. The plot was cluttered and the ending was unsatisfactory.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews