The Devil In Disguise

Harry Devlin #6

by Martin Edwards

Harry Devlin is hired by the Kavanaugh Trust to contest the will of their late patron. Charles Kavanaugh has left everything to his new housekeeper, Vera Blackhurst. Then the current Chairman of the Trust is found dead, fallen from a third-floor hotel window. Did he jump or was he pushed?

Genres: Mystery

309 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Martin Edwards has been described by Richard Osman as ‘a true master of British crime writing.’ He has published twenty-three novels, which include the eight Lake District Mysteries, one of which was shortlisted for the Theakston’s Prize for best crime novel of the year and four books featuring Rachel Savernake, including the Dagger-nominated Gallows Court and Blackstone Fell, while Gallows Court and Sepulchre Street were shortlisted for the eDunnit award for best crime novel of the year. He is also the author of two multi-award-winning histories of crime fiction, The Life of Crime and The Golden Age of Murder. He has received three Daggers from the Crime Writers’ Association and two Edgars from the Mystery Writers of America and has also been nominated three times for Gold Daggers. In addition to the CWA Diamond Dagger (the highest honour in UK crime writing) he has received four other lifetime achievement awards: for his fiction, short fiction, non-fiction, and scholarship. He is consultant to the British Library’s Crime Classics, a former Chair of the CWA, and since 2015 has been President of the Detection Club.

Reviews

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting mystery. Harry Devlin is quite different to what I’d imagined. We ended up with not one but three bodies. A satisfying read

[Martina Sartor · Rating 3 out of 5]

I primi tre quarti del libro hanno una trama piuttosto statica, che si ravviva solo nella parte finale. Però la soluzione mi è sembrata troppo “a sorpresa”, poiché viene collegata a personaggi comparsi pochissimo fino a prima.
Carine comunque le citazioni dei grandi autori di gialli del passato, che testimoniano la grande passione di Martin Edwards per il genere. Egli infatti ha scritto anche saggi in tema ed è l’attuale presidente del
Detection Club.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were plenty off twists and turns in this story and did not figure out who killed whom.

[Avid Series Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Devil in Disguise by Martin Edwards is the 6th book of the Harry Devlin mystery series set in late-20th-century Liverpool, England. The plot develops very slowly, plenty of characters with their own agendas, many actual (and wanna-be) relationships. Harry doubts Luke committed suicide, and wants to dig for the truth. Early on, Harry solves one mystery by a straightforward investigation. As he learns more secrets, he (and the reader) are fooled by red herrings and plot twists. The surprise ending could make you wonder if you were paying attention while reading the story.

A cold snap that carried off a few elderly clients was always good for a solicitor's cashflow.

They shared an unswerving loyalty to the underdog as well as a passion for justice that even bitter experience of the real legal world could not dim.

After a few gin and tonics, things never seemed so bad.

The smell of old books was everywhere and Harry knew few sweeter perfumes.

A place so rough that the first prize in the local pub quiz was an alibi for two for a fortnight.

[John Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

When your near the end of the Harry Devlin book series,you take each book longer to finish but not this one,it was a great story with a few other stories within.
It’s all there Harry Devlin in trouble without knowing why but always comes out smelling of roses, there is a lot going on from the main story line to the cast of a play,before it gets going which made me read this book after only 2 days 3 sitting,yes I really couldn’t put the book down or wait to read the next chapter.
As with many of Martin Edwards books they are easy to follow the story without being overwhelmed with to many people to remember or too long a story line.
I hope you enjoy this book as I did.
Enjoy

[SARA GASKILL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good thriller from Martin Edwards featuring Harry Devlin.

[Gary Van Cott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book although the ending is abrupt. I prefer books where the narrative wraps up the conclusion a bit more.