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Monika Paniatowski #11
Death in Disguise
DCI Monika Paniatowski investigates the killing of an American guest – and uncovers a link to a 50-year-old murder.
When the body of an American woman is found in the Prince Alfred suite at the Royal Victoria Hotel, DCI Monika Paniatowski is faced with one of the most baffling cases of her career. The woman who called herself Mary Edwards had been a guest at the hotel for the past two weeks, having paid cash in advance. But who was she really – and what was she doing in a small town like Whitebridge? If Monika could discover why the dead woman had come to Lancashire, she would be one step closer to catching her killer.
The investigation takes an intriguing twist when Monika learns of a possible link to a fifty-year-old murder – but the only person who could tell her why it’s relevant is lying in a coma.
When the body of an American woman is found in the Prince Alfred suite at the Royal Victoria Hotel, DCI Monika Paniatowski is faced with one of the most baffling cases of her career. The woman who called herself Mary Edwards had been a guest at the hotel for the past two weeks, having paid cash in advance. But who was she really – and what was she doing in a small town like Whitebridge? If Monika could discover why the dead woman had come to Lancashire, she would be one step closer to catching her killer.
The investigation takes an intriguing twist when Monika learns of a possible link to a fifty-year-old murder – but the only person who could tell her why it’s relevant is lying in a coma.
218 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2016
About the author
Sally Spencer
122 books154 followersA pseudonym used by Alan Rustage.
Sally Spencer is a pen name, first adopted when the author (actually called Alan Rustage) was writing sagas and it was almost obligatory that a woman's name appeared on the cover (other authors like Emma Blair and Mary Jane Staples are also men).
Before becoming a full-time writer, he was a teacher. In 1978-79 he was working in Iran and witnessed the fall of the Shah (see the Blog for what it was like to live through a revolution). He got used to having rifles - and, one occasion, a rocket launcher - pointed at him by both soldiers and revolutionaries, but he was never entirely comfortable with it.
He lived in Madrid for over twenty years, and still considers it the most interesting and exciting city he has ever visited, but for the last few years he has opted for a quieter life in the seaside town of Calpe, on the Costa Blanca.
His first series of books were historical sagas set in Cheshire (where he grew up) and London. They were very popular with his English readers, but his American readers find the dialect something of a strain.
He has written twenty books featuring DCI Woodend (a character based partly on a furniture dealer he used to play dominoes with) and ten (so far!) about Woodend's protegé Monika Paniatowski.
His DI Sam Blackstone books are set in Victorian/Edwardian London, New York and Russia, and the Inspector Paco Ruiz books have as their backdrop the Spanish Civil War.
Alan is a competitive games player who likes bridge and pub quizzes. It is only by enforcing iron discipline that he doesn't play video games all the time.
He now lives on Spain's Costa Blanca.
Sally Spencer is a pen name, first adopted when the author (actually called Alan Rustage) was writing sagas and it was almost obligatory that a woman's name appeared on the cover (other authors like Emma Blair and Mary Jane Staples are also men).
Before becoming a full-time writer, he was a teacher. In 1978-79 he was working in Iran and witnessed the fall of the Shah (see the Blog for what it was like to live through a revolution). He got used to having rifles - and, one occasion, a rocket launcher - pointed at him by both soldiers and revolutionaries, but he was never entirely comfortable with it.
He lived in Madrid for over twenty years, and still considers it the most interesting and exciting city he has ever visited, but for the last few years he has opted for a quieter life in the seaside town of Calpe, on the Costa Blanca.
His first series of books were historical sagas set in Cheshire (where he grew up) and London. They were very popular with his English readers, but his American readers find the dialect something of a strain.
He has written twenty books featuring DCI Woodend (a character based partly on a furniture dealer he used to play dominoes with) and ten (so far!) about Woodend's protegé Monika Paniatowski.
His DI Sam Blackstone books are set in Victorian/Edwardian London, New York and Russia, and the Inspector Paco Ruiz books have as their backdrop the Spanish Civil War.
Alan is a competitive games player who likes bridge and pub quizzes. It is only by enforcing iron discipline that he doesn't play video games all the time.
He now lives on Spain's Costa Blanca.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 3, 2021
Good, but…
Except for the trope used, I liked it. There’s not a whole lot of th 70s in it. If I didn’t know better where it was set, I would have said the 1990s. Another commenter on this series has stated there’s no way a town back then in the 70s would have a chief surgeon, CSI and her sergeant be women. The sexism would have been overwhelming, and while these books touch on the sexism, it’s nowhere near as bad as it really was.
Except for the trope used, I liked it. There’s not a whole lot of th 70s in it. If I didn’t know better where it was set, I would have said the 1990s. Another commenter on this series has stated there’s no way a town back then in the 70s would have a chief surgeon, CSI and her sergeant be women. The sexism would have been overwhelming, and while these books touch on the sexism, it’s nowhere near as bad as it really was.
May 14, 2016
An American woman is found dead in one of the most expensive suites in the Royal Victoria Hotel in Whitebridge. She said her name was Mary Edwards but DCI Monika Paniatowski wonders why an apparently wealthy individual should choose a small town like Whitebridge for an extended stay. Gradually it becomes clear that there could be a link with a murder which happened fifty years previously but the only person who can tell why a murder today is linked to a murder fifty years ago is lying in a coma and not expected to recover.
This is a well written crime novel set in the 1970s. I thought the plot was very well done and even though there links to a long ago crime the story wasn't told in two strands but through the dead woman's journal as she uncovered the true story of the murder. I liked the way the strands were woven together and I like the police characters and the way they get on together.
I haven't read all of the books in this series yet but those I have read have been very good. I can confirm that the series can be read in any order as there is enough background information in each to follow the development of the main characters. I recommend this series if you like crime novels set in the relatively recent past. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
This is a well written crime novel set in the 1970s. I thought the plot was very well done and even though there links to a long ago crime the story wasn't told in two strands but through the dead woman's journal as she uncovered the true story of the murder. I liked the way the strands were woven together and I like the police characters and the way they get on together.
I haven't read all of the books in this series yet but those I have read have been very good. I can confirm that the series can be read in any order as there is enough background information in each to follow the development of the main characters. I recommend this series if you like crime novels set in the relatively recent past. I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for review.
November 18, 2017
Monika and team are involved in the murder of an American woman who had many aliases and disguises. They team up with the New York Police Department where the woman was originally from to solve the case. The woman was investigating a murder that had taken place in 1924. Many twists and turns to solve the murder. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
June 27, 2022
I enjoyed the last 3 books in this series and will continue to read the next ones. The main characters continue to develop individually and as a team, the plots are full of twists and turns and the dialogue is entertaining.
September 29, 2020
Classic entry in a great short format police procedural series. Familiarity with earlier books enhances the reading experience...
March 7, 2022
Death in Disguise! Brillant
Twist and turns, keeps you captured A vert difficult book to put down once you start.
Highly recommend, if you like a good easy reading mystery book.
Twist and turns, keeps you captured A vert difficult book to put down once you start.
Highly recommend, if you like a good easy reading mystery book.
January 9, 2024
I love Monica, always a good story
October 9, 2025
Good strong women in a ‘man’s field’.
Got a bit confused periodically as to who were the good and the bad guys.
Interesting twists and conclusion.
Got a bit confused periodically as to who were the good and the bad guys.
Interesting twists and conclusion.
October 18, 2025
Perfectly readable.
November 10, 2016
Good characters and plot
June 18, 2016
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley and Severn House Publishing.
The more novels I read in the DCI Monika Paniatowski series the more I am inclined to automatically read the next book as it is released. This one used the device of having one chapter of action followed by one excerpt from the journal of a person whose identity wasn't known until later in the novel. Approaching the solution of the murder from that aspect kept me reading long after my tired eyes told me it was time to go to bed. I like all the regular characters in this police procedural set in Whitebridge in 1978, especially the members of Paniatowski's "team" of investigators and the ways they interact with each other both professionally and personally. I really like the way they share the information they discover with the entire team so, as the reader, I feel I have a fair chance to solve the mystery right along with them.
In this story an American woman is found dead in the second most expensive suite in the Royal Victoria Hotel in Whitebridge. Even though she has been staying at the hotel for almost two weeks it transpires that the police can't get a handle on anybody who knows anything much about the woman. As soon as the investigation begins the police know they have a mystery of identity on their hands. It seems paying cash in advance was enough to keep the desk clerk from following procedures regarding the showing of a guest's passport. Now the police team have to use good, old fashioned investigation to find out what the woman was doing in Whitebridge and who she came in contact with since she arrived. From there the evidence will hopefully lead them to the solution. This mystery can't be confined to Whitebridge only, though, and Monika's connection with a police officer in New York City will be of great help.
I really liked the plotting and the writing in this novel. The characters are all about as close to real people as I ever see in novels. They aren't all perfect and they aren't all bad, but a combination of the two. Who says a police officer can't resort (illegally, of course) to a little breaking-and-entering in order to find clues to help the investigation along? I've enjoyed this series so much that I've decided to try the first novel in The Blackstone Detective series to see what that's all about. Luckily for me there are many Sally Spencer novels available for my reading enjoyment.
The more novels I read in the DCI Monika Paniatowski series the more I am inclined to automatically read the next book as it is released. This one used the device of having one chapter of action followed by one excerpt from the journal of a person whose identity wasn't known until later in the novel. Approaching the solution of the murder from that aspect kept me reading long after my tired eyes told me it was time to go to bed. I like all the regular characters in this police procedural set in Whitebridge in 1978, especially the members of Paniatowski's "team" of investigators and the ways they interact with each other both professionally and personally. I really like the way they share the information they discover with the entire team so, as the reader, I feel I have a fair chance to solve the mystery right along with them.
In this story an American woman is found dead in the second most expensive suite in the Royal Victoria Hotel in Whitebridge. Even though she has been staying at the hotel for almost two weeks it transpires that the police can't get a handle on anybody who knows anything much about the woman. As soon as the investigation begins the police know they have a mystery of identity on their hands. It seems paying cash in advance was enough to keep the desk clerk from following procedures regarding the showing of a guest's passport. Now the police team have to use good, old fashioned investigation to find out what the woman was doing in Whitebridge and who she came in contact with since she arrived. From there the evidence will hopefully lead them to the solution. This mystery can't be confined to Whitebridge only, though, and Monika's connection with a police officer in New York City will be of great help.
I really liked the plotting and the writing in this novel. The characters are all about as close to real people as I ever see in novels. They aren't all perfect and they aren't all bad, but a combination of the two. Who says a police officer can't resort (illegally, of course) to a little breaking-and-entering in order to find clues to help the investigation along? I've enjoyed this series so much that I've decided to try the first novel in The Blackstone Detective series to see what that's all about. Luckily for me there are many Sally Spencer novels available for my reading enjoyment.
June 22, 2016
Why would a glamorous New Yorker come to Whitebridge, purposefully dressing dowdily, wearing a wig and makeup to appear less attractive? Why was she using an assumed name? Who is she and why would someone want to murder her? The case is made even more sensitive, and unusual in that the murder occurred at the Royal Victoria Hotel, where many of Whitebridge's more prominent residents come to make arrangements, both business and personal. Evidence suggests that the victim was interested in a 50 year old murder case, but what bearing may it have on her murder?
I liked Death in Disguise a great deal. The murder was exceptionally well-plotted, and the killer came as a complete surprise. Alternating the victim's diary entries with the progressing investigation made for an enthralling narrative.
Where I had a little more trouble was with the setting. Somehow it came across as more modern than I would expect, particularly since it was not set in a larger city. I was a little surprised by the sheer number of female characters, finding it unlikely that a town that the coroner would be a woman, as well as the lead DCI Paniatowski and DS Meadows. From what I understand, it doesn't quite fit 1970s Britain, despite attitudes being in the process of changing. Apart from a reference to Jane Fonda and Woody Allen, there wasn't much that put Death in Disguise in a 1970s timeframe. If you ignore the fact that Death in Disguise is set in the 70s, what you are left with is a well plotted mystery with two very interesting female leads who are strong, capable, and unwilling to sacrifice ideals. That is enough to keep readers coming back for more.
4/5
I received a copy of Death in Disguise from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
I liked Death in Disguise a great deal. The murder was exceptionally well-plotted, and the killer came as a complete surprise. Alternating the victim's diary entries with the progressing investigation made for an enthralling narrative.
Where I had a little more trouble was with the setting. Somehow it came across as more modern than I would expect, particularly since it was not set in a larger city. I was a little surprised by the sheer number of female characters, finding it unlikely that a town that the coroner would be a woman, as well as the lead DCI Paniatowski and DS Meadows. From what I understand, it doesn't quite fit 1970s Britain, despite attitudes being in the process of changing. Apart from a reference to Jane Fonda and Woody Allen, there wasn't much that put Death in Disguise in a 1970s timeframe. If you ignore the fact that Death in Disguise is set in the 70s, what you are left with is a well plotted mystery with two very interesting female leads who are strong, capable, and unwilling to sacrifice ideals. That is enough to keep readers coming back for more.
4/5
I received a copy of Death in Disguise from the publisher and netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
--Crittermom
Read
May 14, 2016 I received my copy of this book via Netgalley.Death in Disguise appears to be a simple Who Done it, similar to many other detective stories. However the mystery continues as the detectives also have to discover the identity of the murder victim.
An American woman is found dead in an upper class penthouse room in the town's premier hotel.
Despite the room indicating she is well off, she appears to be hiding her true identity.
There are no documents to help in the search for clues.
The police must find out why she has decided to stay in this particular town and then why she would be killed.
In a series of investigations they find out more about the victim and she becomes linked to a fifty year old murder.
The question then is who killed the woman while also solving the historical murder in the town.
The strands of the tale are easily brought together to a satisfying conclusion.
Although part of a series of books it can stand alone as a satisfying read.
An American woman is found dead in an upper class penthouse room in the town's premier hotel.
Despite the room indicating she is well off, she appears to be hiding her true identity.
There are no documents to help in the search for clues.
The police must find out why she has decided to stay in this particular town and then why she would be killed.
In a series of investigations they find out more about the victim and she becomes linked to a fifty year old murder.
The question then is who killed the woman while also solving the historical murder in the town.
The strands of the tale are easily brought together to a satisfying conclusion.
Although part of a series of books it can stand alone as a satisfying read.
August 5, 2016
Death in Disguise is the first book I've read by Sally Spencer and I loved it!
Set in the 1970s it starts with the murder of an American woman at the Royal Victoria Hotel in Whitebridge, but all is not as it seems. It's down to DCI Monika Paniatowski and her team to uncover the murder and find out why she came to Whitebridge.
I was hooked on this book from page one and after starting it Friday evening, it was finished by mid-afternoon on Saturday.
I really liked the plot line and how everything was structured and it was of great to have such a strong female lead character especially considering the era it was set in. I also really enjoyed the character of Meadows with her funny quips and sarcasm. The book was fast paced and I kept wanting to read on to the next chapter.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the chance to review.
Set in the 1970s it starts with the murder of an American woman at the Royal Victoria Hotel in Whitebridge, but all is not as it seems. It's down to DCI Monika Paniatowski and her team to uncover the murder and find out why she came to Whitebridge.
I was hooked on this book from page one and after starting it Friday evening, it was finished by mid-afternoon on Saturday.
I really liked the plot line and how everything was structured and it was of great to have such a strong female lead character especially considering the era it was set in. I also really enjoyed the character of Meadows with her funny quips and sarcasm. The book was fast paced and I kept wanting to read on to the next chapter.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the chance to review.
April 20, 2016
This book was surprising. I did not think I would like it, simply for the fact that I was reading the latest in a serial and I had not read any of the previous books. However, I quickly caught up and got engaged. I liked the characters and they way they interact with one another to solve the mystery. The ending was a surprise!! I never saw that coming. I am now going back to read previous novels featuring these characters.
September 16, 2016
My first time read of Sally Spencer. At first I wondered if I could continue with the story, but I did and my interest picked up a bit. I really could care less about the characters. They just didn't come alive for me, but the plot and storyline is good. I just felt the characters were flat. The figuring out who done it was fine. It's an okay read when lounging around on holiday. Not sure if I'll read this author again. Maybe.
January 9, 2017
I enjoyed this little mystery about a popular American author who comes to England to look into an old crime. There were lots of twists and turns, and the story was complicated. Although it kept my attention and interest, I found it less compelling than Thicker than Water which was so tightly written. Perhaps the characters were not as completely drawn as in the earlier book. But, it still was a good read.
February 2, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by Sally Spencer, and I must say that I love this series! Having recently read a long drawn out 500+ mystery, I really enjoyed how Sally Spencer included the perfect amount of detail without being long-winded. Her characters were flawed and quirky, her crime was complex, and residents of the small village in England were interesting. I really enjoyed Death in Disguise, and can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series.
April 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this book .I liked that it was set in the 70's and involved a murder back in the 20's as well as that time frame. The 2 story's become entwined in a most enjoyable way .I also really interacted with the characters .The ending was very surprising I never saw that coming ..
June 26, 2016
This is the latest in a series but can be read as a stand alone. Another well written book by Sally Spencer. Great characters and a surprise ending. I would recommend this series to lovers of crime mysteries. Thanks to Net Galley for my copy.
September 29, 2016
I loved it but the ending was a bit confusing !
October 12, 2016
The truth will out
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews