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The Blake Harte Mysteries #2
Confessional
Book 2 in the Blake Harte Mysteries!
St Abra’s church is harbouring a dark secret. Several elderly parishioners have been found dead in the church’s confessions booth, all appearing to have suffered fatal heart attacks.
But when another, much younger body is discovered in exactly the same way, Detective Sergeant Blake Harte must investigate how it is possible for the confessions booth to be killing off its occupants. Dark forces are at play, forcing Blake to believe it’s more than just tragic coincidence.
Book 2 in The Blake Harte Mysteries series! A head scratching collection of impossible crimes featuring Detective Sergeant Blake Harte, set in the small picturesque village of Harmschapel. Police procedural with dark themes and romantic undertones.
Are the deaths a punishment for the sins confessed, or are there ulterior motives in play? In a race against the clock, only Blake can discover the long-kept secrets and lies hiding in the shadows before they tear apart the sleepy village of Harmschapel.
St Abra’s church is harbouring a dark secret. Several elderly parishioners have been found dead in the church’s confessions booth, all appearing to have suffered fatal heart attacks.
But when another, much younger body is discovered in exactly the same way, Detective Sergeant Blake Harte must investigate how it is possible for the confessions booth to be killing off its occupants. Dark forces are at play, forcing Blake to believe it’s more than just tragic coincidence.
Book 2 in The Blake Harte Mysteries series! A head scratching collection of impossible crimes featuring Detective Sergeant Blake Harte, set in the small picturesque village of Harmschapel. Police procedural with dark themes and romantic undertones.
Are the deaths a punishment for the sins confessed, or are there ulterior motives in play? In a race against the clock, only Blake can discover the long-kept secrets and lies hiding in the shadows before they tear apart the sleepy village of Harmschapel.
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2017
69 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
August 25, 2018
2.5 stars
As I said on my DNF review of the first book in this series, Untouchable, there are good bones here. I feel like this author has a lot of potential but just isn't getting any kind of guidance at all. He clearly doesn't have an editor. Some of the grammatical issues from the first book are improved on - mostly - but many others remain. Many of the character interactions are more or less well done, though the author could use a better grasp on basic human psychology to avoid cliche pitfalls. There wasn't much to the mystery. It's formulaic and predictable. I had the whodunit pegged from the second they showed up on page, and I even had the murder method more or less figured out from the get-go. The ending was filled with all the bad cliches; I was cringing, y'all. I couldn't get up the energy to even be remotely concerned about the welfare of the characters. It was obvious what was going to happen and it was just boring.
So yeah, there are good bones here, and if this author can find himself an editor or two who really know what they're doing, I can see him writing some great stories. But as of now, with one DNF and one 2.5 star read, I won't be bothering with any more from this writer.
As I said on my DNF review of the first book in this series, Untouchable, there are good bones here. I feel like this author has a lot of potential but just isn't getting any kind of guidance at all. He clearly doesn't have an editor. Some of the grammatical issues from the first book are improved on - mostly - but many others remain. Many of the character interactions are more or less well done, though the author could use a better grasp on basic human psychology to avoid cliche pitfalls. There wasn't much to the mystery. It's formulaic and predictable. I had the whodunit pegged from the second they showed up on page, and I even had the murder method more or less figured out from the get-go. The ending was filled with all the bad cliches; I was cringing, y'all. I couldn't get up the energy to even be remotely concerned about the welfare of the characters. It was obvious what was going to happen and it was just boring.
So yeah, there are good bones here, and if this author can find himself an editor or two who really know what they're doing, I can see him writing some great stories. But as of now, with one DNF and one 2.5 star read, I won't be bothering with any more from this writer.
March 8, 2017
Ha! Was waiting for this!!!
So, overall it was a great second book in the series. Read it more or less in one sitting. Then why only 4 stars? Well, it was a 5 star read, but there were some words missing and I found the expression with 'sat' quite peculiar.
'sigh'
That about sums it up and now I'm waiting for the next book.
So, overall it was a great second book in the series. Read it more or less in one sitting. Then why only 4 stars? Well, it was a 5 star read, but there were some words missing and I found the expression with 'sat' quite peculiar.
'sigh'
That about sums it up and now I'm waiting for the next book.
February 8, 2017
Blake is back and he's better than ever! This book pulled me in from the beginning because I'm a sucker for a good mystery set in a church. There's nothing creepier in my mind. Robert has really ramped things up from the first book, and I don't want to spoil anything, but the finale is absolutely sublime. Would HIGHLY recommend!
November 11, 2020
I enjoy this series and the characters but I was not a fan of this book. I think the similarities to the last book and the fact that you could guess the killer from the beginning were disappointing. Hopefully, the next one will be better.
August 12, 2017
Confessional (Blake Harte mystery #2)
Ripples (Blake Harte mystery #3)
By Robert Innes
So in the next two instalments of this cute series, set in the fictional British country town of Harmschapel, we see the further adventures of lovelorn exile detective Blake Harte.
Blake is a compelling character—smart and empathetic—and has adapted happily to life in this little town where everybody not only knows your name but your business as well. The colorful characters that surround him, from his beehive-wearing landlady, Jacqueline, to his constabulary teammates, Matti, Patil, and Michael, to his maybe-almost-someday love interest Harrison Baxter, are all charming and curious and appealing.
The books feel like episodes in a TV series. The mystery plots aren’t very profound, and anyone who’s read Agatha Christie will figure things out. But I suspect the point is more to figure out what all the various players in these little dramas will do. “Confessional” focuses on a series of mysterious deaths associated with the local church (more on that anon), while “Ripples” has Blake and Harrison heading off on a “friends only” vacation week at a lake country resort—only to run into Blake’s cheating ex and his new homewrecker wife.
Awkward.
Awkward, too, is some of the grammatical peculiarities that Innes clings to, and also his apparent lack of familiarity with either basic Catholic or Anglican church practice. A Catholic priest with children and grandchildren? An ordained woman in the Catholic church? Didn’t the author ever see “The Vicar of Dibley” on BBC? Anglicans not only can have children, but they can have confessionals. This seemed a very obvious error that a careful editor would have caught.
But, if you’re not a purist, the people are everything Miss Marple would have appreciated, because they invite analysis. And, how can one resist a handsome copper who’s so insecure about his love life?
Ripples (Blake Harte mystery #3)
By Robert Innes
So in the next two instalments of this cute series, set in the fictional British country town of Harmschapel, we see the further adventures of lovelorn exile detective Blake Harte.
Blake is a compelling character—smart and empathetic—and has adapted happily to life in this little town where everybody not only knows your name but your business as well. The colorful characters that surround him, from his beehive-wearing landlady, Jacqueline, to his constabulary teammates, Matti, Patil, and Michael, to his maybe-almost-someday love interest Harrison Baxter, are all charming and curious and appealing.
The books feel like episodes in a TV series. The mystery plots aren’t very profound, and anyone who’s read Agatha Christie will figure things out. But I suspect the point is more to figure out what all the various players in these little dramas will do. “Confessional” focuses on a series of mysterious deaths associated with the local church (more on that anon), while “Ripples” has Blake and Harrison heading off on a “friends only” vacation week at a lake country resort—only to run into Blake’s cheating ex and his new homewrecker wife.
Awkward.
Awkward, too, is some of the grammatical peculiarities that Innes clings to, and also his apparent lack of familiarity with either basic Catholic or Anglican church practice. A Catholic priest with children and grandchildren? An ordained woman in the Catholic church? Didn’t the author ever see “The Vicar of Dibley” on BBC? Anglicans not only can have children, but they can have confessionals. This seemed a very obvious error that a careful editor would have caught.
But, if you’re not a purist, the people are everything Miss Marple would have appreciated, because they invite analysis. And, how can one resist a handsome copper who’s so insecure about his love life?
January 26, 2019
Great narration, but the mystery was rathere transparent and the police work shoddy. Still, a fun-ish series if not taken too seriously as a "real mystery."
The two MC's still haven't gotten together. One MC does hook up with another notable character. No on-page sex :(
The two MC's still haven't gotten together. One MC does hook up with another notable character. No on-page sex :(
July 7, 2020
Another enjoyable cosy featuring DS Blake Harte, who relocated from Manchester to a small countryside town around a year earlier. In this story, he's presented with three mysterious deaths that happened in the local church, ostensibly from heart attacks. They were all elderly parishioners, and the deaths appear to have been from natural causes, so maybe it's just a very strange and unfortunate coincidence. Until a fourth member of the community dies unexpectedly at the ripe old age of seventeen.
I like the characters and the way they're shaping up, but I'd have given a higher grade had the author not got some things about the story spectacularly wrong.
It's a bit predictable and some of the revelations are distinctly soapy, but the main problem I had was - how did a Catholic priest have a grandson when members of the catholic clergy are supposed to be celibate? I suppose he could have been a widower with children who took holy orders later in life, but if that was the case it was never explained. He's also wrongly referred to as a vicar and Reverend - and as far as I know, the Catholic Church still does not ordain women. These are glaring errors that are not difficult to correct - the book is self-published and has been out for a few years.
I like the characters and the way they're shaping up, but I'd have given a higher grade had the author not got some things about the story spectacularly wrong.
It's a bit predictable and some of the revelations are distinctly soapy, but the main problem I had was - how did a Catholic priest have a grandson when members of the catholic clergy are supposed to be celibate? I suppose he could have been a widower with children who took holy orders later in life, but if that was the case it was never explained. He's also wrongly referred to as a vicar and Reverend - and as far as I know, the Catholic Church still does not ordain women. These are glaring errors that are not difficult to correct - the book is self-published and has been out for a few years.
May 5, 2018
I liked this book a bit more than Untouchable. Since the village had been introduced in book 1, there isn't nearly as much exposition here, which makes for tighter pacing. I also had some ideas about the who and how if the mystery -- it wasn't overt, but it made more sense than the first one. Nice development of the recurring characters. My biggest problem was probably with the use of the term "Catholic" instead of "Anglican" -- as far as I know, there are no women Roman Catholic priests or ones who (openly) have children and/or grandchildren, but both are allowed in the Anglican Church, if not common. Anyway, I'm interested in what happens to Blake Harte -- Ripples is definitely going onto my TBR now!
August 31, 2018
4.5 stars
February 19, 2017
This is the second book in The Blake Harte Mysteries series.
The quiet town of Harmschapel is once again rocked by tragedy. Three elderly parishioners from St. Abra's church have died by what appears to be fatal heart attacks. They were found dead in the church's confessions booth. When the incidents were brought to the attention of Detective Sergeant Blake Harte as being suspicious, his first impression was that it may have been age related, although three deaths with the same cause does appear to be a little suspicious.
What raises Detective Sergeant Harte's suspicions and convinces him that these deaths are murder is when a young man is found dead in the same place with the same cause of death. How does a young man die of a heart attack?
Detective Sergeant Harte immediately gets to work as to the possible ways someone can be murdered by way of a heart attack without leaving any marks or traces of foul play. He tirelessly works to find answers for the family of the young man killed. Detective Sergeant knows there is sinister work at play here but just can't seem to figure out how these murders are being committed. He is running against the clock before more victims are found dead.
I really enjoyed the second book in this series. It was very engaging and I was right there with the Detective Sergeant trying to figure out who the killer was, and how on earth they were able to do it. I was so involved in the story and couldn't put it down until I figured it out. Excellent story. I can't wait to see what happens next.
The quiet town of Harmschapel is once again rocked by tragedy. Three elderly parishioners from St. Abra's church have died by what appears to be fatal heart attacks. They were found dead in the church's confessions booth. When the incidents were brought to the attention of Detective Sergeant Blake Harte as being suspicious, his first impression was that it may have been age related, although three deaths with the same cause does appear to be a little suspicious.
What raises Detective Sergeant Harte's suspicions and convinces him that these deaths are murder is when a young man is found dead in the same place with the same cause of death. How does a young man die of a heart attack?
Detective Sergeant Harte immediately gets to work as to the possible ways someone can be murdered by way of a heart attack without leaving any marks or traces of foul play. He tirelessly works to find answers for the family of the young man killed. Detective Sergeant knows there is sinister work at play here but just can't seem to figure out how these murders are being committed. He is running against the clock before more victims are found dead.
I really enjoyed the second book in this series. It was very engaging and I was right there with the Detective Sergeant trying to figure out who the killer was, and how on earth they were able to do it. I was so involved in the story and couldn't put it down until I figured it out. Excellent story. I can't wait to see what happens next.
February 15, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
Another brilliant mystery from this author. The plot line was really well written. But I must say I was slightly disappointed that I worked out who did it before it was revealed. But saying that it didn't detract from the rest of the book. The characters are developed well and there are stories within the stories developing with Matti and patil.
My one disappointment is Harrison and Blake I was so looking forward to more interaction between them in this book but alas I was to be let down but there was a nugget left at the end of the book.
This was a really well written follow up book and I can't wait to see where the rest of the journey with these characters go.
Another brilliant mystery from this author. The plot line was really well written. But I must say I was slightly disappointed that I worked out who did it before it was revealed. But saying that it didn't detract from the rest of the book. The characters are developed well and there are stories within the stories developing with Matti and patil.
My one disappointment is Harrison and Blake I was so looking forward to more interaction between them in this book but alas I was to be let down but there was a nugget left at the end of the book.
This was a really well written follow up book and I can't wait to see where the rest of the journey with these characters go.
February 13, 2017
An excellent follow up to Untouchable, the author has crafted a story in 'Confessional' that I found compelling, and with the usual wit and excellent characterizations, I was hooked from start to end. These characters are real, and relatable, and their relationships so thoughtfully developed, whilst not distracting from the main plot... it's just very skillfully written and I applaud Robert for that. The climax to the story in particular was something very special indeed, and it was my favourite part of both books he's written so far. Dramatic and intense, I felt like I was right there, it was an unexpectedly thrilling and heart-pounding end to the story and I was captivated by it!
Hopefully this series continues as I look forward to seeing where these characters go next and what further mysteries Harmschapel has in store for us.
Hopefully this series continues as I look forward to seeing where these characters go next and what further mysteries Harmschapel has in store for us.
November 19, 2017
Better than the first novel in this series, but still in need of character development, more detailed police work, and a plot that isn't obvious from nearly the beginning of the book. The mystery involves the sudden heart attack deaths of four people... all found in the confessional of the local church. Although one person suggests that God struck them down, most sensible people feel that it's too coincidental that all four died the same way and in the same place for it to be natural. DS Blake Harte and his crew are on the case, in between figuring out romantic involvements which for Blake involves young Harrison Baxter who featured in the first book of the series (Untouchable).
The characters are still fairly vague. It's almost as if the author can't decide whether he's writing a mystery or a romance and while the romance is intriguing, I would have enjoyed more of the police procedural elements that really make a mystery worth reading. By chapter 2, I'd figured out who the murderer was, although it took me a little longer to figure out why. Some of the passages could use an editor's eye as they made for confusing reading. I'm probably going to read the other three novels in the series just to see if any progress is made. I think Innes shows some promise as an author and hope he'll improve as time goes on.
The characters are still fairly vague. It's almost as if the author can't decide whether he's writing a mystery or a romance and while the romance is intriguing, I would have enjoyed more of the police procedural elements that really make a mystery worth reading. By chapter 2, I'd figured out who the murderer was, although it took me a little longer to figure out why. Some of the passages could use an editor's eye as they made for confusing reading. I'm probably going to read the other three novels in the series just to see if any progress is made. I think Innes shows some promise as an author and hope he'll improve as time goes on.
March 1, 2017
This was short and felt a bit rushed but a decent mystery and I like the characters- would read further in the series. But I was really confused that the church in the story was a Catholic Church, and the Catholic priests were a (biological) grandfather and a lesbian in a non-celibate relationship. Like... did you mean Episcopalian, maybe? But it just said Catholic. Every time. The whole book. Am I in an alternate reality?
June 24, 2021
This is the second book in the Blake Harte Mystery series and I think it keeps getting better and better. While the series is not too deep, it's quite entertaining. Great plot and characters. I'm very much looking forward to reading the next one!
January 23, 2021
Series Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/01/17/...
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
Rating: 4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits
July 22, 2017
Confessional
Murder and love? Two mysteries of life.
Blake and Harrison's one night together (as seen at the end of Untouchable) seems to have come to nothing, though booth look longingly at the other from a distance. Blake's life as a police detective seems fairly quiet. But then people start turning up dead to the local church confessional box. They are all old people, and surely this must be just a terrible coincidence? Isn't it? Although doubtful, Blake agrees to investigate.
While certainly being a hard boiled police yarn, this book definitely has more romance in it than the first in the series. Will Blake and Harrison get together? Will Patil and Matti? And what about Gardiner? Will he remain his grouchy, single self? Along with this, there is once again comic relief from Jacqueline, Blake's amorous landlady. But of course the central part of the novel is the murder mystery. Is there really a serial killer on the loose? Innes spins his story with confident skill, enticing his reader on with the occasional 'wow' chapter ending, all the time keeping us wondering about what is really going on. The book is short and there are definitely no dull spots. Things move quickly as the mystery spins out, getting more and more complex. I definitely did not guess what was going on.
Blake is an intelligent, but perhaps too controlled, man. No longer young, he doubts himself, setting up barriers to his own happiness. The reader has sympathy for him, but also respects him. He is caring, and in need of someone to care for. Even as a police officer he carries out his job with tact. Harrison is a young man who is kind, but is perhaps not the best in making life decisions. He is attracted to Blake, but passes up opportunities. He has certainly had much stress in his life, as seen in Untouchable, and the reader hopes that he will finally find happiness.
We all have secrets, and of course a murder mystery is about exactly that. The truth can be not at all what we expect. It is easy to imagine that you have life worked out, but often there is the complication, the detail, that is not seen. As a subtheme, love can also be a mystery. We imagine we understand our emotions and relationships, but once again it is the complications and details that trick us. But mysteries do have a way of working themselves out in the end.
I was glad to dip into the world of Blake Harte again, and I am happy to award this book 5 stars.
July 8, 2021
This is fast becoming a favorite series for me. It appeals to the murder mystery side of me as well as “The Ghost Story Junkie” that dwells inside and often demand attention. The main characters from the first book...Blake and Harrison are improving. It was a mild suggestion in the last book that Harrison would be Blakes’ love interest...but becomes quite obvious in this one. I hope that Mr. Innes gives Harrison a bit more personality in the future writings. The plot was intriguing and well done. The question for the reader to solve became not WHO the murder was, but WHY. I will find book #3. They are difficult if not impossible, for some city libraries to order...mine included... as they seem to be published to/for Amazon only and many city libraries can only order from certain sites assigned to them.
October 30, 2018
No one is suspicious when two old people die in the confessinal booth at St Abra’s church from seemingly heart attacks, but when a third dies it's time for Harte and his team to investigate. Then a fourth person dies.
An interesting mystery
An interesting mystery
November 15, 2018
3.5 stars
April 29, 2020
Full review at classicmystery.blog
November 22, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
I was already hooked by the first book, Untouchable, and this one is no exception. Robert Innes has a way to write story totally fascinating and captivating. The tone is calm, still there is subtle humor when the reader the the parts with Blake.
I can hardly say hows great this book was and I didn’t know I missed Blake this much, but when I started the book I was right there again. :3 And, gosh, how much I really missed. Blake. The crumpy, but somehow smart and charming Detective Sergeant was more revealed in the second book and it was a great entertainment to have him around. I am really fond of this character.
You can read this book totally as a standalone but there are aspects in it, so it’s good to know the first book and what’s happening there, but it’s not necessary for the understanding because you get everything important explained.
I really loved the continuation of the subplot between Blake and Harrison… Give me more is all I can say and… sometimes I wanted to shake on of the guys… Often I exhaled “Oh Harrison” and my heart was with Blake. I really hope the third books shows this… couple again. :3
I won’t tell too much about the crime case because it would take the thrill and the suspense. :) I can only say the crime case itself is very well displayed, you have your suspects and you investigate along with Blake and the charming minor character but the outcome was surprising.
Talking about the minor character. It’s sweet how well known they are to you, even after one book, and how much you love them already. The whole department is like a small family and you feel comfortable to have them around.
5 out of 5 stars for this crime novel with even more gay romance hints than the first one, still a book I would also recommend people who are general crime lovers and want to “start” reading books out of the gay romance section. :)
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
I was already hooked by the first book, Untouchable, and this one is no exception. Robert Innes has a way to write story totally fascinating and captivating. The tone is calm, still there is subtle humor when the reader the the parts with Blake.
I can hardly say hows great this book was and I didn’t know I missed Blake this much, but when I started the book I was right there again. :3 And, gosh, how much I really missed. Blake. The crumpy, but somehow smart and charming Detective Sergeant was more revealed in the second book and it was a great entertainment to have him around. I am really fond of this character.
You can read this book totally as a standalone but there are aspects in it, so it’s good to know the first book and what’s happening there, but it’s not necessary for the understanding because you get everything important explained.
I really loved the continuation of the subplot between Blake and Harrison… Give me more is all I can say and… sometimes I wanted to shake on of the guys… Often I exhaled “Oh Harrison” and my heart was with Blake. I really hope the third books shows this… couple again. :3
I won’t tell too much about the crime case because it would take the thrill and the suspense. :) I can only say the crime case itself is very well displayed, you have your suspects and you investigate along with Blake and the charming minor character but the outcome was surprising.
Talking about the minor character. It’s sweet how well known they are to you, even after one book, and how much you love them already. The whole department is like a small family and you feel comfortable to have them around.
5 out of 5 stars for this crime novel with even more gay romance hints than the first one, still a book I would also recommend people who are general crime lovers and want to “start” reading books out of the gay romance section. :)
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
March 7, 2017
Good mystery
This was a good mystery...poor damn Harrison....hopefully in the next book things come together for him and Blake...the mystery was not bad even tho I had figured it out ...it didn't have that WTH pleasant surprise like the last book but still no complaints...patiently waiting on book 3
This was a good mystery...poor damn Harrison....hopefully in the next book things come together for him and Blake...the mystery was not bad even tho I had figured it out ...it didn't have that WTH pleasant surprise like the last book but still no complaints...patiently waiting on book 3
June 22, 2020
3.0 - Predictable Sequel in Delightful Gay Cozy British Mystery Series
I really enjoy cozy British mysteries, whether on PBS or on page, even if it didn't live up to book 1. It was still a nice sequel in Robert Innes' entertaining series of cozy gay mysteries, each a standalone with an impossible crime, and in the background the developing relationship between DS Harte and Harrison.
So, how could multiple victims suddenly drop dead of a heart attack, all in the confession booth? This one I did not puzzle over as much - maybe it was because, as they actually reference in this book, I've watched a lot of Midsomer Murders. So as things are revealed, I ended up suspecting the actual culprit from the moment they entered, I figured out early on how it was done, and was only just a bit hazy on a couple of motivations behind the murders.
I was also bothered by an obvious error. It wasn't the verb usage, which I found is a form of dialect that made me feel a part of the locale. It was a mix up between Catholic and Anglican practices (unless "Catholic" is loosely used locally to refer to a Church of England).
Still, I sat back and enjoyed this with all its elements of a good gay cozy mystery. An easy read. A quaint village. Colorful characters. While "cozy," an edginess surrounding murder and the psychology, motivations and faults of people. A likable gay DS getting settled in his new job and town. A potential gay relationship (this was not an "m/m romance" per se) that refreshingly did not take center stage but was just a part of life.
And a classic culmination, put best by DS Harte himself in book 3, "Thanks for coming everybody. I'm sorry to make this all so cliched [I'm not], but in this instance, I'm afraid it was necessary." So again in the colloquial vernacular, the ending did brought closure to the mystery, and the epilogue had set me up nicely for the next one.
I really enjoy cozy British mysteries, whether on PBS or on page, even if it didn't live up to book 1. It was still a nice sequel in Robert Innes' entertaining series of cozy gay mysteries, each a standalone with an impossible crime, and in the background the developing relationship between DS Harte and Harrison.
So, how could multiple victims suddenly drop dead of a heart attack, all in the confession booth? This one I did not puzzle over as much - maybe it was because, as they actually reference in this book, I've watched a lot of Midsomer Murders. So as things are revealed, I ended up suspecting the actual culprit from the moment they entered, I figured out early on how it was done, and was only just a bit hazy on a couple of motivations behind the murders.
I was also bothered by an obvious error. It wasn't the verb usage, which I found is a form of dialect that made me feel a part of the locale. It was a mix up between Catholic and Anglican practices (unless "Catholic" is loosely used locally to refer to a Church of England).
Still, I sat back and enjoyed this with all its elements of a good gay cozy mystery. An easy read. A quaint village. Colorful characters. While "cozy," an edginess surrounding murder and the psychology, motivations and faults of people. A likable gay DS getting settled in his new job and town. A potential gay relationship (this was not an "m/m romance" per se) that refreshingly did not take center stage but was just a part of life.
And a classic culmination, put best by DS Harte himself in book 3, "Thanks for coming everybody. I'm sorry to make this all so cliched [I'm not], but in this instance, I'm afraid it was necessary." So again in the colloquial vernacular, the ending did brought closure to the mystery, and the epilogue had set me up nicely for the next one.
August 12, 2017
(Originally reviewed for Love Bytes Reviews. Rated 4.5 out of 5.0 Love Bytes.)
I’m really liking these mysteries in the Blake Harte series. As I mentioned when I reviewed the first one, I stumbled on them by accident on Amazon
In Confessional, we move forward a few months with Detective Sergeant Blake Harte and the other residents of the small town of Harmschapel. Things have been quiet since the events in Untouchable, and the character we came to know if that first book, Harrison, has moved on with his life. Both of his parents are now in jail for killing his lover, he has sold the family farm, and he and Betty the goat are living in the village.
But things aren’t perfect. He and Blake are still looking at each other across a crowded room as it were, neither willing to take that first step. Things get complicated when people start dying in the confessional booth at the local church. Three people have died of heart attacks in the middle of confessing. Is it God taking revenge for sins or is there a more sinister cause? When a fourth body turns up, that doesn’t fit the pattern of the first three, Blake is in action.
This one moved along fast. Before I figured out whodunit, we were at the whodunit reveal! As with book one, I’m going to repeat myself and say that I really enjoyed this light detective mystery. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes that type of story. As for me, I’m heading on to one click on book three!
I’m really liking these mysteries in the Blake Harte series. As I mentioned when I reviewed the first one, I stumbled on them by accident on Amazon
In Confessional, we move forward a few months with Detective Sergeant Blake Harte and the other residents of the small town of Harmschapel. Things have been quiet since the events in Untouchable, and the character we came to know if that first book, Harrison, has moved on with his life. Both of his parents are now in jail for killing his lover, he has sold the family farm, and he and Betty the goat are living in the village.
But things aren’t perfect. He and Blake are still looking at each other across a crowded room as it were, neither willing to take that first step. Things get complicated when people start dying in the confessional booth at the local church. Three people have died of heart attacks in the middle of confessing. Is it God taking revenge for sins or is there a more sinister cause? When a fourth body turns up, that doesn’t fit the pattern of the first three, Blake is in action.
This one moved along fast. Before I figured out whodunit, we were at the whodunit reveal! As with book one, I’m going to repeat myself and say that I really enjoyed this light detective mystery. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes that type of story. As for me, I’m heading on to one click on book three!
May 22, 2017
The Blake Harte Mysteries by Robert Innes start with Sherlock Holmes type mysteries. The dead body in a room no one could enter is fine for book one, Untouchable. In book two, Confessional, Detective Sergeant Blake Harte sent to work in a small village north of Manchester faces another strange problem: men and women are dying in a confessional, having heart attacks while confessing sins. Harte is confused by small town ways on arriving. Some talk too little and some too much; what is truth? The mysteries are not easy to solve. But, Harte, being gay and a bit too flashy in a village, doesn’t go over with everyone, coworkers or residents. All seem to know criminal motives anyway, often before he does. Gossip is king.
Two Innes books (or chapters as the texts are fairly short) still exist, the next being Book 3, Ripples, are progressively getting better. I mentioned in a brief review of Book 1 that I found while Blake Harte was openly gay, his sexuality seemed unimportant. He’s been in Harmschapel a while now. More than one gay fellow lives in the village. Give him a break. He’s getting horny for male companionship. Untouchable shows the first step in his need. May book 3 and 4 bring us more. The books are short and enjoyable. So, enjoy them.
Two Innes books (or chapters as the texts are fairly short) still exist, the next being Book 3, Ripples, are progressively getting better. I mentioned in a brief review of Book 1 that I found while Blake Harte was openly gay, his sexuality seemed unimportant. He’s been in Harmschapel a while now. More than one gay fellow lives in the village. Give him a break. He’s getting horny for male companionship. Untouchable shows the first step in his need. May book 3 and 4 bring us more. The books are short and enjoyable. So, enjoy them.
October 1, 2020
So, I liked this one better than the previous one, although it seems that all the books are going to be on the short side.
Anyway, the mystery was better this time, although not hard to crack TBH. A bit formulaic but still, a lot better than the previous one.
The characters are... improving. But when I began this story and saw Harrison in the first paragraph, I was tempted to stop reading. Now, it's obvious that he is intended to be Blake's love interest and ouch! he's so bland that makes chalk look sturdy. But I was able to go through all of Adrian English' mysteries despising Jack Riordan, so that won't be a real problem, at least not if the kid hasn't a prominent plot point in the next stories. Because, you know, blandest character ever?
So yes, I'm going to go for the third book in this series and hope they'll keep improving.
Anyway, the mystery was better this time, although not hard to crack TBH. A bit formulaic but still, a lot better than the previous one.
The characters are... improving. But when I began this story and saw Harrison in the first paragraph, I was tempted to stop reading. Now, it's obvious that he is intended to be Blake's love interest and ouch! he's so bland that makes chalk look sturdy. But I was able to go through all of Adrian English' mysteries despising Jack Riordan, so that won't be a real problem, at least not if the kid hasn't a prominent plot point in the next stories. Because, you know, blandest character ever?
So yes, I'm going to go for the third book in this series and hope they'll keep improving.
July 19, 2017
This is the second in the DS Blake Hart series and quite good. In this mystery, DS is called to ST Abra's because 3 elderly parishioners have suddenly died while in confession. The deaths .are seemingly heart attacks, but when a younger person who is found dead in the confessional booth, DS Hart thinks it might be something more sinister. Also, on a more personal note, Blake is looking for love. He's attracted to Harrison but feels it might be strange to pursue him since he was the one who arrested his parents for the murder of his boyfriend. Harrison is attracted to Blake, but he's too shy to pursue him. Will these two ever get together ? This is a short read and the answer to the murder mystery is intriguing. It's definitely a good read!
May 9, 2023
Another satisfying cosy murder-mystery, I’m really enjoying time spent in the village of Harmschapel!! DS Blake Harte is faced with another baffling case where four people have died in the same church confessional booth. Meanwhile Harrison Baxter is still recovering from the events surrounding his parents and the death of his abusive boyfriend. He has feelings for Blake but is also attracted to the young verger at the local church. While the romance between Blake and Harrison is pretty much non-existent in this second novel, the gentle humour was fun and the mystery was interesting as church secrets are revealed. Actor Paul Woodson gives another great audio performance (currently free on the Audible Plus catalogue)!
April 19, 2024
I jumped right into this book after I finished the first in the series. I enjoyed this one almost as much. Parts of the plot were telegraphed a bit too much for a mystery. Offering up clues to the audience without giving away the mystery is one of the biggest challenges in mystery writing. I think the story will work for most audiences, but a seasoned mystery reader will probably figure things out pretty quickly. The tension between Blake and Harrison persists, so the mystery of whether they can develop a potential relationship is still a draw in the series.
The narration was nicely done once again. I downloaded the next book before I finished this one because I knew that I wanted to listen to the narrator's wonderful performance again.
The narration was nicely done once again. I downloaded the next book before I finished this one because I knew that I wanted to listen to the narrator's wonderful performance again.
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