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Librarian note: alternate-cover edition for B004T3FQR6.
Jasper Moon, internationally renowned ‘seer to the stars’, had signally failed to foresee his own future. He is found dead on his consulting-room floor, his skull crushed with a crystal ball and, all, around him, his office in chaos.
Meanwhile, Ma Rafferty does some star-gazing of her own and is sure she can predict Detective Inspector Joe Rafferty’s future – by the simple expedient of organizing it herself. She is still engaged on her crusade to get Rafferty married off to a good Catholic girl with child-bearing hips. But Rafferty has a cunning plan to sabotage her machinations. Only trouble is, he needs Sergeant Llewellyn’s cooperation and he isn’t sure he’s going to get it.
During their murder investigations, Inspector Rafferty and Sergeant Llewellyn discover a highly incriminating video concealed in Moon’s flat, a video which, if made public, could wreck more than one life. Was the famous astrologer really a vicious sexual predator? Gradually, connections begin to emerge between Moon and others in the small Essex town of Elmhurst. But how is Rafferty to solve the case when all of his suspects have seemingly unbreakable alibis?
Jasper Moon, internationally renowned ‘seer to the stars’, had signally failed to foresee his own future. He is found dead on his consulting-room floor, his skull crushed with a crystal ball and, all, around him, his office in chaos.
Meanwhile, Ma Rafferty does some star-gazing of her own and is sure she can predict Detective Inspector Joe Rafferty’s future – by the simple expedient of organizing it herself. She is still engaged on her crusade to get Rafferty married off to a good Catholic girl with child-bearing hips. But Rafferty has a cunning plan to sabotage her machinations. Only trouble is, he needs Sergeant Llewellyn’s cooperation and he isn’t sure he’s going to get it.
During their murder investigations, Inspector Rafferty and Sergeant Llewellyn discover a highly incriminating video concealed in Moon’s flat, a video which, if made public, could wreck more than one life. Was the famous astrologer really a vicious sexual predator? Gradually, connections begin to emerge between Moon and others in the small Essex town of Elmhurst. But how is Rafferty to solve the case when all of his suspects have seemingly unbreakable alibis?
480 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 1995
71 people are currently reading
404 people want to read
About the author
Geraldine Evans
50 books100 followersaka Geraldine Hartnett.
I'm a British author and live in Norfolk, England. I write mystery/detective novels and have two series on the go: Rafferty & Llewellyn and Casey & Catt.
Series:
* Rafferty and Llewellyn Mystery
* Casey and Catt Mystery
I also write historical novels, of which my first is Reluctant Queen: The Story of Mary Rose Tudor, the Defiant Little Sister of Infamous English king, Henry VIII.
I'm a British author and live in Norfolk, England. I write mystery/detective novels and have two series on the go: Rafferty & Llewellyn and Casey & Catt.
Series:
* Rafferty and Llewellyn Mystery
* Casey and Catt Mystery
I also write historical novels, of which my first is Reluctant Queen: The Story of Mary Rose Tudor, the Defiant Little Sister of Infamous English king, Henry VIII.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 3, 2011
Article first published as Book Review:Death Line by Geraldine Evans on Blogcritics.
For a man known for his ability to read the future, Jasper Moon was totally unprepared for his own death. Killed with a blunt instrument, his own crystal ball, his death brings up more questions than answers. For Inspector Rafferty and Sergeant Llewellyn nothing about the case is what it seems.
As they begin their investigation looking for answers, they find possible suspects at every turn. There is the erstwhile partner, never fully appreciated, Edwin Astell. There is his lovely yet fragile wife, Sarah, who did not like Moon in the very least. Then there is Virginia Campbell one of the staff members, who also has offices on the premises. Mrs. Mercedes Moreno and Ellen Hadleigh round out the cast of characters with possible motive. When Rafferty finds that money is missing, the pool of suspects increases. As Rafferty and Llewellyn discover that Moon is not their victims real name they find themselves looking outside the internal cast to those that may have other issues with Jasper Moon. Just who is Jasper Moon?
In Death Line by Geraldine Evans, we find an unusual cast of characters, unique and just a bit new age, with interesting backgrounds and their own secrets. When Rafferty and Llewellyn find Moon’s real name, their investigation takes another turn, one that leads them to a murky and hidden past. This secret in his past is one that could very well create the anger necessary to perpetuate this murder. As they learn more about Jasper Moon, they try to read the real man behind the facade. Is he the egocentric man they hear about from some of their sources? On the other hand, is he the misunderstood, warm and generous man they are now beginning to develop a picture of? Finding out the truth about the man will lead them to the killer. However, with many of the players and pieces not being what they seem, can they unmask the real murderer?
Inspector Rafferty is a fun and slightly old-fashioned officer. He is not quite politically correct and has a tendency to put his foot in it. He is quite intelligent and seems to have a brooding manor. He is the opposite of his partner and together they seem to have an unbeatable team. Llewellyn is not just intelligent in the classic way he is also well schooled and entirely politically correct. He is young and in love, and he is the perfect foil for Rafferty. The interplay and conversation between the two is fun and they are constantly trying to outdo the other. Together they are able to find the hidden intricacies, those small clues that finally lead them to the brutal murder of Moon.
Due to the very nature of the jobs they do and the fields they work in, the other cast of characters are colorful and slightly eccentric. Evans has done a great job of building their characters and putting together a picture of their emboldened antics. In a funny way, they bring to mind a circus setting and yet that is only due to the color and overdone attitudes. There is also something just a bit dark and dangerous that stirs beneath as well.
I would recommend this book for the suspense aficionado. The dynamic duo of Rafferty and Llewellyn are quite capable and will surely be featured in further works. There is color and fun to the story as well as secrets and darkness. The interplay is good and Evens slowly guides you through the red herrings to unmask the real killer. This is a slow building murder mystery, with just a bit of humor, something for everyone that enjoys a bit of the unusual.
This book was recievied as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
For a man known for his ability to read the future, Jasper Moon was totally unprepared for his own death. Killed with a blunt instrument, his own crystal ball, his death brings up more questions than answers. For Inspector Rafferty and Sergeant Llewellyn nothing about the case is what it seems.
As they begin their investigation looking for answers, they find possible suspects at every turn. There is the erstwhile partner, never fully appreciated, Edwin Astell. There is his lovely yet fragile wife, Sarah, who did not like Moon in the very least. Then there is Virginia Campbell one of the staff members, who also has offices on the premises. Mrs. Mercedes Moreno and Ellen Hadleigh round out the cast of characters with possible motive. When Rafferty finds that money is missing, the pool of suspects increases. As Rafferty and Llewellyn discover that Moon is not their victims real name they find themselves looking outside the internal cast to those that may have other issues with Jasper Moon. Just who is Jasper Moon?
In Death Line by Geraldine Evans, we find an unusual cast of characters, unique and just a bit new age, with interesting backgrounds and their own secrets. When Rafferty and Llewellyn find Moon’s real name, their investigation takes another turn, one that leads them to a murky and hidden past. This secret in his past is one that could very well create the anger necessary to perpetuate this murder. As they learn more about Jasper Moon, they try to read the real man behind the facade. Is he the egocentric man they hear about from some of their sources? On the other hand, is he the misunderstood, warm and generous man they are now beginning to develop a picture of? Finding out the truth about the man will lead them to the killer. However, with many of the players and pieces not being what they seem, can they unmask the real murderer?
Inspector Rafferty is a fun and slightly old-fashioned officer. He is not quite politically correct and has a tendency to put his foot in it. He is quite intelligent and seems to have a brooding manor. He is the opposite of his partner and together they seem to have an unbeatable team. Llewellyn is not just intelligent in the classic way he is also well schooled and entirely politically correct. He is young and in love, and he is the perfect foil for Rafferty. The interplay and conversation between the two is fun and they are constantly trying to outdo the other. Together they are able to find the hidden intricacies, those small clues that finally lead them to the brutal murder of Moon.
Due to the very nature of the jobs they do and the fields they work in, the other cast of characters are colorful and slightly eccentric. Evans has done a great job of building their characters and putting together a picture of their emboldened antics. In a funny way, they bring to mind a circus setting and yet that is only due to the color and overdone attitudes. There is also something just a bit dark and dangerous that stirs beneath as well.
I would recommend this book for the suspense aficionado. The dynamic duo of Rafferty and Llewellyn are quite capable and will surely be featured in further works. There is color and fun to the story as well as secrets and darkness. The interplay is good and Evens slowly guides you through the red herrings to unmask the real killer. This is a slow building murder mystery, with just a bit of humor, something for everyone that enjoys a bit of the unusual.
This book was recievied as a free download from the author. All opinions are my own based off my reading and understanding of the material.
September 13, 2011
Originally published in 1995, Death Line is the third installment of the long-running Rafferty and Llewellyn detective series, recently re-released in electronic format. This time, they set about solving the murder of Jasper Moon, a well-known "seer to the stars". With high profile clients, wealthy business partners, and disgruntled employees all under suspicion, it's up to this duo to discover the truth behind this theatrical man's death. Along the way, they'll face their own prejudices and learn the value of an open mind.
Having finished the novel, I am compelled to applaud Evans' ability to keep a girl guessing. Alibis were seemingly airtight, motives flew about in a plausible manner, and minor details came into play in grandiose fashion. The slow reveal of lies and various connections between the characters made me feel as if I were sleuthing alongside the crude, determined Rafferty and his uptight colleague Llewellyn; unlike many a mystery novel, Death Line avoided dashing me about as if I were a mere spectator to their impossible brilliance. The two are understandably human, which ties into the preconceived notions that nearly ruin their investigation.
One of the major topics tackled in this novel is homosexuality, including the perceived need to masquerade as heterosexuals in a social climate unwilling to accept gays. Evans explores the psychological impact of such playacting on the men in question and the women and children most readily involved in their lives. Ever the politically incorrect nonconformist, Rafferty's terminology and suppositions can be somewhat boorish, bordering on offensive, but they highlight the character's ingrained homophobia and the challenges that face him in overcoming it.
The language is very British in terms of the dry wit, the colloquialisms, and the various references to European history. For Americans, it may take a moment or two to adjust, but it's a comfortable read once you get going. Personally, I like the smart tone of voice; my issue is primarily with the first chapter, in which various sentences are so dense with information that it's hard to keep track of the point. Granted, it's probably intended to illustrate Rafferty's train of thought, but it can be a bit of a turn-off (of the rambling variety). This tendency does wane later on, though the questionable use of en dashes does not.
On the whole, Death Line is one of the better mysteries I've read. I plan to look into the rest of the series when I get the chance.
Hide and Read
(Review copy provided by the author)
Having finished the novel, I am compelled to applaud Evans' ability to keep a girl guessing. Alibis were seemingly airtight, motives flew about in a plausible manner, and minor details came into play in grandiose fashion. The slow reveal of lies and various connections between the characters made me feel as if I were sleuthing alongside the crude, determined Rafferty and his uptight colleague Llewellyn; unlike many a mystery novel, Death Line avoided dashing me about as if I were a mere spectator to their impossible brilliance. The two are understandably human, which ties into the preconceived notions that nearly ruin their investigation.
One of the major topics tackled in this novel is homosexuality, including the perceived need to masquerade as heterosexuals in a social climate unwilling to accept gays. Evans explores the psychological impact of such playacting on the men in question and the women and children most readily involved in their lives. Ever the politically incorrect nonconformist, Rafferty's terminology and suppositions can be somewhat boorish, bordering on offensive, but they highlight the character's ingrained homophobia and the challenges that face him in overcoming it.
The language is very British in terms of the dry wit, the colloquialisms, and the various references to European history. For Americans, it may take a moment or two to adjust, but it's a comfortable read once you get going. Personally, I like the smart tone of voice; my issue is primarily with the first chapter, in which various sentences are so dense with information that it's hard to keep track of the point. Granted, it's probably intended to illustrate Rafferty's train of thought, but it can be a bit of a turn-off (of the rambling variety). This tendency does wane later on, though the questionable use of en dashes does not.
On the whole, Death Line is one of the better mysteries I've read. I plan to look into the rest of the series when I get the chance.
Hide and Read
(Review copy provided by the author)
March 29, 2011
The detective team of Rafferty and Llewellyn is an entertaining English lineup that works because they brilliantly compliment and oppose each other. Mystery detective pairings often work on a push and pull system operating to either sway the balance or draw a reader towards a direction or clue. Evans has created a tandem that jells together, neither overshadowing nor undermining the other. For those who love Sherlock Holmes style mysteries, you'll likely adore Evans style, humor and method of detection. All players in the plot are revealed in moment, action and speech making it a wonderful cozy, rainy-night read rich with interesting characters that all appear guilty and innocent. At every turn you'll think you know who the killer is, but the true identity and motive won't come until the end. The reveal is not far-fetched or deceptive -- it was there all along and it works perfectly.
What sets Evans mysteries apart is the notion of how prejudice can play a role in the line to justice. How culture, belief, assumptions, gender and job can all affect how a case is perceived, delayed, detoured or in some cases, unsolved. Thankfully, Rafferty and Llewellyn catch their own flaws and rethink to avoid mistakes. However, by including this thematic element Evans shines a light on the unavoidable flaw in crime and the pursuit of justice, humanity.
This book has recently been formatted to include ebook. It is now available for only $2.99 at Amazon Kindle. It's a great deal and I encourage those who enjoy mysteries to give it a try. Death Line Amazon Kindle ebook
What sets Evans mysteries apart is the notion of how prejudice can play a role in the line to justice. How culture, belief, assumptions, gender and job can all affect how a case is perceived, delayed, detoured or in some cases, unsolved. Thankfully, Rafferty and Llewellyn catch their own flaws and rethink to avoid mistakes. However, by including this thematic element Evans shines a light on the unavoidable flaw in crime and the pursuit of justice, humanity.
This book has recently been formatted to include ebook. It is now available for only $2.99 at Amazon Kindle. It's a great deal and I encourage those who enjoy mysteries to give it a try. Death Line Amazon Kindle ebook
March 11, 2014
Pleasantly surprised
I have to say, this book took a little getting in to for me at first, but once I did get in to it I had to keep going to find out who did it, was a good who done it.
I have to say, this book took a little getting in to for me at first, but once I did get in to it I had to keep going to find out who did it, was a good who done it.
August 24, 2011
Geraldine Evans has recently re-released her Rafferty and Llewellyn Mystery series in ebook format after it has enjoyed a fourteen book publication run with Macmillan and Severn House in the UK in the early 2000's.
Death Line is the third in the British police procedural series that teams the dynamic DI Joe Rafferty with the straight laced Sergeant Dafyd Llewellyn who are investigating the murder of Jasper Moon, a celebrity 'seer to the stars'. Found dead in his office with a crushed skull, the flamboyant man has his share of admirers and enemies and the pair must determine who is responsible for his violent death.
This is a skillfully plotted mystery with no shortage of suspects. Evans creates a cast of authentic characters whose flaws put them each in the frame as suspects. Rafferty and Llewellyn investigate the leads methodically, but even as they eliminate a suspect doubt lingers, and it is not until the very end that the murderer is identified. There are surprising twists that keep the reader guessing every step of the way.
Rafferty is a likeable character, intelligent and committed to his job he has an irreverent sense of humour and enjoys sparring lightly with the sedate Llewellyn. Their partnership works well, though in this book at least, Rafferty is definitely in control.
There is an added depth to the story as prejudice is explored and confronted. Rafferty has to reconsider his preconceived notions of Moon as an egocentric, eccentric homosexual as he investigates the man's past. He is very nearly diverted by his bias and it's satisfying to have Rafferty recognise his flaws.
From the first page I found Evan's writing style comfortable and engaging. Death Line is a clever and entertaining police procedural mystery that I really enjoyed. A quick search of my local library revealed several of the Rafferty and Llewellyn mysteries on the shelves and I plan to pick up a few on my next visit.
Death Line is the third in the British police procedural series that teams the dynamic DI Joe Rafferty with the straight laced Sergeant Dafyd Llewellyn who are investigating the murder of Jasper Moon, a celebrity 'seer to the stars'. Found dead in his office with a crushed skull, the flamboyant man has his share of admirers and enemies and the pair must determine who is responsible for his violent death.
This is a skillfully plotted mystery with no shortage of suspects. Evans creates a cast of authentic characters whose flaws put them each in the frame as suspects. Rafferty and Llewellyn investigate the leads methodically, but even as they eliminate a suspect doubt lingers, and it is not until the very end that the murderer is identified. There are surprising twists that keep the reader guessing every step of the way.
Rafferty is a likeable character, intelligent and committed to his job he has an irreverent sense of humour and enjoys sparring lightly with the sedate Llewellyn. Their partnership works well, though in this book at least, Rafferty is definitely in control.
There is an added depth to the story as prejudice is explored and confronted. Rafferty has to reconsider his preconceived notions of Moon as an egocentric, eccentric homosexual as he investigates the man's past. He is very nearly diverted by his bias and it's satisfying to have Rafferty recognise his flaws.
From the first page I found Evan's writing style comfortable and engaging. Death Line is a clever and entertaining police procedural mystery that I really enjoyed. A quick search of my local library revealed several of the Rafferty and Llewellyn mysteries on the shelves and I plan to pick up a few on my next visit.
April 4, 2015
A little dated now, as I'm reading this close to twenty years after it was first published. I felt like it was a true investigation as it were in real life. there wasn't a breadcrumb trail from the get go and they really had to do police work for leads. while this was realistic, it also felt drawn and slow at times. the secondary characters were flush and well written, not just an empty shell red herrings. I have not read books 1 and 2 but this book was able to give a good account of our two detectives and their relationship so this would also be a good place to start the series if the first two books are hard to find.
March 25, 2014
This is the 3rd in a series of crime novels by this author. Rafferty is a rough-around-the-edges homicide detective with good instincts. Detective Inspector Llewellyn has a university education, and the two of them complement each other very well. The setting is British, the deductive methodology is Holmesian. A quick read, great for a snow day if you are trapped at home. Free from the abundance of annoying spelling, grammatical, and factual errors that plague the work product of many contemporary writers.
November 18, 2012
I had read a later book in this series previously, which was interesting enough for me to want to go back and try earlier stories. A bit dated regarding attitudes towards homosexuality, but as with the other book, the secondary characters were well done. I'm not a fan of Rafferty's (interfering, religious) mother, but she wasn't too pushy here. Recommended as a good place to begin reading the series.
August 4, 2015
Loved the realtionship between rafferty and llewlyn.Its a a slow paced novel but with an interesting twist. Mr moons murderer was just caught in the nick of time after planning an almost perfect murder
March 17, 2014
Kindle format for the first of a series first published in 1995. Typical British police procedural, good characterization, rather slow progression, well written.
February 16, 2015
A bit different to normal and enjoyable.
May 11, 2015
Good book
Kept reading the book it led from to think it was one way then it went the other way glad to see way ended
Kept reading the book it led from to think it was one way then it went the other way glad to see way ended
April 19, 2014
I love a good brit writ
May 27, 2018
Death Line, third in the Rafferty and LLewellyn line up, dips us into the life of famous palm reader and psychic, Jason Moon. With elite, high profile clents all over the world, a partner, shop employees, now all potential muderers, from the start this is the most complex mystery presented the duo so far!
Then to discover that Jasper Moon may not be the murder victim's true identity, brings another dimension to the story. When something potentially incriminating is found in possession of the deceased, his character is the one under the microscope! Is he the benevolent man he seems or something much darker?
As with many of Geraldine Evans's writings, we find ourselves examining our ideas about humanity and predjudice, along with Rafferty who must come to terms with the predjudices he has developed through his upbringing and environment. Rafferty's intellectual, self-educational, spiritual and moral growth through the series is enlightening. He is a clever man of the streets who takes life head on, which is the way he tackles himself!
A thoroughly likable hero and erudite LLewellyn's perfect foil! Each man is to be appreciated for their totally different qualities.
Together the two (or sometimes just Rafferty) try, convict and finally reverse their decision for several suspects during the course of this investigation. Until finally, just near they end they discover, almost psychicly, the actual murderer! Most of you will be surprised, which is one of Geraldine Evans's fortes. I was gifted a copy of the box set containing this title.
Then to discover that Jasper Moon may not be the murder victim's true identity, brings another dimension to the story. When something potentially incriminating is found in possession of the deceased, his character is the one under the microscope! Is he the benevolent man he seems or something much darker?
As with many of Geraldine Evans's writings, we find ourselves examining our ideas about humanity and predjudice, along with Rafferty who must come to terms with the predjudices he has developed through his upbringing and environment. Rafferty's intellectual, self-educational, spiritual and moral growth through the series is enlightening. He is a clever man of the streets who takes life head on, which is the way he tackles himself!
A thoroughly likable hero and erudite LLewellyn's perfect foil! Each man is to be appreciated for their totally different qualities.
Together the two (or sometimes just Rafferty) try, convict and finally reverse their decision for several suspects during the course of this investigation. Until finally, just near they end they discover, almost psychicly, the actual murderer! Most of you will be surprised, which is one of Geraldine Evans's fortes. I was gifted a copy of the box set containing this title.
July 5, 2017
I Was Wrong About the Murderer!
I love a good d book where I can't figure out the ending. I was cock and thought I knew... the partnership between the two detectives grows with each book.
I give I five stars for a book in the genre of Cozy Mysteries. I'm learning more about the U.K. In a small town in the 90's. This is great as I'm stepping outside of my usual Victorian age mysteries.
The writing is good and engaging. Great summer reading!
I love a good d book where I can't figure out the ending. I was cock and thought I knew... the partnership between the two detectives grows with each book.
I give I five stars for a book in the genre of Cozy Mysteries. I'm learning more about the U.K. In a small town in the 90's. This is great as I'm stepping outside of my usual Victorian age mysteries.
The writing is good and engaging. Great summer reading!
December 27, 2020
An good read and an interesting partnership between the impulsive Rafferty and the intellectual Llewellyn. I didn't guess the murderer as it was cleverly written but as soon as we knew it was easy to start crossing all the ts and dotting the is and seeing where all the clues had led.
August 23, 2016
One annoying thing about this series is that the book titles seems to have nothing to do with the actual story! I would never be able to figure out which book goes with which title without a plot synopsis. At least the two main characters were a bit more developed in this third book and the plot took all kinds of twists that I didn't see coming.
May 15, 2014
Circuitous route to conclusion
too many side facts.unclear direction.too many better cookbooks, this year.facts too jumbled.characters without definition.slow pace.New facts keeping reader off balance.
too many side facts.unclear direction.too many better cookbooks, this year.facts too jumbled.characters without definition.slow pace.New facts keeping reader off balance.
May 23, 2015
Police crime novel in the classic English style, with an array of suspects, each with their foibles.
April 11, 2014
Full of unlikable characters thinking unpleasant things about each other.I couldn't take for very long.
September 23, 2014
It is a very enjoyable old fashion murder mystery. There are a few slow parts in it, but is a very easy read without knowing exactly who the actual killer is until almost the end of the book.
July 12, 2015
Rafferty and Llewellyn investigate the death of Jasper Moon 'seer to the stars’ who is found dead on his consulting-room floor.
September 24, 2016
Kept my interest throughout.
September 28, 2014
I liked some of the twists this book took - though I think it had one or two twists too many..
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews