Fear of Drowning

Hennessey & Yellich #1

by Peter Turnbull

Inspector Hennesey and his partner, Lieutenant Yellich investigate the mysterious disappearance of a middle-aged couple from their condo in an affluent suburb, only to have their bodies turn up several days later, plunging the North Yorkshire detectives into an intricate web of dark secrets and deadly suspects. Reprint.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, British Literature, Mystery Thriller

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published October 4, 1999

About the author

Peter Turnbull is the author of nineteen previous novels and numerous works of short fiction. He worked for many years as a social worker in Glasgow before returning to his native Yorkshire.

Reviews

[Jill H. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a short little book featuring DS Hennesey and his partner Yellich. The double murder of an apparently wealthy couple points the team in directions that uncover financial misrepresentation and to another murder that occurred in the past. There are suspects galore, all with good motives...but as it turns out, the actual murderer's motive is less obvious. You will figure out who that murderer is pretty quickly but the story still holds interest. It also gives us a quick look into the private lives of the detectives.....the much-loved special needs child of Yellich and the love affair of the widower Hennesey with a colleague. A simple but satisfying mystery.

[Alison C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read numerous short stories in the Hennessey and Yellich series in EQMM over the years, I was happy to realize that there are quite a few novels in the series as well. "Fear of Drowning" is the first and I was able to find a used copy online. In it, a middle-aged couple go missing and soon enough turn up dead; Chief Inspector George Hennessey and his Sergeant Yellich investigate and quickly realize that the perceptions that others had of the couple are misleading, to say the least. There are many family skeletons to uncover, and the investigators find that they have a plethora of suspects, each of whom might plausibly be guilty…. Mr. Turnbull’s writing at a greater length matches his strengths as a short story writer - strong characterizations, an excellent sense of place (Yorkshire) and quite riveting plotting. I was also pleased to discover that an unusual relationship appearing in the short stories is already well-established in this first novel. I have a feeling, though, that it’s going to be hard to find all the books in the series; I shall have to go to many more used bookstores to do so, but it will certainly be worth it; recommended!

[Johanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This read like a law and order episode. It is a police procedural that is very plot driven and not very character driven. But I enjoyed it and will try another of his books.

[Nikki Magennis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't get into it. The characters were just too bland.

[Katharine Ott · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Fear of Drowning" - written by Peter Turnbull and published in 2000 by Minotaur Books. A dull police procedural.

[Frederick (Ted) and Barbara K. Hecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

A superb start to a series

I have reviewed many books but never one by Peter Turnbull and, in fact, never a mystery book. Fear of Drowning is an unusually short and superb starter to this series featuring two credible investigators, Hennessey and Yelich, both quite competent, no bumbling Dr. Watson here. I can only rue the absence of available Kindle versions of a number of the subsequent volumes in this series.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first I've read of Turnbull, and it's a good start to the series. That said, I prefer a more literary style. This one's a bit more staccato than I normally read and with a bit less poetic language. It is, however, a good mystery, and I like the characterizations of Hennessey & Yellich.

I did figure out whodunnit by process of elimination, but I really wasn't sure. Nice work.

[Ann Melious · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid detective series with full-fleshed characterizations and quirky but real motivations for crimes. Just like the ethos.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good British police procedural. First in the series. I've got the second one on reserve.

[victoria · Rating 2 out of 5]

i feel like this author hates women

[Bryngel · Rating 2 out of 5]

A quick, easy read, but not especially interesting.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

A library find.
April 2026.
Interesting.
A rainy day read.
Quick read.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fear of Drowning by Peter Turnbull is the first book of the Hennessey & Yellich mystery series set in late-20th-century York. Detective Inspector Hennessey and his sergeant Yellich investigate a 'mis per' (missing persons) case that quickly becomes a multiple murder case.

Max and Amanda Williams are reported missing by their neighbor, who regularly walks past their house with his 'best friend' (dog). The couple was last seen by their adult children: son in the Navy, daughter in London. Circumstances are suspicious enough for investigation, proved well warranted when their bodies are discovered.

A steady pace, competent professionals following the trail of forensic evidence, intriguing 'Vale of York' history, and plot twists make this police procedural enjoyable. I plan to read more of the series.

[Eileen133 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I watch a mystery series on PBS, and I noticed that it was based on a book by Peter Turnbull. I decided to read one. I enjoyed it. It is 2 English detectives who solve mysteries. Here is where you can watch pbs movies on line. Right now it isn't on there.They change all the time......You want the masterpiece theater tab.

http://video.pbs.org/

Mom, I wonder if your comments didn't save because you forgot to clic the save on the bottom of this screen.

[BJ McSt · Rating 3 out of 5]

First in the series. Usual quirky senior paired with younger junior, both seem relatively dark-side free. Mildly predictable plot with several side tracks, interesting ending that I'm not sure is legally correct but they get the murderer. Very choppy writing in serious need of a good editor. Terse dialog is fine, even welcome, but a good portion reads more like a draft than finished product. Will give #2 in series a look and hope for a more polished story.

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old-style police mystery which turned out to be entertaining despite the simplicity of the plot. Character development suggests two very decent police officers, which is a relief after reading a lot of novels where the hero has emotional and/or human relations issues.

[Hapzydeco · Rating 4 out of 5]

A police procedural that centers around an engaging plot.

[Linda Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

First Peter Turnbull mystery I read. He is similar to E. George but shorter. Enjoyed the book.

[Tamara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obvious motive and murderer