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A Day in the Death of Dorothea Cassidy
(Inspector Ramsay #3)
by
For Dorothea Cassidy Thursdays were special. Every week she would look forward to the one day she could call her own, and would plan to visit people she wanted to see as a welcome respite from the routine duties that being a vicar’s wife entailed. But one Thursday in June was to be more special than any other. It was the day that Dorothea Cassidy was strangled.
As the small ...more
As the small ...more
Kindle Edition, 200 pages
Published
May 9th 2013
by Bello
(first published 1992)
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Start your review of A Day in the Death of Dorothea Cassidy (Inspector Ramsey, #3)
I picked up this paperback last Friday at the library from a grouping of books selected by the librarians as unique and/or favorites. I can't pass up slim paperbacks with red, eye-catching covers. Published originally, it says, in 1992 with this publication in 2014 when publisher could use blurbs about the favorite BBC series from this author. I believe all the Ramsay books in paperback have this format. I thought it also interesting that reviewers vary on the spelling. There is a conflict betwe
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This is not an easy series to get hold of. The books now seems to be printed on demand and only available from limited sources. However, I got my hands on the first three, this being No. 3. of the Inspector Ramsey series. They were written back in the late 80's/early 90's, this one 1992 and it certainly tells, if you compare them to her more recent "Vera" or "Shetland" series. They are just a little more set at a gentle pace, but still with good plots. This one sees Ramsey investigate the murder
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The author started this series about 10 years before her more famous 'Vera'. Still set in her own patch of the North East, this Inspector Ramsey series seems to have slipped under my radar. I am not even sure how it found its way onto my shelf.
I wonder if she looked back on these books when she was writing 'Vera'. I noticed similarities between the working styles of Ramsey and the early Vera. Both are thinkers and both would prefer to work on their own.
I enjoyed the story which quickly drew me i ...more
I wonder if she looked back on these books when she was writing 'Vera'. I noticed similarities between the working styles of Ramsey and the early Vera. Both are thinkers and both would prefer to work on their own.
I enjoyed the story which quickly drew me i ...more
Fine. Not good or bad.
What I like most about Anne Cleeves mysteries is her writing style. It is almost like going back in time and reading an Agatha Christie mystery. I was completely engaged in trying to solve the mystery for Inspector Ramsay. Of course, I didn't and the hero:inspector came through in the end. The only down side to these mysteries is how Inspector Ramsay is portrayed as a sympathetic character. I prefer a more upbeat/likable one. Ramsay is likable at times, but most of the time he is down on himself
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One can see the progression and growth of Ann Cleeves as a writer in this #3 in the inspector Ramsay books. The tension over 200 pages, covering little more than a day, is skilfully handled. The themes of religion, social welfare, aged care and family dynamics were interwoven in an enjoyably easy read.
This is a reprint of one of Ann Cleeves' earlier books, published in 1992. It's held up well, with interesting characters and a well-developed plot. I had no idea who the murderer was until the denoument, which is quite unusual for me, but it was logical and there were clues to their identity, though they were subtle.
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I am glad that the success of the Vera Stanhope series has led to reprints of the earlier works of Ann Cleeves. This is the first book I have read in the Inspector Ramsey series. I'm a bit sorry I didn't start with #1 to be up on the Ramsey/Hunter dynamic, but that was not necessary to enjoy the story.
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Aug 10, 2019
John Toffee
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Lovers of british cop thrillers
The socially awkward Inspector Ramsey is back in his third outing with side kick Sergeant Hunter, in what I feel is his best book so far giving readers a hint of the quality to come from author Ann Cleeves (Vera and Shetland).
The dead body of a beautiful woman, the one in the title, in the park. Despite her vibrant nature, beauty and outgoinh personality, she is the wife of the local vicar, Edward Cassidy. There a number of people in the local village it transpires have links to her, with a poss ...more
The dead body of a beautiful woman, the one in the title, in the park. Despite her vibrant nature, beauty and outgoinh personality, she is the wife of the local vicar, Edward Cassidy. There a number of people in the local village it transpires have links to her, with a poss ...more
"Vicar's wives do not usually get themselves murdered ...
"... especially when they are as vibrant and caring as beautiful Dorothea Cassidy. But murdered she unquestionably was; and from the outset Inspector Stephen Ramsey is hard put to figure out why, let alone whowho. And though he did not know her in life, she charms him in her death.
"Reconstructing her last day, he talks to everyone she encountered. And unwed mother who dreams of a new life, a church warden with a secret vice, a retarded tee ...more
"... especially when they are as vibrant and caring as beautiful Dorothea Cassidy. But murdered she unquestionably was; and from the outset Inspector Stephen Ramsey is hard put to figure out why, let alone whowho. And though he did not know her in life, she charms him in her death.
"Reconstructing her last day, he talks to everyone she encountered. And unwed mother who dreams of a new life, a church warden with a secret vice, a retarded tee ...more
My first thought: I’m amazed by how much story is packed into 193 pages! Even with so many characters I didn’t feel overwhelmed and felt that I could see them distinctly. Cleeves provides enough context and inner monologue to keep the reader clued in. I’ve found this detail in writing crucial after recently reading a different mystery where the author’s writing style didn’t incorporate this. It makes all the difference! I felt as if I was getting to know all the players at a personal level.
Secon ...more
Secon ...more
Did I like this book? In many ways, no. But it is excellently written, the characters have great depth, the mise-en-scene is beautifully well-described, there are strands of darkness woven through and a sad if surprising ending.
As the police go through Dorothea's last day the reader can feel her energy and passion and her care for others. The suspects are also drawn in depth and even when disliking them you can feel their pain. Even the police officers are shown in their frailities - their good ...more
As the police go through Dorothea's last day the reader can feel her energy and passion and her care for others. The suspects are also drawn in depth and even when disliking them you can feel their pain. Even the police officers are shown in their frailities - their good ...more
This is the 3rd book in the series featuring Inspector Stephen Ramsey. (I accidentally read it out of order).) In this book, Ramsey has his hands full when the wife of the local vicar is murdered. As the village was enjoying a fair/carnival there were many strangers about. Ramsey needs to find out if one of them is the murderer or if a local person had a severe grudge against a well-like, civic minded lady. As he follows up on leads, he puts together the who she saw and where/when she saw them o
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Best so far in the Ramsey series
This was a pretty good mystery. The vicar’s wife has been murdered. Everyone seemed to think she was a wonderful, caring person. A bit overzealous sometimes but not so you’d want to kill her. There are plenty of suspects but no clear motive. A second murder doesn’t shed much light. When the murderer is revealed it all makes sense. Ramsey’s character is revealed in a bit more depth and that adds interest. So far I think the best of the Ramsey series - though Cleeve ...more
This was a pretty good mystery. The vicar’s wife has been murdered. Everyone seemed to think she was a wonderful, caring person. A bit overzealous sometimes but not so you’d want to kill her. There are plenty of suspects but no clear motive. A second murder doesn’t shed much light. When the murderer is revealed it all makes sense. Ramsey’s character is revealed in a bit more depth and that adds interest. So far I think the best of the Ramsey series - though Cleeve ...more
4 stars for a slightly different plot and murder motive. Ann Cleeves definitely knows how to write a murder mystery. Can't see I loved every character in the book, but it all came together in the end in a more satisfying way than usual. I didn't even realise it had been written a while ago, or was part of a series, although I did think the circus/fair antics were unusual. Very much based on character conversations.
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Jumping in at book 3 might have left me with some missing pieces. That being said this almost reads as a stand alone mystery, though I will try to read the first couple to get the background. The close reader will draw a conclusion based on one phrase fairly early on, but there are still enough twists to keep you guessing.
Jul 12, 2017
Julie
rated it
it was ok
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mysteries-police-procedurals
Dorothea Cassidy is found strangled in Otterbridge. Inspector Ramsey and his team start investigating as the summer festival goes on. What's bewildering is that she doesn't seem to have any enemies.
Entertaining, but not the best writing. ...more
Entertaining, but not the best writing. ...more
My 2nd Ann Sleeves read
Still not sure if I like this author I find the books a little slow to what I normally read on a plus more I didn't guess the murderer so that could be a good sign ...more
Still not sure if I like this author I find the books a little slow to what I normally read on a plus more I didn't guess the murderer so that could be a good sign ...more
A straightforward read, under 200 pages. As seems usual with Ann Cleeves, there is quite a range of possible suspects - the plotting is clever. I didn't become emotionally engaged with the book, though - hence the three-star rating.
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This is an older work by this author and I can see the progress in her later series.
I enjoy her writing- great character development- suspense well done but plot could be more believable IMO- a disappointing ending.
I enjoy her writing- great character development- suspense well done but plot could be more believable IMO- a disappointing ending.
One of the author's lesser known series, I found this Inspector Ramsay book to be well written and with great character development. The timeline of the event is a day but the series of events in solving the crime is deftly written.
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I found Stephen Ramsay's character weak. Don't think I will be reading this series. DI Vera series, on the other hand, I think is good.
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One of the author's earlier books, the writing is kind of simple but a good story.
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Ann Cleeves proves yet again that she is the mistess of the red herring! Another book I have thoroughly enjoyed. Just bought the next in the series.
A clever plot.
Again Ann writes a very intense book which I found very hard to put down. Some good unexpected twists, thrilling.
Again Ann writes a very intense book which I found very hard to put down. Some good unexpected twists, thrilling.
Not her best, but a pleasant read
Small town murder of the best kind; DI Ramsay is hunting the killer of the vicar's wife.
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Although I am an avid follower of Vera and Shetland om TV this was my first Ann Cleeves book .An old fashioned crime novel with red herrings and clues, must catch up with the rest of the series now
This was so boring, I could hardly get through it.
good read
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Ann is the author of the books behind ITV's VERA, now in it's third series, and the BBC's SHETLAND, which will be aired in December 2012. Ann's DI Vera Stanhope series of books is set in Northumberland and features the well loved detective along with her partner Joe Ashworth. Ann's Shetland series bring us DI Jimmy Perez, investigating in the mysterious, dark, and beautiful Shetland Islands...
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